When gambling turns from hobby to harm

A Gippsland father-of-four is urging people who gamble to learn about the warning signs of gambling harm.

“I always thought I didn’t have a problem,” said Jamie Hall, who has shared his experience ahead of Gambling Harm Awareness Week (October 18-24) in the hope his story will inspire others to seek help.

“If you’re seeking to gamble at inappropriate times – if you’re at work and you’re putting a bet on, or you’re forever checking the odds and needing to know what’s going on, or if you’re hiding it from your loved ones – these are all warning signs,” Mr Hall said.

Mr Hall was exposed to gambling at a young age. After he turned 18, his hobbies and hanging out with mates involved gambling, and this seemed normal. 

Then, he put $4000 into online betting agencies – something he hid from his wife – and he realised he needed to stop.

“I just couldn’t keep doing this,” he said.

Mr Hall will share his story during an online community session on October 21.

The session – an initiative of the Gambler’s Help Gippsland team at Latrobe Community Health Service – will focus on the link between gambling harm and poor mental health.

Gambler’s Help Therapeutic Counsellor Jacinta Crealy compared gambling and mental health to the chicken and egg conundrum.

“Which comes first?” she said.

“Some people say gambling is where they ‘zone out’ and forget about their problems, but on the other hand, financial losses and the inability to cover everyday costs is a major cause of mental health deterioration.

“Like all addictive activities, people return to gambling to feel numb or uplifted, as this space feels temporarily better than the space of their everyday concerns.”

Two-and-a-half years since Jamie placed his last bet, and he has sought help for his mental health, he received a diagnosis for ADHD, and spends time with his family doing things that are far less harmful.

Both Ms Crealy and Mr Hall urge anyone who is worried about their own gambling or someone they care about to seek professional help. If they aren’t ready to ask for help, they can simply attend the community information session to learn more.

“One of the major things I realised was: talk about it,” Mr Hall said.

The information session for community members will be held on Thursday, October 21 from 10.30am-12.30pm

Hear from three people who share their lived experience of gambling harm. 

Ask questions and learn about the support available. Register on Eventbrite at bit.ly/gamblingharm2021 

Gambler’s Help Gippsland provides free, confidential counselling services to anyone who lives, works, or studies in Gippsland. 

The team has therapeutic and financial counsellors who can help you change your mindset, get your finances back on track, and link you in with other health and community services. The team will also help those who are affected by someone else’s gambling.

Phone Latrobe Community Health Service today on 1800 242 696 from Monday to Friday during business hours.

You can also phone the 24/7, statewide Gambler’s Help hotline on 1800 858 858. 

If you’re struggling with your mental health, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.