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Gaming refers to playing electronic games, whether through consoles, computers, mobile phones or another medium altogether. Gaming is a term that suggests regular gameplay, possibly as a hobby but sometimes for financial return/gain.
Traditionally gambling is an activity where someone risks money or belongings and there is often an element of randomness or chance involved. The traditional methods that are most common are Gaming Machines/Pokies, Lotteries, Sports Betting and Raffles/Scratch Tickets where the purpose is to win a financial or other material reward.
Are you or someone you know:
Attitudes towards betting are developing long before you can legally gamble. Gaming can and does lead some people to try other forms of gambling and start to experience harm. It’s important to know the risks of gambling harm before getting involved in gambling.
Gambling harm is when a person begins to lose money that they can’t afford to lose, and when they try to stop gambling they are unable to stop (gambling can become an addiction).
Gambling can become so serious that people start lying to others about what they have been doing. They may start to borrow money from friends or family, and they may start stealing money. Gambling addiction can become so serious that in some cases it causes people to end their lives.
Remember: Gambling is meant to be for fun and entertainment. If gambling is no longer fun or entertaining, then you may be experiencing gambling harm.
Remember: Betting companies exist to make them money, not the gambler. Gamblers always lose in the long run.
Who should I talk to if I think I am gambling too much?
Talk to someone you trust, the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858, or find some more contacts on this page.
Click here to take a quick quiz about online gambling and gambling – how much do you know?
Also check the related topics:
GamblingSpeaking to someone about your problems can be the first steps to a solution.
