Queenslanders are being urged to give their gambling a “health check” during Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, which runs until Sunday (4 August).
Held annually, the week promotes safe gambling strategies, including tips to encourage individuals to gamble more responsibly and reduce the likelihood of risky behaviour developing.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath encouraged all Queenslanders who gambled to consider the impacts of their gambling.
“While many people gamble socially and do so without issues, some unfortunately do experience harm from gambling,” Mrs D’Ath said.
“This harm may negatively impact their health, wellbeing, work, study, relationships and finances.
“We’re asking people to this week run the ruler over their gambling.
“This might involve, for example, talking with their families and friends and being sure they are gambling within their limits and that their gambling activity is not impacting on their own life or the lives of others.”
Mrs D’Ath said the Queensland Government provided more than $6.7 million each year for the Gambling Help service system to assist those who experience problems with gambling.
“These services included face-to-face counselling, a 24-hour telephone helpline, the Gambling Help Online counselling service, a residential outpatient service located in a Brisbane drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility, and a training program for screening for problem gambling.
“I’m also pleased to see the release this week of four Responsible Service of Gambling training videos created specifically for licensees and staff in gaming venues, to educate and empower staff to support those affected by gambling problems.
“Resources such as these, as well as our education activities delivered by Gambling Help Services in schools and the community, are instrumental in raising awareness of the signs of problem gambling.
“Increasing the community’s understanding of gambling problems can reduce the stigma attached to problem gambling, and the time between when problems develop and help is sought.”
Mrs D’Ath said a system of strong regulation and controls was in place in Queensland to protect both players and the community.
“We all have a role to play in minimising the negative impacts of gambling and problem gambling on Queenslanders,” she said.
“One of the most significant changes to the gambling environment in Australia has been the increased availability of online gambling.
“Queensland is a strong advocate of the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering, which seeks to deliver 10 nationally consistent, minimum protection measures for all consumers of licensed interactive wagering services.
“Six of the measures have already been implemented,” Mrs D’Ath said.
