Think you have a betting problem?

We know how easy it is to start betting. It can be exciting, especially if your mates are doing it.

And if you've got a phone and you're on Facebook or Twitter, gambling is in your face. Same with betting ads when you're watching TV or at a game.

It might also feel like a good way to deal with stress, boredom or loneliness.

But when it stops being fun and begins to take up too much of your money and time, it can make life pretty crappy.

If betting has taken over your life, we can help you get it back.

If you think you might have a problem, here are some signs to look for:

• spending less time with mates and making excuses to have a bet
  
• feeling down or stressed out because of betting
  
• being obsessed with betting or the odds more than watching an actual game
  
• spending lots of time talking or thinking about betting
  
• fighting with your family about money or how often you're gambling
  
• lying or being secretive about your betting
  
• missing work or school and getting lower marks
  
• asking for money from family and friends
  
• betting to try to win back the money you've lost.
  

Still not sure? Take the quiz to see if you might have a problem.

If you think you have a problem, talking to someone you trust is a great first step to get back in control. You don't need to feel embarrassed. Once you've spoken to someone about it, you'll probably feel relieved.

You could talk to:

• Gambler's Help Youthline on 1800 262 376
  
• a friend or family member
  
• a teacher or student welfare coordinator
  
• your doctor.
  
• Ask them to help you work out what to do next.

If you think some of your mates are in the same situation, you could also ask how you might be able to help them too.

If you like to bet, here are some things to think about:

• The gambling industry exists to make a profit. This is true for all types of gambling, from scratchies to pokies to sports betting.
  
• The odds of winning on any game are hardly ever in your favour.
  
• It doesn't matter how long you play, the odds of winning don't change whether you're on game one or game 100.
  
• Knowing the form of the teams and who is in or out might improve your likelihood of winning, but chance and other factors always comes into play.
  
• Free practice games on gaming websites always pay out more often, making you think you'll win when you bet with your hard-earned money.

If you see a betting or gaming ad or post appear in your newsfeed on Facebook you can click on the arrow in the top right-hand corner and select 'Hide all adverts' or 'Unfollow'.

If you see ads on Twitter you'd like to hide, click the 'More' button (represented by three dots) below the Tweet and choose 'Block'.

And if you'd like to block promoted posts on Instagram you can do this by clicking on the word 'Sponsored' above the photo and select 'Hide this'. You will then get the option to hide the post or choose to hide all posts from the betting or gaming account.

Gambler's Help Youthline

Call 1800 262 376 for advice and support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It's anonymous, confidential and free.

Or chat online with a counsellor at Gambling Help Online. This service is also available 24/7.

If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service