Gambling Cover Photo
In order to get beyond the statistics and provide a more personal and individual picture of this issue, we have created this section to feature the stories of individuals who have been affected by problem gambling. People who have sought treatment for gambling addition have countless stories of heartbreak, financial devastation, support, reinvention, and recovery. As you read these stories, you will be reminded that problem gambling affects not only the gambler, but also their family members, friends, colleagues and employers; treatment providers; advocates; and many others.
Send us your story! Go to Contact Us and tell us about your successes and challenges. Photos are welcome!
In a 2016 paper, “Responsible Gambling: Past, Present and Future”, authored by Helen Miller from the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation in Australia, the term “Responsible Gambling” was first used back in the mid 90’s as a way of describing gambling behaviours and gambling environments. Photo source: Responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au. Illegal gambling rings will need to have enough financial backing to cover the bets placed by all customers. It is usually a case of having enough funds to cover 2-3 months of straight losses on. Give your refrigerator a personal touch with personalized Gambling magnets from Zazzle! Shop from monogram, quote to photo magnets, or create your own magnet today! Real Stories of Recovery & Awareness. In order to get beyond the statistics and provide a more personal and individual picture of this issue, we have created this section to feature the stories of individuals who have been affected by problem gambling.
Treatment Works
The good news about gambling addiction is that treatment is effective, and recovery is real and attainable. Northstar Problem Gambling Alliance has gathered a few accounts. A few of them are listed below.
Voices of Recovery
Jim’s Story
When I was about 10, I remember sensing that something was wrong. I went upstairs and heard my dad screaming and crying into the phone. I heard him saying, “I paid you. I paid you. You’re not getting another penny out of me!” I remember his distress vividly, and it was devastating to me to see my dad in that way. Later, I learned he was talking to a loan shark because of financial problems brought about by gambling. Read more to find out how Jim’s family dealt with this struggle and what he suggests for other people who are experiencing gambling addiction.
Ann’s Story
Once I became hooked, it became my life. Gambling became my main source of entertainment. It was the only thing that I cared about. I’d cheat, steal and otherwise do whatever it took to get money. Read more to see what Ann learned about how to overcome gambling addiction.
Eddie’s Story
It was late in the evening on July 16, 2002, and outside the Mystic Lake Casino Eddie and several friends waited anxiously for the clock to strike midnight. Eddie had already watched many of his friends celebrate their eighteenth birthdays at the casino, and he was excited that his day had finally come. Read more about what happened to Eddie and if he is still gambling today.
Christine’s Story
Within six months after the big win, I realized I bit off more than I could chew. I had given back all the money, and more. I kept chasing that feeling of the huge win. […] In 2004, I started a business that quickly had financial success. I had so much money that I thought I’d never run out. But eventually I couldn’t even come up with postage to ship a package. I started selling stolen goods to cover my losses and eventually ended up in prison on a mail fraud charge. Read more about why Christine is candid about her addiction and how her life is today.
The Meyer Family Shares Their Story to Raise Awareness About Gambling Addiction and its Consequences
Kim Meyer and her five children live in a small Long Island community, in the home where she and her high school sweetheart/husband Scott built a full and happy life together over the last 27 years. They co-funded a business, Scott coached the kids’ sports teams, and both were involved in their community, schools and church. Scott is now serving a 4½ – 13-year prison sentence for grand larceny and forgery, for using clients’ funds to chase more than $500,000 in gambling losses.
With New York state recently legalizing online gambling and preparing to build several new casinos in 2017, Kim has decided to go public with their private nightmare, to help raise awareness about gambling addiction and reduce the stigma that persists – lessons she and her family learned through painful personal experience.
Kim’s daughters created this video to raise awareness and let their dad know how much they love and support him.
Read more about the Meyer family’s story here.
