Strategies for change

If your gambling is causing problems in your life, there are things you can do to stop it being an issue. You can take steps to change your life.

Set some goals

Setting short-term and long-term goals may help you to stay focussed and clear about cutting down or giving-up your gambling.

Avoid high-risk situations

High-risk situations like use of credit cards, taking out loans, carrying large amounts of money with you, using gaming venues for socialising or gambling as a reaction to emotions will weaken your resolve to control or stop your gambling.

Talk about it

Talking about gambling problems with somebody you trust and someone who won't judge you can ease the pain of bottling it up. It can also reduce the stress that can cause you to continue to gamble.

Ask for help

If you are finding it difficult, you do not have to handle your issue with gambling on your own. Many people seek professional help. Gambler's Help has free, confidential help, advice and support services.

Face the feelings

Becoming aware that you could be a problem gambler may cause feelings of shame and guilt. Self-blame and self-harm can increase stress and may urge you to gamble more. However, acknowledging the problem and taking steps to seek help can help you change your life for the better.

Be kind to yourself

Stop beating yourself up over your issue with gambling and focus on the steps you are taking to overcome the problem. Acknowledge your positive achievements; write them down to remind yourself of your strengths and attributes.

Try to find an alternative to gambling

Many people gamble because they do not know what else to do. Try to find an alternative recreational activity or hobby.

Prepare for a lapse

A lapse occurs when you gamble again after deciding to stop. You do not have to continue to gamble if this happens to you. You can use this to learn more about what triggers your gambling. When a lapse occurs, examine what worked and what didn't work with your plan.

Gambler's Help

Try phoning someone close to you, or call Gambler's Help (1800 858 858 FREECALL) or visit Gambling Help Online at www.gamblinghelponline.org.au and chat  online about how you are feeling. Anybody affected by gambling (your own gambling or someone else's), can call the Gambler’s Help line, or logon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This service can give you the contact details for the nearest Gambler's Help. We can also refer you to a service away from your local area if you prefer. Calls to the Gambler’s Help line and access to the website are free, and won't be listed on your phone bill. 

Money management

• Negotiate to have someone trusted to help you with money management.
• Consider short and long-term arrangements according to what your needs may be.
• Have wages paid directly into an account.
• It may be possible for a support person to collect wages.
• Cancel credit and ATM cards or give them to the support person.
• Only carry a limited amount of money.
• Arrange with the bank to only provide small daily amounts from ATMs.
• Tell family and friends what you are doing and not to lend you money.
• Consider having two people as signatories on your accounts.
• Eliminate cash withdrawals on credit cards.
• Pay bills by direct debit or cheque.
• If dealing with other people’s money tempts you, avoid jobs where you handle cash.
• Avoid keeping large sums of money in the house.
• Pay as many essential bills on payday as possible.
• Consider paying some bills in advance.
• Consider something you would really enjoy and regularly put money away for it.

Voluntary Self-Exclusion

If you have a gambling problem and would like to stop yourself from gambling at a venue, you can take part in a program called “Voluntary Self-Exclusion”.

You select the venues that you want to be excluded from and sign an agreement not to enter or use the gambling areas in those venues. The agreement gives those venues the legal authority to remove you if you do enter and identify you as a person participating in a “self-exclusion” program.

There are three of these programs available - one for licensed hotels and clubs, one for Crown Casino and one for TABs. All of these programs are free.

How do I self-exclude myself

For information about “self-exclusion” in hotels and clubs, contact:

• The Australian Hotels Association Self-Exclusion Program, on (03) 9654 3491 during office hours or via www.ahavic.com.au

or

• Clubs Victoria Self Exclusion Program 03 9349 2909 or 24 hour freecall telephone service on 1800 641 503.

For information about the Crown Casino program, contact the Crown Customer Support Centre freecall on 1800 801 098.

For information about TABCORP’s Wagering self-exclusion program, contact the Customer Service Centre on 131 802 or any TAB outlet.

 

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