Are you or someone you know affected by gambling? 

Right now gambling seems to be everywhere!?

Almost half of all young people have admitted to participating in some type of gambling by age 15, increasing to around three quarters of young people by age 19 (Purdie et al., 2011). 

For some people, gambling can become a bigger concern that causes issues. 

Here's some info to help you or someone you know!

So, what are the warning signs - does this sound like you or someone you know? 

• Being short of money all the time, and spending less on things like clothes, movies and music
• Unexplained changes in money
• Struggling at school or work 
• Uncharacteristic changes in mood, including irritability being away from gambling activities
• Pulling away from friends, social activities and events.
• Sleeping pattern changes
• Being secretive about gambling, and denying that there’s a problem.
• New-found interest in sporting odds, and only talking about sports and other events in terms of the odds
• New positive attitudes towards gambling

Who is most at risk?

• Males
• People aged 18-34 
• First Nations people who gamble
• Those who speak a language other than English 

So, how can I reduce my Gambling? 

• Set a money and time limit in advance and stick to it
• Walk away from your losses. Don't chase them. 
• Treat gambling as an expense. Never borrow money to gamble. 
• Notice your feelings
• Keep other activities in the mix
• Take lots of breaks
• Be careful if you drink or do drugs
• Don't gamble to escape stress or boredom 
• Try self exclusion techniques
• Speak to a professional about your gambling concerns

If you need to speak to someone, help is available from Gambling Support Services such as: 

headspace Port Macquarie - Call, Email or walk in! (Support for 12-25 yrs)

Ph: 6588 7300

E: headspacepm@each.com.au

GambleAware

Face to face support from GambleAware Mid & Northern & confidential helpline 24/7  

What if my parent or family member has a gambling issue? 

How can I talk to my parents about their gambling? 

• Ensure it is safe for you to express your concerns about their gambling. 
• Explain what you've noticed, why it concerns you and how it makes you feel. 
• Encourage them to act by helping themselves, try peer support and treatment.

How can I talk to my young person about gambling? 

• Educating about risks and consequences is better than a ‘don’t do it’ approach.
• It doesn’t have to be a lecture. Just show your child you’re open, and they can talk to you about gambling at any time. 
• You might be surprised that your child has already formed attitudes to gambling through exposure to gambling ads, sports promotion, and even card games played among friends.
• If they’re in their teens, they’re likely to have had more access through digital devices, social media and interaction with their mates.
• Cover key messages such as helping your child understand the odds of winning and the prevalence of sports betting advertising. 

Remeber - Be Kind to Yourself 

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Gambling Awareness Program

To help to address this trend, headspace Port Macquarie, with the help of GambleAware NSW has implemented the Gambling Awareness Program, to assist young people and the community to reduce the harmful effects of Gambling. 

 The program focuses on providing:

• Gambling education and awareness sessions
• Mental Health support for young people in the Hastings area
• Strengthening referral pathways to therapeutic and financial gambling counselling services.

This program aims to work within with schools, venues and sports clubs to support young people and those who are effected by gambling. 

headspace is here to help, if you need to talk to someone please call 6588 7300 or drop in to the office today. 

Funded through the Community Benefit Payment Scheme.