INNER CITY
GAMBLING COUNSELLING

Problem Gambling

The 1999 Productivity Commission Inquiry found that over 2% of the adult population face significant problems due to gambling, with 1% experiencing severe problems. The prevalence of problem gambling is directly related to the accessibility of gambling, particularly gaming machines. Problem gamblers lose on average nearly $12,000 each per year compared with $625 for other gamblers (1999 figures). According to the inquiry the costs of problem gambling include financial and emotional impacts on the gambler and the effect of these on at least five people connected to each gambler. Areas most affected are close relationships, work and financial security.

The inner city is home to many people who are disadvantaged economically and/or socially. Families living on low incomes are particularly vulnerable to financial crisis. A growing number of people are living refuges or boarding houses and an increasing number are becoming homeless and living on the streets due to their gambling. Some of these may be maintaining employment but as their problem progresses, isolation and desperation increase and they can become overwhelmed by depression to the point of contemplating suicide. According to the inquiry, 60% of people who sought counselling had seriously contemplated suicide with 25% of those making an attempt.

The reasons people develop a gambling problem are varied. Many people enjoy gambling as a recreational activity. For others gambling appears to offer a way to relieve pressure or escape from problems for a while. Other gamblers mistakenly believe that gambling is a source of income. As the problem progresses the gambler faces increasing financial and emotional pressures and can easily end up out of control feeling worthless, guilty, isolated, depressed and ultimately suicidal.

Individual and group counselling for gamblers and friends

HopeStreet established Inner City Gambling Counselling in 1999. Individual counselling is available for problem gamblers and also to families and friends of problem gamblers. Lifeskills and support groups for problem gamblers and workshops for family and friends are provided to raise awareness, provide information, and break down isolation and build peer support. The service also provides counselling with the aid of interpreters for non-English speaking people and for the Deaf community. Outreach groups are conducted at inner city refuges to provide information and skills to homeless problem gamblers who are unlikely to seek out support by themselves.

Effective Solutions require controls on the proliferation of gambling and other harm minimisation policies along with the allocation of adequate resources. Further research is needed into the best ways of assisting problem gambler. Community awareness must be raised to undo the myth of gambling as a way to make money and encourage people to see past the glamour of the industry. As always we seek to befriend those who are most vulnerable and most hurt by the effects of gambling.

Campaigns

Gambling Hangover Campaign

http://www.gamblinghangover.nsw.gov.au/