Limit your access to cash, since most people experiencing significant harm from gambling find it difficult to stop if they have cash in their pocket, and clubs, pubs, TABs or casinos are open.
Pay bills by direct debit or cheque, pay as many essential bills on payday as possible and consider paying some bills in advance.
Seek advice from a financial counsellor. These professionals are experts in credit law and debt collection practices.
If your gambling is causing you money problems, consider contacting a Gambler’s Help Financial counsellor. This free and confidential service can help you address your financial problems, manage your debts, and help you navigate out of financial difficulties.
What is financial counselling?
Gambler’s Help Financial counselling is a free and confidential service offered to people who are experiencing any of the following money problems due to gambling:
trouble keeping up with bills and other commitments
contact from debt collectors
eviction
tax debt
bankruptcy
utility disconnection
default notices
60% of Gambler’s Help clients report an improvement in their financial situation after financial counselling.
Cancel bank and credit cards or give them to someone you trust.
Consider having two people as signatories on your bank accounts.
Tell family and friends about your current situation and ask them not to lend you money.
Pay bills by direct debit or cheque on the day you are paid or if possible, arrange for your payroll to make important payments like rent or mortgage.
If dealing with other people’s money tempts you, avoid jobs where you handle cash.
Avoid keeping large sums of money in the house.
Consider paying some bills in advance or make regular payments towards water, gas and electricity bills.
Consider something you would really enjoy and regularly put money away for it.
Protect your assets
Protect your property and assets. Suggestions include:
Transfer important assets, such as titles of property and cars, into your partner’s name or into the name of someone who you trust.
Talk to a solicitor about placing a caveat on your property. As long as the caveat is in place, it will be more difficult for you to use your house as collateral to borrow money for gambling.
Consider putting a ‘no more credit’ notation on your credit record. A financial counsellor can help you with this.
Seek professional legal advice. Your local community health or legal centre may be able to help you.
Gambler’s Help
Every year Gambler’s Help assists thousands of Victorians to successfully quit or take control of their gambling. They support anyone experiencing problems with their own or someone else’s gambling. Gambler’s Help services include phone or face-to-face counselling, financial counselling, First Nations gambling support, and help in other languages.
