It’s not always easy to spot the early signs of problem gambling, but a new State Government campaign being launched during Gambling Harm Awareness Week aims to highlight potentially harmful behaviours.
Launch of the Gambling Harm Ahead campaign today by Human Services Minister Nat Cook coincides with last week’s release of a report showing that nationally, gambling losses have surged to a $14.5 billion high since 2018-19.
The South Australian campaign was developed in consultation with people with lived experience of gambling harm and urges gambling patrons and those around them, including family, to watch for signs that gambling may be problematic. Importantly, it also offers guidance on how and where to go for assistance and support.
Signs that someone is struggling to manage their gambling can include changes in their behaviour, moods, relationships, finances and activities. They can become withdrawn, moody and uncommunicative; ask to borrow money; become secretive about finances; not pay bills regularly or take longer on simple errands.
The campaign launched on October 15 to coincide with the start of Gambling Harm Awareness Week. It will run predominantly on social and online media, as well as radio, for three weeks.
For examples of the ad campaign, please visit the Office for Problem Gambling at www.problemgambling.sa.gov.au and for guidance on where to get support www.problemgambling.sa.gov.au/get-support
The people whose lived experience inspired this campaign are participants in Relationships Australia South Australia’s (RASA) Lived Experience in Gambling Harm (LEIGH) program. To find out more about this program or to book a lived experience speaker to speak at your next community or corporate event visit: rasa.org.au/services/adult-health-wellbeing/lived-experience-in-gambling-program/
As put by Nat Cook
Gambling can cause harm and with any activity or product that can cause harm it’s not easy to realise that you or someone you care about are heading towards trouble.
We believe that by making these early warning signs of gambling harm more visible, more people will be able to recognise these signs and know where to look for help.
Gambling help services exist across South Australia and are easily accessible for all people affected by gambling harm. Help really is much closer than you think.
Help can take lots of different forms. It can be telling someone you’re worried about them, trying self-help strategies like setting spending limits and sticking to them or reducing gambling activities and taking up other hobbies as well as talking with trained professionals.
As put by Jo and Andrew, participants in Relationship Australia South Australia’s Lived Experience in Gambling Harm (LEIGH) program
Andrew:
I didn’t notice that there were issues with my gambling until I was deep into my addiction. I wish I had paid attention to signs such as constantly borrowing from pay day lenders, or borrowing against assets at pawn brokers.
I hope the campaign will encourage people to think about the consequences of gambling before it’s too late.
Jo:
Reaching out for help was scary at first because I felt like a failure. The shame and guilt was overbearing, but, when I did reach out, it was an absolute relief!
You don’t have to go it alone. There is always hope and you can achieve a fulfilling life without gambling harm.
