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Why is gambling a risk?

Gambling can result in the loss of time, money or both. Gambling losses can lead to a range of negative consequences, or gambling harms. These harms can range from financial, relationship or psychological issues to serious legal or health issues.

aifs.gov.au - Understanding gambling harm and ways to identify those at risk

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Introduction

Australians spend more on gambling per capita each year than any other country, around $1,300 per adult. Over a third of Australian adults (35% or 6.5 million people) gambled in a typical month in 2018. Gambling can result in the loss of time, money or both. Gambling losses can lead to a range of negative consequences, or gambling harms. These harms can range from financial, relationship or psychological issues to serious legal or health issues. Despite Australians’ exposure to gambling products, gambling harms are often under-reported and/or unidentified. Studies have shown many Australians would like support for their gambling problems but may be reluctant to seek help. Fears of stigma or misunderstanding, as well as not knowing where or how to seek help, are among the main barriers identified., Recent estimates suggest that 7.2% of Australian adults (or 1.3 million people) are at some risk of, or are already experiencing, gambling problems or harm. Allied health workers, social workers, and family and relationship counsellors may be the first point of contact for people experiencing gambling harm (see Why is it relevant to me?). Gambling harm can be experienced alongside other complex challenges for individuals and families. A common barrier for practitioners is knowing what questions to ask to explore potential gambling harm. This short article describes the types of gambling harm that people can experience and how they can be identified. Links to tools and resources have been provided to help practitioners identify and support affected individuals and their families.

What is gambling harm?

Gambling harm is any negative consequence experienced by an individual or members of their social network because of participation in gambling. This can be experienced on a spectrum, ranging from minor negative experiences to crises, and is not always proportionate to the amount of gambling participation. Gambling harms can include:

relationship harm (e.g. conflict within relationships, neglect of responsibilities)

(e.g. conflict within relationships, neglect of responsibilities) health harm (e.g. stress, depression, reduced sleep) (e.g. stress, depression, reduced sleep) emotional/psychological harm ( e.g. feelings of regret, worthlessness, failure) e.g. feelings of regret, worthlessness, failure) financial harm (e.g. credit card debt, reduced spending on essentials) (e.g. credit card debt, reduced spending on essentials) work/study harm (e.g. reduced performance due to tiredness, absenteeism).

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Harms relating to relationships, health and emotional/psychological wellbeing are the most-reported gambling harms (Figure 1). Family members, such as partners, children and parents of those who gamble, can also experience gambling harms. Figure 1: A breakdown of the types of gambling harms and an estimate of their prevalence in Australia

Source: Browne et al., 2016, p. 134, Figure 19

How to identify if someone is experiencing gambling harm

If harms such as those described above are disclosed in practice, this may be an opportunity for practitioners to determine if they are gambling related. Similarly, if gambling participation is disclosed, practitioners may be able to determine if any harms are occurring – or have occurred as a result. Screening for gambling harm is considered a feasible and acceptable strategy for health and community practitioners. Screening questions and scales (sets of questions) can help to identify if someone is currently experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing, gambling harm., The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation recommends the following questions to help practitioners start the conversation on gambling:

Do you or a family member gamble on the pokies or online, at the casino or the track?

Is this a problem for you?

Would you like to go to a specialist service?

To investigate further, the Problem Gambling Severity Index (Box 1) can be used in practice to categorise the level of risky gambling behaviour. Box 1: Problem Gambling Severity Index The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) is an evidence-based scale for measuring the risk of gambling problems and which can be used by practitioners. The PGSI includes nine questions that measure different risky gambling behaviours and associated harms during the previous 12 months. Scores are summed and respondents are categorised into one of four categories: non-problem gambling (0)

low-risk gambling (1-2)

moderate-risk gambling (3-7)

problem gambling (8+). The limitation to the PGSI is that it may not identify all gambling harms, particularly among individuals with less risky gambling behaviour.,, For this reason, although the PGSI is useful, it is important to keep in mind that low levels of gambling can also result in harm, and further support and referrals may be warranted.

What to do if you believe an individual or family is experiencing gambling harm?

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There are many free resources available to guide practitioners on supporting individuals and families experiencing gambling harm, and referral services for specialised gambling support. Most Australian states and territories have their own gambling help resources available online. There are a range of direct services to refer individuals or families experiencing gambling harm. Support service Description Gambling Help Online This a confidential 24-hour online counselling and support service for anyone in Australia affected by gambling. Each state and territory has a dedicated Gambling Help service. Gambler’s Help This service provides online, telephone and face-to-face counselling, advice and information for individuals and families in Victoria who may be experiencing gambling related harm. Under 25s Youthline This is a confidential 24-hour telephone service for young people under 25 who are concerned about their own or someone else’s gambling. Young people can call 1800 262 376 for advice and support. Gambling Help Services This resource by Relationships Australia, South Australia, provides practical advice for making a Gambling Safety Plan. Uniting Gambling and Financial Help Uniting provides counselling services for those experiencing gambling-related harm. Self-help addiction resource centre (SHARC) The Family Drug and Gambling help service at SHARC provides counselling services, support groups, educational programs and a 24-hour helpline for families experiencing gambling-related harm.

Conclusion

Gambling harm can be experienced by people who gamble, as well as their families and social networks. Harms may present as relationship difficulties, financial problems or changes to mental or physical health. However, it is often unclear whether gambling is causing harm to an individual or family member. Asking questions to determine whether any harm from gambling can be identified is important, so that appropriate intervention, referrals and support can be provided.

References

aifs.gov.au - Understanding gambling harm and ways to identify those at risk

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