Worried about someone?

Recognising the signs

Are you worried your family member or friend has a gambling problem? Being aware of the signs can identify if someone you care about is at risk and how you can help.

You may be noticing changes in their behaviour, moods, relationships, finances, and their activities. When people gamble at risky levels, all these parts of their lives can be affected.

Think about what you are seeing and look for these signs.

Behaviour, mood and relationships signs

  • Withdrawn and uncommunicative
  • Finding it hard to do their job
  • Quick to snap at you or others for no reason
  • Appearing flat, unmotivated or depressed
  • Using threats, lies or charm to manipulate others
  • Changing behaviours like sleep, eating, alcohol or drug use or sexual activity

Money signs

  • Often asking for money even though they have a job
  • Money missing from joint bank accounts or your purse/wallet
  • Valuables like jewellery or household items like TVs or computers suddenly disappear
  • Juggling multiple loans and credit cards
  • Being secretive about finances
  • Unpaid bills/disconnection notices
  • Lack of food in the house

Activity signs 

  • Being secretive about unexplained absence
  • Running late or missing commitments
  • Taking lots of sick days or days off
  • Taking longer than usual for simple jobs. For example, a quick run to the shops takes a couple of hours

If you think this describes your family member or friend, there are lots of services and support to help them — and you.

Page last updated 24 September 2024