More Voices of Problem Gambling
- After 2 semesters in college, I am wondering where all my money has gone. I would tell myself time and time again to stop betting, whether it be online poker, blackjack, or sports bets. A few days later I would always be back placing more bets and telling myself that if I lose this time I would be done forever. I’d win big a couple times, but only to increase my betting size and lose it all days later, and still bet more money. The highs were nice, but the lows were horrible. After losing everything in my checking account I began taking money out of my savings account thinking that I was one big win away from winning it all back. I knew I had a gambling problem, but as long as I wasn’t going into debt I tricked myself into thinking that it was okay. I ran myself into a 721 dollar debt on my credit card. There really was no further in debt I could go because the card had a limit of 1000. After being off great financially 9 months ago, I am now completely broke. It really is shameful to think that after I calculated it all up, I had lost about 7000 dollars in savings due to gambling. It still makes me sick just thinking about it. I finally told my parents that I had been losing a moderate amount of money in gambling, even though I could never tell them how much I actually lost. I told them I had lost 3000,and that even shocked them a lot. I haven’t gambled for a month, even though I have been tempted to do so many times with money from my job. I let my gambling go from betting around 50 dollars weekly on online-poker to betting 300 dollars 2-3 times a week on any sports game I could find. I hope I never gamble again.
- Hi I’m 12 years old and have three sisters. And well my dad is addicted to gambling. My mom and dad have been fighting ever since he started his problem which is about three years ago and now it scares me to think that they might get a divorce. Well finally after talking everything out my dad has agreed to find some help so I decided to help them find some help.
- Imagine that your own 11 year old daughter approaches you and says “Dad, I want to talk to you please”. You say, “Sure honey, what is it?” She then asks your other 8 year old daughter and your 4 year old son to leave her room so she can plead with you to stop gambling. Imagine that you see her tears and then you tell her that nothing causing her to cry would be worth doing again; yet you go and do it over and over again. Have you not, at that stage, lost your human side out to a formidable foe?!
- After three years of my gambling addiction, I lost the family that I was blessed to have. My beautiful wife and children have left me and I have not seen them in over two years. I now live in despair. The high education, good status and jobs that I once had seem to have vanished.
- For two years I lived in different shelters, sought food and clothing from hand-me-down sources, yet I continued to gamble every chance I had money, no matter how little it was!
- As a full-blown gambler, I resorted to extensive research on the subject of addiction and was able to tie my own addiction to troubled childhood. I found out that my behavior was consistent with my subconscious desire to punish myself and my loved ones. I have not been loving myself and sought to humiliate myself and bring harm to those who loved me, because I thought that I was never worthy of being loved.
- This was a first small step in the right direction. It is known as the cognitive approach, and means that I, as a gambler, must have it engraved in my brain, that gambling will never get me even or regain my losses to the casinos. It would only bring me more punishment and it would be sick for me to continue to punish myself and my loved ones. I don’t want to be sick and I am determined to overcome my sickness.
- As a gambler, I initially experienced a win and this became a favorable event that stuck in my mind and I didn’t remember the overwhelming majority of unfavorable events of losses. I tended to chase my losses, and promised myself that once I “get even”, or at least regain some of my losses back, I would forever stop gambling. I rationalized my gambling due to the pressure that I received from my creditors wanting to be paid back, but gambling always got me deeper and deeper into more dept. Sometimes I become suicidal and other times I ended up committing fraud and consistently lied to my family, friends and associates. Is gambling worth these kinds of outcomes?!
- There is no strategy, there is no scheme that can take any one of us to a point where we can say we can now stop gambling. The only time you win is the time you stay away from further gambling. Conversely, if you submit to your “bad self” or irrational impulses, you give your own stubbornness control over your life and seize to live the life you deserve. Please don’t condemn yourself to a life of despair and worthlessness. Find your “good self” and overcome your troubles by loving yourself and finding strength and honor from your patience and inner spirituality!
- I’m sitting here trying to figure out how to tell my husband that once again we have a major credit card bill on the way. I swore to him that it would never happen again. I believed my vow, especially when I saw how hard he had to work to pay off the last debt I ran up. How can I tell him I’ve done it again? I lied about where I was and would rather die than tell him the truth again. I won’t blame him if he leaves me. Losing money is one thing, losing my husband, well I can’t believe I took that chance. I hope this helps someone like me out there. Now I have to make that phone call to the help line. I can’t say good luck, but I can wish you well.
- Greetings, I’m a compulsive gambler. I’ve been in the Las Vegas Gambler’s Anonymous program since 1992. I’ve gone out there countless times to try to prove I can gamble like others. I am currently living my program, and am very happy.
- Good Morning. Here’s something for your real voices section. When I travel I make the mistake of thinking I can casually gamble in Indian casinos playing the slots. On occasion I’ve won really big, but the net is not very good. It’s pretty clear to me from your self test that I have a gambling problem. Thank you for your web site and for the information you have. I’m going to get help now.
