Responsible gambling occurs in an environment where people make informed and rational decisions about their participation in gambling, based on their own individual circumstances. Responsible gambling occurs as a result of the collective actions and shared responsibility of individuals, communities, the gambling industry and the Government, to achieve outcomes that are socially responsible and responsive to community concerns.

What if I love to have a bet?

Most Australians enjoy a bet but some people may have a problem controlling their gambling. This can often involve spending too long in betting venues, or being constantly short of money, or using money not meant to be used for gambling. Follow these four easy steps to make sure your gambling stays in control:

• Set yourself time and money limits and stick to them
• Take frequent breaks
• Don't chase your losses - walk away
• Only spend what you can afford on gambling

And remember, gamble for the fun of it - not for the money. If is stops being fun...stop.

Whilst the list below is not exhaustive, it includes some of the common signs that indicate a possible problem. These signs fall into three main groups* - typical problem gambling behaviour, risk behaviour, and hazardous thinking.

Typical problem gambling behaviour

Gambling may be a problem if you are:

• Spending more money and time on gambling than intended
• Hiding your gambling from other people
• Borrowing money to pay for living expenses - e.g. phone bill, gas bill, groceries, petrol
• Losing interest in other activities (except for gambling)
• Finding work or your role as a parent is affected
• Starting to lie about your gambling
• Not going to work or not home as often

Risk Behaviour

People with gambling problems typically engage in a variety of risky behaviours such as:

• Spending more money than intended or could afford to spend
• Regularly spending more time gambling than they meant to
• Building opportunities to gamble into daily routines
• Chasing their losses, and
• Borrowing money to gamble or obtaining money in unethical or illegal ways

Hazardous Thinking

People with gambling problems typically hold thoughts or beliefs that support their behaviour, including:

• Beliefs about fated luck
• Superstitions related to winning
• Illusions of control
• Misunderstandings about the nature of probability and randomness.

If you think that your gambling behaviour might be turning into a problem, please complete the interactive self-assessment test*.

(* Content and Self Assessment test courtesy of www.problemgambling.vic.gov.au - A Victorian Government initiative funded through the Community Support Fund)