Seven types of gambling harm
The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation published the project Understanding gambling-related harm which identifies seven types of harm experienced by people who gamble.
Gambling harm can impact you, a family member, a friend and the community in different ways:
- Relationship issues: creating a conflict within the relationship or emotional withdrawal from the partner.
- Health problems: increasing stress that could contribute to a range of health concerns such as reducing sleep because of worry.
- Emotional or psychological distress: creating regret or feelings of anger and hopelessness.
4. Financial problems: reducing spending on essentials including food, medication and education, and increasing problems related to debt.
5. Difficulties with work or study: increasing absenteeism and reducing performance because of tiredness or distraction.
6. Cultural problems: reducing the ability to participate in cultural practices or meet community expectations.
7. Criminal activity: committing crimes of negligence such as child neglect, crimes such as drug trafficking or prostitution to repay debts or crimes of opportunity such as theft and fraud to fund gambling.