THE occasional scratchie ticket purchase, small bet on the horses or 30 minutes at the pokies for most is an activity that can be enjoyed.For others chasing that elusive "big win", however, it can lead to depression, family breakdown, and bankruptcy.Yesterday the 2009 Responsible Gambling Awareness Week was launched in Ballarat.Almost $55 million was lost on pokie machines in the municipality last financial year.Gambling support services, and industry representatives yesterday attended the launch of a new brochure that will aim to challenge people about the extent of their gambling through a series of questions.Information tables stocked with the brochures, support information and phone numbers have been set up at the Central Highlands Regional Library in Doveton St, and Stockland Wendouree near Safeway.Relationships Australia gambling counsellor Claire Ryan said symptoms of a gambling addiction included late bill repayments, arguments at home, a lack of sleep and depression."It usually starts off as a bit of fun," she said."Often it's chasing losses and the belief sooner or later the machine or bet will pay off, but over time the outcome is always going to be that money will be lost."We can provide people with support to manage or help them abstain from their gambling."Gamblers who answer the pamphlet questions are given a score that helps them to assess whether they are a low, medium or high risk gambler.Ballarat and District Trotting Club chief executive officer Paul Rowse said the club was working to support the week."We have a race named after the gambling week at our meet on Wednesday night and a full page ad in the racebook which will highlight Gambler's Help," he said."We want people to be comfortable and there for the right reasons."The week will run until Sunday, May 31.The Gambler's Helpline can be reached on 1800 858 858, 24 hours a day, seven days of the week.