Gambling Help WA

The Cycle of Problem Gambling.

It can feel like a loop that’s hard to break.

Feeling low or stressed → wanting an escape → placing a bet → losing (or even winning) → chasing → and the cycle continues.
If this feels familiar, you’re not alone and it’s not a personal failure.

This cycle is something many people experience.

The good news? Cycles can be interrupted by:

• Talking to someone
• Noticing triggers
• Taking small steps to change patterns.

Support is here whenever you’re ready, free, confidential, and judgment free.

(08) 9325 6644
https://www.gamblinghelpwa.com.au

Loot boxes are a common feature in many games, but they’re not always as harmless as they seem.

They often involve spending real money for random rewards, which can feel a lot like gambling.

The uncertainty, the “near wins", and the urge to try again can make it harder to stop than expected.

Research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies shows a clear link between loot boxes and gambling harm.

Read more here: https://aifs.gov.au/research-programs/australian-gambling-research-centre/loot-boxes-simulated-gambling-video-games-harms

If you or someone you know is experiencing gambling harm, we are here to help.

(08) 9325 6644 https://www.gamblinghelpwa.com.au

"If gambling is taking a toll and you’re finding it hard to talk about, you’re not alone."

If gambling is taking a toll and you’re finding it hard to talk about, you’re not alone. Many people feel isolated when things get tough, and connecting with others who understand can make a real difference. The Gambling Help Online Community Forum is a safe, anonymous space where you can read others’ experiences, share your own if you want to, and explore practical ideas that have helped others. Even reading a few posts from people in similar situations can help things feel a little less heavy.

You can learn more about our online peer support forum at: https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/support-yourself-or-others/taking-action/peer-to-peer-support

When it comes to preventing gambling harm, education is a powerful tool.

Recently, two of our counsellors had the opportunity to present at Wesley College, talking with students about gambling harm, early awareness, and making informed choices.

At Gambling Help WA we offer tailored workshops and awareness sessions which provide practical tools and insights to make safer decisions about gambling.

If you’re part of a school, sports club, community organisation or workplace, we’d love to work with you.

Reach out to us to book a session or learn more: https://www.gamblinghelpwa.com.au/
(08) 9325 6644.

This ANZAC Day, we reflect on the service and sacrifice of many, while recognising that some continue to face challenges.

If you’re a veteran impacted by gambling harm, Gambling Help WA provides free online resources and in-person counselling support.

For more information on Gambling Help WA’s free counselling service visit https://www.gamblinghelpwa.com.au or call (08) 9325 6644

🏉 Derby Day energy:

✔️ Yelling at the TV.
✔️ Group chat going OFF.
✔️ “This is a SURE thing” 👀.

Suddenly you’re 5 bets deep.

Before the first bounce, do your future self a favour:

💸 Set a limit (yes, a real one).
🚫 Don’t chase your losses.
🧠 Remember: it’s footy, not a financial strategy.

Cheer for your team, not your bets.

Win or lose, the goal is to walk away feeling good.

For more information on Gambling Help WA’s free counselling service visit https://www.gamblinghelpwa.com.au or call (08) 9325 6644.

Is your gambling excessive?

It’s not always easy to tell, however the impacts can show up in different areas of life.

- Your emotions
- Your finances
- Your work or study
- Your family
- Your social life
- Even the law.

If gambling is starting to affect one or more of these areas, it might be time to take a closer look.

You don’t have to wait until things feel “serious” to make a change.

Support is available, and small steps can make a big difference.

Reach out.
Talk to someone you trust.
Or connect with a support service.

For more information on Gambling Help WA’s free counselling service visit https://www.gamblinghelpwa.com.au or call
(08) 9325 6644

New research from Deakin University found 525 women aged 18 to 40 had been exposed to betting promotions online often framed as fun and harmless through influencers, athlete partnerships and novelty bets.

Gambling Help WA team leader Phoebe Smith says there has been a noticeable increase in gambling advertising across Instagram, TikTok and even dating apps.

You can read the article in Curtin University's newspaper The Western Independent below.

For more information on Gambling Help WA's free counselling service visit: https://www.gamblinghelpwa.com.au/
or call (08) 9325 6644

https://westernindependent.com.au/2026/03/26/going-for-bust/

Going for bust The rise of gambling advertising on social media is increasingly targeting young women.