Responsible Gambling Awareness Week 2011 is being held across Australia this week and the local Gambling Help service, Lifeline Central West, is supporting the Narromine United Services Club in the initiative.
An annual event since 2006, this week seeks to raise community awareness of problem gambling and highlight the free services and resources available to help those in our community who are struggling.
“Problem gambling is a large issue in small communities,” Gambling and Financial Counsellor with Lifeline Central West Rob Benton said.
“We often see it become more of a problem when the level of pessimism is increased so what is important about this week is to let people who think they have a problem, know that Lifeline Central West does offer a free counselling service.”
Secretary-manager of the Narromine United Services Memorial Club, Bob Walsh, said it is important to raise awareness of problem gambling and address the issue through various methods including a relationship with Lifeline Central West.
“We have been a club that has reacted to problem gambling,” he said.
“We see the consequences of problem gambling and that’s not what we are about. We are a community club for the community.
Although Mr Walsh says people playing pokies is what keeps the club alive, when problem gambling results it is an issue which needs to be addressed.
”We can’t live on the misery of others,” he said.
“We’re supporting the awareness of gambling problems.”
“The message is we love responsible gambling,” Mr Benton added.
Australians spend around $18billion a year on gambling, and while most people gamble within affordable limits - casually for entertainment and without harm - more than 500,000 Australians suffer significant problems from their gambling or are at risk of developing problems including financial distress, relationship issues and family breakdown, and physical and mental health problem such as sleeplessness, anxiety, depression and suicide.
Responsible Gambling Awareness week looks to emphasise the importance of responsible gambling practices at a personal and community level, with venues, Gambling Help Services and the community working together to encourage people to think about how much time and money they are spending on gambling and to ask themselves if gambling is becoming a problem for them or someone in their family.
The initiative highlights the range of free help-services available including 24/7 phone and internet counselling, email and text services, face-to-face counselling, and a variety of free workbooks, DVDs and materials.
If gambling is becoming a problem for you or someone you care about, free information and expert advice is available. Call 1800 858 858 (a free 24 hour a day service) or visit www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au
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