Understanding gambling addictions and how to find support 

Gambling can start as entertainment, but for some veterans it can become difficult to control, affecting mental and physical health, relationships, finances and everyday life.

Whether it be sports betting, using ‘pokie’ machines or betting at casinos, gambling can trigger the brain’s reward system, similarly to drugs or alcohol, making it easy to repeat the behaviour.

Although 73% of Australians participated in gambling in the last 12 months, for some veterans, betting and gambling habits were formed during their time in service and normalised as part of the military culture. These behaviours, coupled with Australia’s entrenched gambling culture, can become a problem.

Why veterans may be at greater risk

Research says that veterans are almost twice as likely to experience gambling harm – a negative consequence experienced as a result of gambling.

As the veteran community is more likely to experience mood disorders and trauma related disorders such as PTSD, this can result in unhelpful methods to cope with this distress such as drinking and gambling.

Additionally, more than 13% of transitioned veterans face gambling-related issues. Leaving Defence can be an immense upheaval after years in a highly structured environment. Without that structure and support, gambling venues can sometimes fill the void.

For veterans who are young, male, unemployed, from junior ranks, or who have been medically discharged, this risk increases further.

The impact of gambling on wellbeing

As well as financial concerns, gambling addictions can seriously impact a person’s overall wellbeing.

The mental impacts of gambling addiction can vary widely, but generally it can create a sense of anxiety related to keeping the extent of the gambling hidden, chasing losses and immense guilt and shame. There can be an increase to suicidal risk as a result.

Gambling harm can also affect physical health, contributing to chronic stress, poor sleep, reduced self-care and stress-related health issues.

Long-standing problematic gambling can also strain relationships, erode trust, increase conflict and leave people feeling isolated from family, friends and peers.

First steps towards support

If you are concerned that you, or a loved one may have a gambling addiction, a great starting point is GamblingHelpqld.org.au.

For veterans and their family members, Mates4Mates mental health clinicians are here to help either at a Veteran & Family Wellbeing Centre or via telehealth.

Mates4Mates psychologists and counsellors are equipped with the skills to support people experiencing gambling harm, the same with other addictions. They can help formulate plans, explore stuck points and motivation, and help people develop adaptive methods to cope with any distress that may be prolonging the behaviour itself.

Addictions often occur alongside other conditions as well, therefore by treating all underlying conditions and the addiction as a coping mechanism at the same time, we can achieve significant reductions in harm related to gambling and a general improvement in wellbeing.

To find out how Mates4Mates can help support you, reach out to on 1300 4 MATES (62 837) for a confidential chat or visit mates4mates.org