Local Gambling Help counsellors have got a tip for those planning to have a punt this Melbourne Cup and Spring Carnival – “stay on track”.
Gambling Help counsellor Chris Mosses said Australians are expected to bet more than $140 million this Melbourne Cup day alone.
“Gambling is considered a normal part of Australian culture, but people with gambling problems are viewed quite harshly by their community,” Mr Mosses said.
“Within the South West Sydney community, there is the combination of modest incomes and easy access to gambling venues. This makes our community vulnerable to the impact of problem gambling,” he said.
The Gambling Help Service’s tip this Melbourne Cup for those intending to place bets is to preset a gambling budget.
“Have realistic expectations about your chances of winning to help ensure you have fun on the day and don’t finish with regret,” Mr Mosses said.
“Keep in mind that gambling is meant to be entertainment, not extra income.
“If you went to the theatre and saw a bad act, you wouldn’t buy more tickets.
“It’s impossible to win consistently long-term.”
Less than one in five people whose lives are impacted by gambling problems ever seek help, with research suggesting that people with gambling problems are often judged more harshly by their community than those with drug or alcohol problems.
“Seeking help is not admitting weakness – it takes guts, it’s a step of strength. It’s up to everyone in our community to reach out to those affected, with positive messages and solutions, not negative judgements,” Mr Mosses said.
“If you have a mate, a loved one, or a work colleague who is having problems with gambling, get behind them and encourage them to seek help.
“There is also help and support available to loved ones affected by gambling problems.
“Even people who at first weren’t sure about getting help have found a way to cut down or stop, which they didn’t expect. It’s also a strong step that symbolises commitment to work on things.”
Mr Mosses said although gambling was now more easily accessible though smartphone apps, gambling help is also much closer to hand.
“The good news is that gambling help is now also much more mobile – with the “Stay on Track” smart phone app, which helps people to keep track of the amount of money people are betting,” he said.
The app allows gamblers to set and stick to their own pre-set gambling budgets throughout the course of their regular pay period. If users start to lose control of their betting, the app alerts them and offers advice.
Freely available for both iOS and Android devices, the “Stay on Track” app includes information to help gamblers identify an emerging problem and direct links to lead users to free Gambling Help services. It can be downloaded from iTunes or the Google Play store.
South Western Sydney Mental Health’s Gambling Help Service is one of more than 50 organisations across the state delivering the NSW Government’s Gambling Help counselling program to communities through face-to-face counselling.
Problem gambling warning signs include:
Betting more than you can afford to lose;
Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling of excitement;
Continuing to gamble to try and win back money that has been lost;
Borrowing money or selling possessions to get money to gamble or cover expenses;
Experiencing health problems including depression, anxiety or stress caused by gambling;
People criticising your gambling or telling you that you have a gambling problem, regardless of whether you believe them.
Get help:
Download the Stay on Track app for free from iTunes or the Google Play store
For free and confidential treatment and support, call South Western Sydney Mental Health – Gambling Help Service on 9616 4060
Phone counsellor (24/7) and free legal assistance call Gambling Help: 1800 858 858
Real time online chat or email support (24/7): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Visit www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au
