Asking for help takes courage. It’s one of the hardest steps someone can take, but also one of the most important. No one should feel they have to face gambling harm on their own.
Ideally, people would seek support before gambling causes too much damage. But it’s never too late to reach out, because there is always more harm that can be prevented.
Take Stu, for example. After losing $10,000 in a single day, he was shocked by what he had done. Instead of chasing more losses, he picked up the phone. That call was a turning point. It stopped the situation from getting worse, helped protect his marriage, and began his journey to recovery. With the support of his partner and a counsellor, Stu is now paying off debts, spending more time outdoors, and focusing on his relationship. He and his support network are also preparing for the risk of relapse, understanding that setbacks can happen but can also provide valuable lessons.
For Sue, the story has been more complicated. Over the years she has dipped in and out of support, hoping for quick fixes. But gambling and drinking became a cycle that fed into one another, and she now faces serious consequences, including the possibility of jail time for repeat drink driving offences. Her story is a reminder that recovery requires commitment and persistence. Quick fixes don’t work, but change is still possible with the right support.
Sadly, less than 1% of people experiencing gambling harm seek help. Some become so overwhelmed that they can’t see another way forward. For them, the stigma surrounding gambling can feel heavier than the harm itself. Yet there is always hope, and asking for help is always better than going it alone.
Prevention also matters. We would never let a young person drive without lessons, yet many step into adulthood unprepared for the risks of gambling. For some, using the pokies or placing a bet with friends is seen as a rite of passage. But who talks to them about peer pressure, about inflated odds in online games, or about the dangers of mixing alcohol and gambling? Not surprisingly, young men aged 18 to 24 are among the most at risk.
Unlike alcohol or drugs, gambling is often hidden until the damage is undeniable. With constant advertising and easy access through phones and computers, it can feel inescapable. That is why harm minimisation is so important. It can look different for everyone: a school program, a supportive conversation, questioning the place of gambling advertising in sport, or choosing to spend time with friends in healthier ways.
As one client told us: “This service was suicide prevention for me.” Another described it as “a great asset to my life’s journey.” These words remind us that while services provide expertise, it is the courage and commitment of clients that bring real change. Support can transform lives, and in some cases, it can save them.
If you or someone you know is experiencing negative effects from gambling, please reach out to our Albury and Murrumbidgee gambling counselling team.
(Names changed for anonymity)
