Call for a NSW Summit On Gambling

The Gambling Impact Society (NSW) Inc. is keen to support NSW Greens call for a NSW Summit on gambling. Kate Roberts Chairperson, stated “we made similar calls about 4 years ago but these fell on deaf ears. The time is right to bring all stakeholders together to consider the future of gambling in NSW and the impacts of problem gambling”.

As a Senior Social Worker and former Problem Gambling Counsellor, as well as someone who has experienced a family member’s struggle with problem gambling, Kate has direct experience of the impacts of problem gambling in community.

“I think it really interesting that so little consideration is given to the views of those who have been directly affected, particularly in light of the fact they are the ones who end up footing the bill in so many ways. At least 40% of all gambling revenue is derived from those struggling with gambling problems and then for most it’s the families who are equally contributing. Yet how often are they consulted on what kinds of services would meet their needs, what are their views about gambling in the State or how to address problem gambling.”

As the Gambling Impact Society sees it, a gambling summit in NSW would be an opportunity for all stakeholders to come to the table and be consulted on what are appropriate limits on gambling expansion, how to promote safe gambling behaviour and how to prevent and protect individuals, families and communities from developing gambling problems. “we have about 60 government funded problem gambling counselling services in NSW. These are much needed, but only about 10% of those affected ever come forward for treatment even then its like closing the door after the horse has bolted. There are no health promotion, no early intervention plans or policies in place at NSW government level and when did you last see a G-line advert – about 2 years ago. Meanwhile organizations like us, who are trying to get to people early, provide health promotion, community education, and self help support, rely on volunteer time, membership fees and small donations from the local clubs to run our service. We have tried to get funding from the Responsible Gambling Fund in the past to staff our service, but because of the treatment only focus in NSW we have been rejected.”

As Kate says, “It’s time to get real on this issue - starting upstream, as to why people keep falling in rather than focusing on only dragging them out of the river after they’ve practically drowned.”

“A public health approach such as that taken in New Zealand would address many of these issues. It’s a focus on community capacity building, building consumer protections, developing truly informed choice rather than what we have at the moment, industry and government minimizing the problem and creating the illusion that they have the issues under control - they don’t and those who wear the impact of it want a voice in the solutions”.

“A Gambling Summit would provide an opportunity for all to be heard. We have had them on childhood obesity, drug and alcohol problems. In 1999 the Productivity Commission found that problem gambling is more prevalent than illicit drug use – so how come we are till waiting to get to grips with gambling?”

Contact: Kate Roberts – 0422004119 (m)

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