How to get involved
Gambling Harm Awareness Week is a time to engage with the community about why gambling harm matters. The Foundation supports organisations by providing a range of resources to use with their community.
Did you know?
Gambling Harm Awareness Week will be held in Victoria from 19 to 25 October 2020.
Harm from gambling isn’t just about losing money. Gambling can affect how you feel. It can also affect your self-esteem, relationships, physical and mental health. It doesn’t matter how often or much a person gambles, the negative effects of gambling can happen to anyone.
According to research, 630,000 Victorian adults are affected by gambling harm, either their own or from someone else’s gambling.
Gambling harm is often hidden, and the effects not spoken about because it can be a sensitive issue that makes people feel uneasy. That’s why, as part of Gambling Harm Awareness Week, we’re focusing on the theme TALK. SHARE. SUPPORT.
Getting the message out
Key messages
- Gambling affects more people than you realise.
- The effects of gambling are often hidden and not spoken about because it can be a sensitive issue that makes people feel uncomfortable.
- The effects of gambling may seem small to begin with, but it can escalate easily.
- Anyone can experience the negative effects of gambling, but it’s not something we talk about openly.
- When we talk about gambling harm as a community, it makes it easier for those affected to reach out to someone.
- Talking is the first step in reducing gambling harm in our community.
- Sharing the effects that gambling may be having on you, or those around you, can provide relief and make it more manageable.
- Seeking support, or to supporting someone can make a crucial difference.
- Sharing personal experiences of gambling harm helps break down the stigma.
- This 19–25 October 2020, let's TALK. SHARE. SUPPORT. and prevent gambling harm together.
Logos and banners
You may like to use the following assets to promote the week and your event on your website, social media platforms or emails.
Logos
Banners
Email signature
We have created an image to put at the bottom of your work email signature. The instructions for inserting images as email signatures depend on the email provider – if you use Microsoft Outlook, instructions can be found here and instructions for Gmail are here.
Gaming Cover Photo Ideas
See example below.
Social media
We've created images you can download and post to your website or social media accounts – and feel free to use, or take inspiration, from the suggested posts below.
Cover photos
Gaming Cover Photo For Facebook Purple
Posts
Tips to improve engagement
Connect with the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation on social media:
- Twitter – @vicrgf
- Facebook – @responsiblegambling
- Instagram – @vicrgf
Create messages that include links to content on the Foundation’s social media channels, these Gambling Harm Awareness website pages or your organisation’s resources.
Use the images provided on your Facebook page, or in your Twitter feed (pictures get twice the engagement of a text-only post).
Hashtags
The following hashtag can be used to promote your event and generate discussion:
#TalkShareSupport
#Gamblingharm
Social media posts
- If you are hosting a virtual event
- 12–18 October: Next week is Gambling Harm Awareness Week. Harm from gambling can happen to anyone. Talking about it can help. Let's #TalkShareSupport. Find out more at: gamblershelp.com.au/letstalk
- 19–25 October: This week is Gambling Harm Awareness Week. We’re encouraging everyone to #TalkShareSupport. When we share our stories, we can start to reduce gambling harm in our community. Learn more at: gamblershelp.com.au/letstalk
- Day of event: Our virtual event today brought our community together to highlight #gamblingharm. It can be uncomfortable to talk about it, but that’s why we want to #TalkShareSupport and encourage anyone to chat and seek help.
- Day of event: Today at our (insert event name), we shared with our attendees the importance of #gamblingharm. Let's all #TalkShareSupport
- After event: Thanks to everyone who came to (insert event name). Everyone learnt a great deal about harm from gambling. Let’s continue to #TalkShareSupport to address #gamblingharm in our community.
- General social media posts
Being supportive
- Almost 9 of 10 Victorians would encourage loved ones to be open and talk about their gambling problems. So if your gambling is bothering you, take some time to #TalkShareSupport.
Benefits of talking/sharing
- Talking about your problems will help release pent-up emotions and tension you’ve been holding in. Talk to a friend, loved one or a counsellor today. #TalkShareSupport
- Talking to someone can give you a new perspective or approach to dealing with your problems. Share with someone how gambling is affecting you today. #TalkShareSupport
Gambling and links to mental health
- Gambling can cause feelings of stress or anxiety – and talking about how you feel can bring relief. #TalkShareSupport
- Gambling can affect your mental health, causing you to lose sleep and have feelings of regret or anger. Find someone you trust to talk to, and get the support you need. #TalkShareSupport
- Campaign social media post
- I #TalkShareSupport because I want my family and friends to know it’s okay to seek help. Together, we can prevent #GamblingHarm.
