ST LUKE"S Gambler's Help program is at full capacity, with new problem gamblers coming in on a regular basis.St Luke's Anglicare Gambler's Help community educator Bree Hayes said although numbers were high, the statistics didn't give a true indication of how many people were experiencing issues with gambling in the Bendigo region.``Shame and guilt is often associated with a gambling problem, so it can be very hard for people to admit to experiencing problems. ``People can become trapped in the cycle of addiction, but this doesn't mean there is no way out for them. ``Speaking to someone is often the first step to breaking the cycle.''More than $23 million was injected into Bendigo poker machines in the first six months of the new financial year.In July and August, punters poured in more than $4 million and during the following months an average of $3.7 million was spent, according to the Victorian Commission for Gambling Regulation.Ms Hayes said Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, which runs from May 17 to May 23, was aimed at all Victorians who enjoyed having a punt, buying a lottery ticket, playing the pokies or enjoying the company of friends over a game of bingo.``Two important signs people should take note of are when they are no longer in control of how much or how often they are spending money, and when they are no longer gambling for fun or entertainment,'' she said.``Responsible Gambling Awareness Week is about encouraging people to gamble responsibly. ``People can achieve this by setting a limit, gambling for fun and by not letting gambling take over their life.''To make an appointment or speak with a local Gambler's Help Counsellor, telephone 5448 1000.