Gambling Harm Week

OPINION BY MICHAELA SETTLE

MEMBER FOR BUNINYONG

Anyone can experience the negative effects of gambling, but it’s not something we talk about openly. This week is Gambling Harm Week (7–13 October) and it’s a good time to talk. Gambling affects more people than we realise because the signs are often hidden – until it’s too late.  In my experience, you find out when the damage has been done.

For each individual who experiences severe gambling harm, as many as six other people may be affected – especially family and friends. Harm from gambling isn’t just about losing money. Gambling can affect how you feel. It can also affect your self-esteem, relationships, physical and mental health. You may not even notice at first, but these feelings can build up. It can happen to anyone. These days it has become easier than ever to gamble. You can bet on just about anything. They call it exotic betting. Online gambling can now be done anywhere by anyone with a mobile phone.

When we talk about gambling harm openly it helps those affected to reach out. Talking is the first step in reducing gambling harm in our community. Supporting each other can make a difference – the best way to support someone is to listen to them.

Common effects of gambling harm include financial difficulties, relationship problems, work or study performance issues, and emotional and psychological distress. Many people experience emotional effects from gambling, like stress, regret and guilt, no matter how much or how often they gamble. The effects of gambling may seem small to begin with, but they can escalate quickly. Too easily, it can slip into an addiction. We have come to understand that addiction to drugs and alcohol is a mental health issue. And just like them, gambling addiction is a mental health issue. The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation produced a report in 2017 that found that 17.8 per cent of those presenting with acute mental health issues also identified as “problem gamblers”.

I’m glad that the Andrews Labor government is holding a Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. I have made submissions asking that gambling addiction be treated as a mental health issue in the same way as drug and alcohol addiction. There is no stigma about experiencing a mental health issue – one in five of us will. More work needs to be done to remove the stigma that surrounds gambling addiction. Removing this stigma is a vital part of early intervention. Sharing personal experiences of gambling harm helps break down stigma.

More than half-a-million Victorians experience some form of harm every year from their gambling activities. Eighty-five per cent of gambling harm in Victoria is experienced by people who are at low or moderate risk of gambling in a problematic way.

Talking is the first step in reducing gambling harm in our community. Sharing how gambling affects you, or someone close to you, can make you feel better. Supporting each other can make a difference – and the best support you can give someone is to listen.

If you or someone you know is affected by gambling, call Gamblers Help West Vic on 1800 858 858 for a free and confidential chat (translators are available upon request) or visit gamblershelp.com.au. You can also talk to your local health professional or if you feel comfortable, a family member or friend.