GambleAware Week, an annual campaign aimed at raising community awareness about the risks of gambling and the potential harms it can cause, is recognised this week in South Australia.
To support early intervention, Gambling Harm Support SA has developed new resources for pubs and clubs across South Australia. These include postcards, posters and fact sheets, created in consultation with people who have lived experience of gambling harm.
They are designed to help patrons recognise the warning signs in others and start supportive conversations, recognising that gambling harm can also impact relationships, mental health, work and general well-being.
This initiative aligns with this year’s theme, ‘supporting those close to you’, which emphasises the importance of identifying gambling harm in others early, offering support through open dialogue, and ensuring the wellbeing of those providing support.
It is reported that over 200k South Australians are impacted by someone else’s gambling each year, yet it’s said many don’t recognise the harm, especially in its early stages.
The resources include a QR code linking to the SA Government’s Gambling Harm Support SA site, where visitors can find local help services, learn about gambling facts and myths, and read personal stories.
They also provide tips including assistance in understanding why people gamble; how to talk about gambling harm to struggling friends and family members; how to support children of those affected and how to access professional help.
The SA Government will also re-run its ‘Spot the Harm, Stop the Harm’ campaign from 19 October to 5 November.
An independent evaluation of the initiative found that the campaign is having a positive effect, with 38 per cent of people who spend $100 or more a month on gambling saying the ads helped them reduce their gambling.
Gamblers who spend upwards of $500 per month often report they feel they could not handle the issue alone, or were too embarrassed to request help.
Recent federal research shows nearly 68 per cent of South Australians gambled in the past year, which is above the national average of 65 per cent and an increase from 57 per cent in 2019.
SA Minister for Human Services, Nat Cook, said that while many South Australians are estimated to be affected by someone else’s gambling each year, they often fail to recognise the harm – especially in its early stages.
“We have also heard it can be incredibly difficult for families and friends to raise concerns about someone’s gambling.
“These resources have been developed by people who have helped to manage a loved one’s gambling and will help many South Australians to do the same,” she said.
Gambling harm speaker Bec Healy said she has “come full circle” and is now working for a gambling help service as a peer worker.
“This is made possible due to my family’s empathy, understanding, and openness to me sharing my story,” says Healy.
For immediate assistance, individuals can visit the national website Gambling Help Online or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 day or night.
