6. Gambling and your health

Gambling can start as something fun or social – but for some men, it can become hard to control. If you find yourself gambling more than you’d like, spending money you don’t have, or noticing that gambling is affecting your mood or relationships, you’re not alone – and support is available.

Gambling can harm many parts of life.

Mental Health Harms:

Gambling can cause high stress, anxiety, low mood, and sleep problems.
Some men use gambling to escape difficult emotions, but this can make mental health worse over time.
The brain’s reward system can get “hooked” on the thrill of gambling, even when it’s causing harm.

Social and Relationship Harms:

Gambling can lead to secrecy, mistrust, and conflict with family and friends.
Men sometimes withdraw or isolate themselves when feeling guilt or shame around gambling.

Financial Harms:

Debt and financial strain can build up quickly – affecting rent, bills, food, or your family’s security.
Some men feel trapped or embarrassed – but there is help, and you don’t have to fix it alone.

Fast Facts

2 in 3 high-risk gamblers have a mental or behavioural health problem.
1 in 6 high-risk gamblers have suicidal thoughts.
2 in 3 high-risk gamblers have serious money problems.
If a partner gambles weekly or more, 19% report violence at home, compared with 7% when the partner does not gamble.

It’s OK to Ask for Help. Asking for help takes strength and courage. It is what real blokes do.

Talking to someone is a strong first step. Whether you’re just starting to worry or already struggling, there’s no judgment – only support. You can talk to your GP, who can help guide you toward the right help.

There are many free sources of help that are confidential and tailored to your needs. Many men in South Australia have turned their gambling around with the right support.

Gambling Helpline SA – Call 1800 858 858 (24/7)
- Free, confidential support and advice. They can connect you with counsellors or financial help.
- Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Uniting Communities – Gambling Help Services – Call (08) 8202 5180
- Free, confidential counselling for people experiencing gambling harm, and their families. Also offers financial counselling, support for CALD communities
- Website: www.uniting communities.org
- Financial Counselling Services SA
- Support with managing debts, budgeting, and financial recovery.
- Available through the Gambling Helpline or via Financial Counselling Australia
- Website: www.ndh.org.au
- Aboriginal Gambling Help – Aboriginal Health Council of SA (AHCSA)
- Culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men affected by gambling.
- Website: www.ahcsa.org.au
Online self-help tools like Gambling Help Online for tracking habits, tips to stop, and real-time chat.
Aboriginal Family Support Services (AFSS) – Call (08) 8212 1112
o Support for Aboriginal families including parenting support, child and family wellbeing, and community programs.
o Website: https://afss.com.au/
• Kornar Winmil Yunti (KWY) – Call (08) 8377 7822
o Programs for Aboriginal men, families, and healing, including support for relationships, parenting, and behaviour change.
o Website: https://kwy.org.au/
• Nunkuwarrin Yunti of SA (Family Wellbeing Program) – Call (08) 8406 1600
o Social and emotional wellbeing support for individuals and families, including counselling and group programs.
o Website: https://nunku.org.au/
• Aboriginal Health Council of SA (AHCSA) – Call (08) 8274 1099
o Connects people with Aboriginal community-controlled health and family support services across South Australia.
o Website: https://ahcsa.org.au/
• Centacare – Aboriginal Family Services (SA) – Call (08) 8215 6700
o Family support, parenting programs, and early intervention services for Aboriginal families.
o Website: https://centacare.org.au/
• Family Violence Prevention Legal Service (FVPLS) – Call 1800 800 098
o Legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people affected by family violence.
o Website: https://fvpls.org/