- “For me it was the best thing I ever did”. This week for Gambling Harm Awareness Week, we share Mario’s story and others like his to show how #TalkShareSupport makes all the difference. See more at gamblershelp.com.au/letstalk
- “Having the support of others was essential and I wouldn’t have done it without them’. This week for Gambling Harm Awareness Week, we share Anna’s story and others like his to show how #TalkShareSupport makes all the difference. See more at gamblershelp.com.au/letstalk
- Gambler's Help
- After speaking to Gambler’s Help, 95% of people feel better emotionally or psychologically. So why not #TalkShareSupport and speak to someone today? Visit: gamblershelp.com.au/letstalk
- After working with Gambler’s Help, 96% of people felt more in control of their finances. #TalkShareSupport and find the balance you need. Visit: gamblershelp.com.au/letstalk
- While working with Gambler’s Help, 94% of people progressed or achieved their personal goals. #TalkShareSupport to start making positive changes in your life. Visit: gamblershelp.com.au/letstalk
- 9 out of 10 people feel satisfied with the support they’ve received from Gambler’s Help programs. #TalkShareSupport and get help from someone who understands. Visit: gamblershelp.com.au/letstalk
- 9 out of 10 people would recommend Gambler’s Help services to others. It worked for them and may work for you. Give it a go, and call 1800 858 858 to #TalkShareSupport. or visit: gamblershelp.com.au/letstalk
Promoting your virtual event on Facebook
Facebook is used daily by about half of Australians. You can either post on your own Facebook page or ask other organisations to post your content.
We recommend that you create a Facebook event page to promote your event. Here are some tips for creating an event page.
Through your organisation’s Facebook page:
- Click on “events” on the left-hand side of your page. (If “events” is not in your list of tabs you can add it by going to your organisation’s page settings, clicking “edit settings”, then scrolling to the bottom of the page to click “Add a tab” and then add “events”).
- Click “create event” and then fill out the details.
- Make sure to use an engaging photo for your main event cover image and add other photos to the page to pique interest. The cover image should be friendly, eye-catching, warm and inviting. We have prepared one for you in social media assets.
- Your photo will appear differently across desktop and mobile formats, so it should be 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9 ratio) or larger with little or no text.
- It’s vital to ensure that no more than 20 per cent of your cover image is taken up by text. Any more than this, and your event is unlikely to be seen on people’s newsfeeds.
- Get people engaged. Run a Facebook poll! Make an effort to get a conversation going on the event page. The more people who comment on your event page, the greater the likely success of your event. Audiences often judge the importance of a Facebook event by their activity, so it’s important to get people involved as much as possible.
- After the event you can update your content and images to share your success.
Quick facts about gambling harm in Victoria
- The social cost of gambling harm to the Victorian community is estimated to be $7 billion.
- In 2018–19, 630,000 Victorian adults experience some form of harm from gambling activities.
- Common effects of gambling harm include financial difficulties, relationship problems, work or study performance issues, and emotional and psychological distress.
- Many people experience emotional effects from gambling, like stress, regret and guilt, no matter how much or how often they gamble. These effects can start off small and build up, causing stress in their lives.
Fact sheets
You can use the following fact sheets with your stakeholders and community:
Gambling harm in Victoria
This fact sheet explains why gambling harm is a community issue, its effects, and how gambling harm is distributed across Victoria. This fact sheet is available in English, Arabic, Greek, Italian, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese.
Gambling harm in Victoria: how it stacks up
This infographic details how the Internet is used for gambling, how different gambling products contribute to gambling harm, and how it affects a person's overall health and well-being. This fact sheet is available in English, Arabic, Greek, Italian, Vietnamese, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese.
Animation explainer video
This video shows some of the common ways gambling harm can affect a person.
Contact details
We are here to provide assistance and support to partners. If you have any queries about this material, please contact us.
General enquiries
Rachel Tan
Gambling Harm Awareness Week Project Manager and Communication Adviser
T: 03 9452 2619
E: harmweek@responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au
Media support
Fiona Skivington
Media Manager
T: 03 9452 2650
M: 0428 248 931
E: fiona.skivington@responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au