About the 100 Day Challenge

[BrittV (facilitator)]

Welcome to the forum, and well done on wanting to make a change! Recognising a problem is a courageous first step. While this forum was designed to complement the Victorian Responsible Gambling Association’s 100 Day Challenge, anybody is welcome to use this space to discuss their journey.

If you choose to undertake the challenge, it is important that alongside focusing on restraining from gambling, you also use the 100 days to understand and build your strength around the urges that make you want to gamble. This will help you maintain the change.

Important things to focus on include -

Seek support – having support from someone you trust can alleviate stress, provide useful advice and different perspectives. Consider reaching out to a friend, doctor, close family member or a counsellor to support you through this time.

Consider your triggers – knowing what in your surroundings triggers you to want to gamble is important. Recognise these things, and stay away from these as much as possible until you feel confident in the face of temptation.

Recognise your urges – Urges are an inevitable part of stopping gambling and a natural part of the process of regaining control. Every time you overcome an urge, you are gaining more and more control. Write down a plan to control these triggers, and re-read it as often as you need to.

Find new things to ‘fill the gap’ – many people find that they have a lot more spare time when they stop using their time to gamble. It can help to consciously plan new activities and hobbies to pass the time.

Stay aware of your emotions and thoughts. While stress and negative emotions are experienced by everyone, they can be dangerous triggers for people experiencing problems relating to gambling. Remembering this and resisting the urge is a powerful experience.
If you find yourself thinking of gambling, challenge yourself to get your thinking straight and move away from thoughts that attempt to give yourself permission to gamble. Consider calling someone you trust to ride this wave with you, writing in this forum, or calling the 24/7 confidential Gamblers Helpline on 1800 858 858.

Unfortunately, a lapse can be part of recovery. While disappointing, the best thing you can do if this occurs is find the strength to learn from your experience, be proud of what you already achieved, reset your goals, and continue to move forward toward your gamble-free life.


I finished the 100 days, what now?
Congratulations! Going 100 days without gambling is an amazing achievement and you should be very proud.
Write down the strategies that have worked for you, and set your next goal for your gamble-free life!