When people think of gambling, they often picture the bright lights of a casino, the thrill of a sports bet, or the spin of a pokie machine. What doesn’t make it into the advertising are the other images: a family sitting at the kitchen table wondering how to pay the bills, or someone lying awake at 3 a.m., replaying their losses and feeling trapped. For many, there’s also the heavy weight of guilt and shame – the exhausting effort of trying to hide what’s really happening from partners, children, or friends.
And that human cost is exactly what the latest research in Australia is reminding us of.
What the research is saying.
- Australians lose more money per person on gambling than anywhere else in the world — more than $25 billion every year.
- More and more of that gambling is happening online, especially on sport and racing.
- To help reduce harm, the government has launched BetStop, the national self-exclusion register, and has banned credit cards for online gambling.
- Despite these measures, the personal impact remains high: stress, depression, relationship breakdown, financial strain, and deep feelings of shame.
Behind every statistic are real people and families.
Why gambling becomes a struggle
Some experts point out that addictions often grow from early experiences of stress, disconnection, or trauma. Gambling can start as a way to cope – a quick escape, a way to feel in control, or simply a way to switch off.
But over time, what began as a distraction can become a trap. People describe the “fog” that settles in — thinking less clearly, putting off important work, withdrawing from family, and feeling like life is on hold.
My approach: more than just stopping the habit
In my work with clients, I use a structured program that combines Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and clinical hypnosis. Over the years, I’ve trained health professionals in more than 16 countries in this protocol.
Here’s how it works in everyday terms:
- First step — stopping the behaviour. We focus on getting control of the gambling itself, breaking the cycle of urges and habits.
- Next step — clearing the roots. Once things are steadier, we explore the deeper issues that may have triggered gambling in the first place, such as old stress or painful experiences. If those are left unaddressed, they can pull people back into relapse later.
- Shifting the thinking. Gambling thrives on distorted thoughts – “I’ll win it back,” “I’m hopeless,” or “It’s just who I am.” Part of the program is learning to recognise those unhelpful beliefs and building clearer, more balanced ways of thinking.
- Finding personal motivation. Lasting change doesn’t come from being lectured or pushed. A big part of what I do is listening carefully and helping people connect with their own reasons for wanting change — their family, their health, their sense of freedom. When that inner drive is lit, it becomes the fuel for lasting recovery.
The benefit of Zoom sessions
All of my sessions are held online via Zoom. That means you can join from the comfort of your own home — or anywhere you feel safe and private. It makes the service accessible to anyone, anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. Many people appreciate not having to travel, and being able to do the work in their own familiar space.
Taking the first step
If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling, you don’t have to go through it alone.
- For more information or even just a preliminary discussion, you can call me on (08) 9322 4219 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
- You can also make an appointment directly through our website: www.brianallen.com.au
Because all of our sessions are held via Zoom, you can join from the comfort of your own home – or anywhere you feel safe and private.
That makes the program accessible no matter where you live, as long as you have an internet connection.
It only takes a first conversation to begin clearing the fog and finding a way forward.
A gentle reminder
This information is general in nature and is not a substitute for personal clinical advice. Everyone’s journey is different, and outcomes vary.