Conversation an effective first step
Having a conversation with someone experiencing the negative effects of gambling harm can be uncomfortable – but can also help people get ‘back on track’.
That’s the word from Cafs Gamblers Help community engagement officer Linda Borner, whose advice comes in the wake of Gambling Harm Awareness Week.
The week, which ran from October 16 to 22, focused on how to sensitively and productively have conversations with people experiencing gambling harm.
Ms Borner said conversations were proven to be beneficial to recovery, with 94 percent of Gambler’s Help clients in 2022-23 reporting that counselling helped them to achieve their goals – which related mainly to stopping gambling as well as financial, emotional and psychological outcomes.
She said a conversation among friends was also powerful intervention.
“Gambling can change how a person feels and behaves, so encouraging them to share what’s on their mind can be an effective first step,” she said.
“This requires preparation and sensitivity. For example, it is important to choose the right time and place to broach this kind of conversation – it should be somewhere that offers privacy and at a time when interruptions are unlikely.
“Let the person know that you want to support them, but also respect their boundaries. If they’re not ready to talk, back off and try again another time.”
Common signs of gambling harm include stress, irritability, secrecy, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, drinking or smoking more than usual, not spending as much time with family or friends, frequently borrowing money, intermittent periods of having lots of cash and no cash, an intense interest in sporting odds, and using multiple betting apps.
The Australian Gambling Research Centre conducted an online general community panel survey last year to determine gambling participation and related harm among adults.
Gambling participation
The survey found three-in-four people aged 18 and older reported spending money on one or more gambling products in the past 12 months.
Lotteries and scratchies were the product with the highest participation at 64 percent, followed by race betting including horse, greyhound andor harness racing at 39 percent, sports betting at 34 percent and poker machines at 33 percent.
About two-in-five adults gambled at least weekly, which differed by gender – being about 48 percent for men and 28 percent for women.
Regular gambling was higher in adults aged 18 to 54 than adults aged 55 and older for all gambling activities, apart from lotteries and scratchies, which was highest among those aged 55 years and older.
Total gambling expenditure across Australia was $21.2 billion in 2019-20 – a decrease from $25.9 billion in 2018-19, and $22.9 billion in 2001-02. The survey noted the decline in total gambling expenditure in 2019-20 mostly reflected decreases in ‘land-based’ gambling expenditure such as casinos and poker machines, which were directly impacted by temporary venue closures during COVID-19 restrictions.
The Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission also releases monthly reports on gambling expenditure.
People wanting more information, or to seek advice and assistance, can phone 1800 858 858 or go to gamblershelp.com.au