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 and Links...
Sondra (our Gambling coordinator)'s guest blog on Breathliftlive.com
HopeStreet staff speak with the Financial Review about proposed Gambling reforms
Responsible Gambling Awareness Week (23 - 28 May 2011)
HopeStreet's Gambling Counselling service presented a display of brochures and information in the foyer of the State Library of NSW, and held an information morning tea at the Ozanam Learning Centre. We also launched our new partnership with Bondi Anglicare, an outreach gambling counselling service which will happen every Thursday. Ring 9332 3506 for appointments.
Gambling Hangover Campaign
Gambling Hangover on Facebook
Responsible Gambling Fund on Facebook
Gambling Hangover YouTube Channel
Gambling Help Gambling Calculator
Inner City Gambling
Counselling is supported by
The Responsible Gambling Fund
