Tips for changing the conversation
Words can hurt or help. Showing respect and understanding makes it easier for people to feel supported and to ask for help. Here are some ways to do that.
Make it clear gambling can affect anyone
Gambling is a legal and relatively common activity, but it carries risks of harm that aren’t always visible. Gambling products are designed to keep people engaged.
Importantly, gambling harm doesn’t discriminate – it can affect anyone. The prevention and reduction of gambling harm is a shared responsibility.
Avoid labels that define the person by their experience
Phrases like ‘problem gambler’ or ‘addict’ can sound judgemental and make people feel blamed. These labels focus only on the issue, not the person.
Instead, use phrases like ‘person harmed by gambling’. This language puts the person first and recognises that their experience doesn’t define who they are.
Know that harm is more than losing money
Gambling harm can range from short-term regret to causing serious, lasting impacts.
It affects people’s health and relationships, as well as their finances. These harms can extend beyond the person gambling to families, friends and communities.
Help people find support
Whenever you talk about gambling and related harms, include information about where people can get support. It shows where to turn to and reminds people that positive change is possible.
Even if you don’t get it right every time, a kinder conversation can make a difference.
Guides for talking about gambling harms
For more examples and practical advice, read the Guide for talking about gambling and related harms. We wrote it with people who have been harmed by gambling, along with researchers, counsellors and other experts.
If you’re worried about a loved one’s gambling, you can read guidance from the ACT Gambling Support Service in Starting a conversation [PDF 163 KB].
If you want to talk to your child about gaming and gambling, you can find tips in the Fair Play Parent conversation guide.
When words cause more harm
People harmed by gambling have shared how unkind words affected them. Being judged or blamed made them feel ashamed, isolated and less able to ask for help.
Respectful words can help people feel supported and show that recovery is possible.
A mother explains how gambling affected her family and how she's helping her kids understand how gambling really works.
A man describes how recovery from gambling harm is possible and how words can make a difference.
A Canberran shares how kindness and understanding helped him recover from gambling harm. Watch this video in Simplified Chinese.
Find help and support
If you or someone you know is being harmed by gambling, help is available 24/7.
This page is managed by the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission