What is Gambling?Gambling involves risking money or something else of value on the outcome of a game or event. Many of us have gambled at some time in our lives. In Australia, there are many forms of gambling available including: - Poker and other electronic gaming machines (pokies)
- Horse and greyhound racing
- Scratch tickets or other lottery tickets
- Lotto and Powerball
- Roulette and other games at a casino
- Poker and other card games
- Internet gambling
Why do some people gamble?People gamble for a range of reasons. These can include:
- the desire to win money, the jackpot, the link, the car...
- to subsidise low income
- to escape boredom, for something to do or a place to go that is open late
- to forget troubles and escape problems and depression
- to avoid talking to people
What is problem gambling?
There is no single definition of problem gambling. Gambling behaviours occur across a continuum, and there are differences between individuals on when difficulties associated with gambling becomes a "problem" (Australian Productivity Commission, 2008).
When gambling is seen as entertainment or social activity, gambling is not a problem. However, if the person gambling experiences difficulty in limiting the time or money spent on gambling causing problems in other areas of their life, or with their family, friends and community, this can indicate that problem gambling is occurring.
Download our Gambling Continuum Fact Sheet in your language
What are the signs of problem gambling?Signs of problem gambling include:
- thinking about gambling constantly
- spending more money and time gambling than intended
- avoiding activities where there is no opportunity to gamble
- missing work or family events to gamble instead
- feeling depressed about gambling
- borrowing or stealing money to gamble
- needing to borrow money to pay for living expenses, including groceries, petrol and other bills
- being secretive and hiding gambling activities from friends
What are the effects of problem gambling?Problem gambling can lead to a variety of problems including:
- psychological difficulties - shame, guilt, anxiety and depression
- financial difficulties - inability to pay living expenses, bankruptcy
- employment difficulties - missing work to gamble
- family and relationship breakdowns
Why do we need a multicultural problem gambling service?Gambling is an activity that occurs in some form in most communities. However, culturally and linguistically diverse communities can be vulnerable to problem gambling for a variety of reasons. Migrants can be socially, culturally and economically marginalised making them vulnerable to problem gambling. Due to the popularity of gambling activities in the Australian environment, migrants may view gambling as a way to acculturate to their new community. New migrants may be socially isolated and gambling venues may provide social contact and a recreation activity, and gambling may also be perceived as a way to supplement income. Alternatively, migrants may be vulnerable as their culture of origin may be characterised by gambling activities. For example, participating in activities such as card games may be viewed as a method to maintain their culture. However, not all cultures are supportive of gambling activities, therefore, participating in gambling may be an activity that is conducted in secret. Problem gambling can be associated with a great deal of stigma and guilt, making it difficult for people from some communities who are experiencing problem gambling to seek and access help. These problems can be magnified if the person with problem gambling lacks the cultural and language skills to access mainstream gambling support services. The Multicultural Problem Gambling Service (MPGS) can assist people with problem gambling access culturally and linguistically appropriate counselling services. The counsellors are qualified and experienced, and understand cultural values around gambling and the barriers experienced by people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities in seeking assistance. MPGS counsellors speak the language of the clients and understand their culture.
Who can use the Multicultural Problem Gambling Service (MPGS)?MPGS provides services for culturally and linguistically diverse communities in NSW.
How can MPGS help?
- Free and confidential telephone counselling
- Specialised face to face / family counselling in many languages
- Telephone information, advice and referral to other services (eg financial counselling)
- Community education programs
MPGS also supports other service providers in NSW, including mainstream gambling counselling and mental health services by offering the following:
- Training on cross-cultural issues in problem gambling
- Accepting referrals from service providers
- Provision of specialist clinical and cross-cultural consultancy and advice
Who funds MPGS?MPGS is a joint initiative of the Community Relations Commission For a multicultural NSW and Sydney West Area Health Service. Financial assistance for the project is also provided by the NSW Government from the Responsible Gambling Fund (RGF).
References
Australian Productivity Commission (2008). Gambling issues paper. Accessed on 26/03/09 at: http://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/84961/issues-paper.pdf
Gambling Research Australia (2005). Problem Gambling and Harm:Towards a National Definition. Accessed on 26/03/09 at: http://www.gamblingresearch.org.au/CA256902000FE154/Lookup/GRA_Reports_Files1/$file/FinalReportPrinter.pdf
Last Updated 30 Jun 2009
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