Stefan Bradley
WITH tens of millions of dollars spent on gambling in central Gippsland, the negative effects of gambling on people’s physical and mental wellbeing have been put under a spotlight by Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS) and Gambler’s Help Gippsland.
Health problems account for one-fifth of gambling harm in Victoria, so the theme of last month’s Gambling Harm Awareness Week (17 to 23 October 2022) was ‘Could gambling be affecting your wellbeing?’ with communities encouraged to “talk, share, support.”
LCHS partnerships and prevention manager, Michelle Ravesi, said the theme provided an opportunity for open community conversations about different types of gambling harm.
“Every day we support people experiencing negative consequences from gambling, as well as those affected by someone else’s gambling, but what harm looks like may surprise some people,” Ms Ravesi said.
In 2021-22, Gippslanders lost more than $125 million to poker machines. More money is also being lost to online gambling.
According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, 11 per cent of Australians gambled online in the six months to June 2021.
“In the Wellington Shire, we’ve seen losses in July and August (this year) of $4.3 million dollars already. And losses previously of $21.8 million (2021-22 financial year),” Ms Ravesi said.
“It’s not just the person who gambles that suffers; it’s the friends, families and the communities as well.
“Imagine the difference that $21.8 million could make to Wellington. Imagine that money being spent in cafes and venues. It makes a huge difference, especially in small communities.
“There’s a rise in online gambling, so those figures don’t include that. They’re not all Australian sites, so it’s hard to see what is being spent. The rise of online sports betting is incredibly alarming.
“Unfortunately, we’re expecting the losses to increase post-Covid. People have saved money, so that’s going towards gambling.”
Latrobe losses are higher, with $9.2 million lost in July and August this year, and $40.8 million lost in the 2021-22 financial year.
“Latrobe is obviously a bigger area, but I think there’s more to it than that,” Ms Ravesi said.
“I think it’s happening in lower socio-economic areas, and there are more venues in Latrobe, so more opportunities to gamble.”
Ms Ravesi said one of the worrying trends LCHS has noticed across Gippsland was fewer staff interactions with customers at venues.
“Venue staff are highly trained and skilled, and are trained to recognise customers who are experiencing harm, and how to deal with that. If customers interact with someone, they might break that (harm),” she said.
“We’re finding venues where that’s not happening, so that means customers are more likely to experience harm or continue to gamble. So that’s a trend we’re starting to see more of across Gippsland. It’s definitely something we’re concerned about.”
When asked why this was occurring, Ms Ravesi pointed to Ticket-In Ticket-Out (TITO) technology. TITO replaces physical cash with credits on a barcoded ticket that customers put in and out of machines. With tickets, the customer may disassociate the credits with gambling, whereas physical cash could be pocketed instead of gambled with again.
“(TITO) is where there’s a machine where you’re given a ticket, so you don’t have to interact with the staff,” Ms Ravesi said.
“Normally you have to cash a win, but (with TITO) you’re given a ticket instead. You probably keep playing because you don’t see the cash, which you can put in your pocket. It’s a new and increasing trend that we’re noticing now.”
Ms Ravesi says gambling losses take a major toll on health and wellbeing.
“It’s widely understood gambling can lead to financial losses and relationship difficulties. What’s less often discussed is how gambling can change how people feel and behave,” she said.
“We are not advocating a ban on pokie machines, (but) we do support any measure that minimises harm.”
“A lot of people spend $20 and don’t have a gambling problem. For them, it’s a form of entertainment.
“We aren’t talking about those people, we’re talking about people who are experiencing harm.”
Ms Ravesi said that conversations she has had suggests that people see pokies as being safe places to go, especially for women.
“There aren’t many places for women to go that feel safe. There aren’t that many places that have extended hours,” she said.
“It’s the allure of seeing lit-up venues as you drive past. And you get food. That’s the reason the women go, that’s what they tell me.
“I haven’t met one person who set out to have a gambling problem, but they might just start with a meal.”
Gambling can cause stress or guilt, difficulties with concentration, and trouble sleeping. These effects can build up over time and have a big impact on an individual’s mental and physical health.
Ms Ravesi said if you recognise any of these ‘symptoms’ in yourself or someone else who gambles, a conversation may be beneficial.
“Other signs to look out for include feeling shame or regret after gambling, uncharacteristically snapping at friends and family, or drinking more than usual,” she said.
“Gambling harm can affect anyone, so if you’re feeling down and gambling could be the reason, you may get relief from talking about it with family or friends or by seeking help from a gambling support service.
“‘Talk. share, support.’ is not just a Gambling Harm Awareness Week slogan. It is a list of actions that really work to help improve the wellbeing of people experiencing gambling harm.
“It’s never too late to get back control from gambling. The best time to seek help is now.”
If you are affected by your own gambling, or the gambling of someone you know, phone Latrobe Community Health Service on 1800 242 696.
Latrobe Community Health Service provides the Gambler’s Help service across Gippsland. You can access free and confidential financial and / or therapeutic counselling to help you get your finances back on track, and / or give you strategies to take back control of your gambling.
