Home : What Is Problem Gambling? : Consequences
Consequences
Problem gambling not only affects the gambler but
also those close to them; their family, friends and the wider community.
The consequences of problem gambling extend beyond financial harm to other
aspects of a gambler’s life. Some of these aspects may include:
Personal
- A loss of self-respect
- A loss of faith in belief systems
- The onset of stress-related illnesses or a worsening of existing conditions
- Decreased tolerance with family, friends, work mates
- Impaired judgement when making decisions
- A decrease in the desire to participate in recreational pursuits
- Increased levels of depression and anxiety, and even suicidal feelings
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Work and Study
- Poor performance at work
- Frequently absent from work or taking ‘sickies’
- Lowered productivity or work output
- Unemployment or difficulty in maintaining employment
- Difficulty concentrating at work
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Interpersonal
- Family and relationship breakdown
- Loss of friendships and mates
- Frequent arguing, particularly with those close to you
- Physical and emotional abuse
- A loss of respect of family, friends, and work colleagues
- Exposing children to greater risk of experiencing psychological distress
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Financial
- Financial hardship including debt crisis
- Credit card abuse
- Asset losses
- Loan sharks and pawn brokers
Loss of credit/savings
- Bankruptcy
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Legal
- Writing bad cheques or having cheques bounce
- Resorting to theft, forgery, fraud, or embezzlement
- Imprisonment
- An increased risk of being involved in violence
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