Young people are the main focus of an awareness campaign being run by local health experts to tackle the impact of gambling promotion and advertising.
The campaign is part of Responsible Gambling Awareness week (May 25 – May 31).
SWSLHD Mental Health’s Gambling Help Service psychologist Chris Mosses said there is an increasing concern about the flood of gambling promotion that young people are exposed to, whether through prime time television, the online environment or prominent sponsorships.
“Recent studies* show that the largest six sports betting agencies spend up to $40 million each per year on promotion and a great deal of that is visible to young people,” Mr Mosses said.
“The gambling environment has changed completely in the past decade and now anyone who has a smart phone has a means to gamble anywhere and anytime, with very few checks and balances.
“This year Responsible Gambling Awareness Week aims to educate young people so they can view gambling and its promotion in an informed and thoughtful way.
“We’ll also be reaching out to help young people who may already be running into trouble with gambling,” he said.
♦ Activities during Responsible Gambling Awareness week include:
• The launch of a new booklet, Talking to Teens about Gambling, which will be made available free to local parents and carers.
• The delivery of interactive awareness sessions with local youth groups and organisations.
The booklet can be downloaded for free in the Professional’s Area of the Gambling Help website www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au or a printed copy can be obtained by contacting the South Western Sydney Mental Health – Gambling Help Service.
The Gambling Help Service assists problem gamblers and their families in south western Sydney free of charge and with complete confidentiality.
For help or to make an appointment call 9616 4060 or 1800 858 858 (24hr Gambling Helpline).
*ORC International. 2015. Marketing of Sports Betting and Racing.
http://www.gamblingresearch.org.au/
