A Border man who was selling items online that didn't exist to feed his $5000-a-month gambling habit is just one example of a growing problem affecting the North East.
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The devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has been a major contributor to increasing numbers of problem gamblers in the area seeking financial counselling, according to a Uniting gambling counsellor.
And the impacts of the growing gambling addictions are driving people to suicidal thoughts.
As part of Gambling Harm Awareness Week which runs until Sunday, locals are being encouraged to talk about the harms associated with gambling, reduce the stigma and if gambling becomes a problem, to ask for help.
Uniting Goulburn North East financial capability and wellbeing acting manager Kaily Goodsell said financial counsellors right across the region had all reported increasing numbers of people seeking counselling for gambling-related harm.
"The consequences of problem gambling can be potentially devastating - in one week alone I worked with five people who experienced suicidal ideation as a result of their harmful gambling behaviour," she said.
"Problem gambling not only affects the individual, it often destroys their relationships with family and friends.
"They'll often act impulsively, and some will even steal from their loved ones because they've been sucked into this web and can't escape.
"While the most obvious impact is financial, it can also have a major impact on a person's self-esteem, physical and mental health, their work and their social life.
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"With job losses, increasing numbers under significant stress and people having their normal hobbies and activities taken away, unfortunately it seems some have turned to gambling as a way to cope, which is really concerning."
The man who was spending thousands a month on the pokies and gambling apps, and who isn't named for privacy reasons, reached out for help with Uniting that put strategies in place to help him stop gambling which ultimately led to his ability to repay the people who had purchased the fraudulent items.
Ms Goodsell is encouraging anyone who is experiencing gambling harm or is worried about a friend of family member to speak up and seek help.
"A simple phone call or a discussion with someone who can provide you with the support you need might make all the difference," she said.
Uniting's Financial Counselling and Gambling Counselling Service in Albury is available on 6021 7099.