With almost half a million Victorians experiencing or at risk of gambling harm, Gippslanders are being urged to rethink their chances of winning.

As part of Gambling Harm Awareness Week this week, the Gambler's Help team at Latrobe Community Health Service is encouraging people to talk about how gambling may be affecting them.
The Gambler's Help team provides therapeutic and financial counselling to Gippslanders who experience gambling harm.
Team leader Chipo Chiyangwa said gambling harm affected more than the person who gambled.
"The harm is not only happening in the gaming room or app," Ms Chiyangwa said.
"Let's reflect on the time spent behind the game. Where has the time been taken from? Has it been shifted from spending time with family? There could be financial losses, arguments in relationships, impact on mental health, financial abuses, exacerbation of violence in relationships, and risk-taking when under the influence of substances."
People who gamble on casino table games, bet on sports, play bingo and use poker machines are more likely to experience gambling harm.
Young people are most affected; more than a quarter of 18 to 24-year-olds who gamble experience harm.
"Many people in the community are experiencing the effects … we owe it to ourselves and our community to have honest, open conversations about gambling harm," Ms Chiyangwa said.
This year's Gambling Harm Awareness Week campaign focuses on whether the chances of winning are real.
"The game isn't just about luck; it's carefully designed to keep us coming back, often at a cost," Ms Chiyangwa said.
There are simple ways to reduce gambling harm such as setting deposit limits, checking activity statements or taking breaks. Self-exclusion can also be helpful for people to take a break for a prescribed period of time.