GambleAware launches new campaign to minimise harmful gambling

GambleAware’s new campaign has recently launched, highlighting the potential risks of gambling on jobs, relationships and children.

An advertising campaign highlighting the risks gambling can have on people’s jobs, relationships and children has been recently launched by the NSW Government.

The Be Aware Be GambleAware campaign, which will feature on TV and radio, will encourage problem gamblers to get help from GambleAware, the state government’s one-stop shop uniting all gambling support, education and treatment services under the one banner.

GambleAware senior clinic supervisor Christopher Hahn said the first signs of becoming a problem gambler are subtle, with many beginning to gamble more often and “find it hard to walk away”, as well as lying to friends or family about their whereabouts.

The more serious consequences occur when gamblers develop debts or when their addiction starts to interfere with their relationships, work, studies or their mental health.

“[It’s serious] when it’s sort of having a much bigger financial impact on their life, or they’re starting to find themselves getting depressed or anxious as a result of their gambling,” Mr Hahn said.

A close up of a wad of cash money notes in a tightly clenched fist

NSW Office of Responsible Gambling director Natalie Wright described gambling as a complex issue since it usually “starts as something that is fun, yet it can take over people’s lives.”

“Gambling should be a form of entertainment,” Ms Wright said. “And if it’s not, if it’s a way to make money, you’re always chasing that win, chasing losses.” Ms Wright said those who are looking for “an escape” may find themselves gambling more to stay away from home.

Women gambling on slot machinery.

This practice is now becoming more normalised, with nearly one in 10 gamblers in NSW considered at risk of harm.

One of the reasons why many are so unaware of the risks of gambling is because the media usually represents it in a good light, according to Mr Hahn.

“We tend to hear a lot more stories in our everyday life about people winning at gambling than people losing,” Mr Hahn said. “There aren’t that many movies or TV shows about problem gambling.”

Ms Wright said reaching out for help can be a big first step for many people and will bring “positive impacts [to] their life.” “We understand that can be a big leap for people but I think being informed that it isn’t a personal issue [is important] — it is something that can impact anyone and there is that support,” Ms Wright said.
GambleAware is open to anyone who may be struggling with gambling or who have faced challenges in the past. To learn more about their campaign, click here.