Family Life

confronting gambling

gamblers help

Brought to you by Gamblers Help

When I was about 22, I was head over heels in love with a dark handsome young man. He was a charmer, an extraordinary piano player and an obsessed follower of the Melbourne Demons. He also had a little thing for gambling. At the time I thought it was in fact ‘little’ and ‘no big deal’. I mean, he only gambled every so often on different sports games and rounds of poker. But, it was when I ventured to the infamous Crown Casino for a harmless good night out that I realised something was not quite right. When he lost, I saw a different side of him and it was clear he had a problem. He began to ignore me and literally stormed out of the complex, leaving me to follow on after him.

That evening was a game changer for me, no pun intended.

I always knew that gamblers could have this hidden and sometimes ‘secret’ behaviour that is often only displayed when they gamble. My boyfriend was certainly never up front with me about his gambling. If he ever was, it was communicated in a way that made it justified, harmless, and “nothing to worry about”. And at the time, I believed him, as I really had no reason not to. But, as I now know, gambling often starts out as a bit of fun, and can grow very quickly into a problem without people realising.

Back when I was 22, the technology, mobile phone applications and ‘online’ activities were certainly not as sophisticated as they are today. We are entering into a new era with the availability of such technologies.

I may not have many years under my belt, but I have come to realise that we all need to stand together as a community to talk about this issue and reduce the way it impacts society. The feeling of isolation and stigmatisation only exacerbates the problem for many people, solidifying it into a reckoning of indifference. We need to not judge, ignore or turn away from something that is clearly a challenge for many individuals, and families for that matter.

I was a little bit ignorant at 22 years of age, as many are at that stage of life. I hope to believe that today I am not so ignorant. Back then, I didn’t really know about the services and help available for individuals and families, and I certainly didn’t think it was something I could help my boyfriend with. Truth be told, there was probably something I could have done, I know I could have done.

Today, there are many ways people can get the help and support they need. Something as simple as suggesting counselling or talking to someone can go a long way in starting the healing and recovery process. It is a journey, absolutely, but with the right support, resources and just a little love, the journey may not be so challenging.

If you or someone you care about is experiencing problems with gambling, there are many ways to get help. For free, confidential support call Gambler’s Help on 1800 858 858 or visit gamblershelp.com.au to find the support that’s right for you.

Have gambling problems ever entered into your world?

{photo credit: Images_of_Money via photopin cc}

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