Together We Do Better Reducing Gambling Related Harm

VRGF Prevention Partnership Program 2017- 2019 Two year Project. Our project aligns with three of the funded streams: - Building social connectedness and community resilience, to prevent the onset of at-risk gambling behaviours. - Reducing stigma in terms of gambling harm and help seeking. - Working with a range of professionals to build understanding of gambling as a public health issue and to provide support.

Our Project Phase One Identify the information, knowledge and tools required for member houses to develop an understanding and the confidence to consider new and existing opportunities with a “reduction of gambling related harm” lens. Develop learning resources. Phase Two Resource houses to work with community and partners to identify groups at risk of gambling related harm and develop locally relevant strategies to reduce risk. Ask people what is the definition of gambling?

Public Health Approach Focuses on improving the overall health of communities rather than the health of individuals. Rests on shared responsibility for population health, from individuals and community groups to businesses, corporations and governments. Aims to address health inequalities by tackling the range of factors that impact on health including social, economic and environmental factors.

Hotels & Clubs There are approximately 504 hotels and clubs in Victoria that offer gambling activities including. Electronic gaming machines (EGMs) TAB outlets and terminals Keno outlets and terminals There are 26,492 EGMs at Victorian Hotels and Clubs Statistics accurate as at 30 June 2016.

Prevalence of Gambling Related Harm – Study Findings 2014 In Victoria there are approximately 550,000 people who experience gambling related harm under the categories of: - Low risk gambler - Moderate risk gambler - Problem gambler For every person experiencing gambling related harm 5-10 other people are impacted. 12.5% problem gamblers or 549,244 people

What do we mean when we talk about problems and harms from gambling? Financial impacts Emotional or psychological distress Relationship breakdown or conflict Reduced health and wellbeing

Risk Factors Accessibility of gambling Area level socio-economic disadvantage Low connection with community Loneliness and social isolation Acceptance of gambling by family and peers Self esteem, self worth, mental health and disability Male gender Younger age (adolescents and young adults) Aboriginal people CALD Employment in the gaming industry Literature Review relevant to risk factors for problem gambling – academic articles and “grey” literature – Focus on results of prevalence studies undertaken by Australian jurisdictions. Focus on risks for adults –not adolescents. Excluded from review. Individuals personality, family history, trauma and life events, co-morbid health conditions, cognitive distortions

Local Data Licensed EGM’s Losses per Adult 2016/2017 EGM Losses 2016/17 Knox 766 $598 $75 million Manningham 519 $548 $54 million Maroondah 759 $723 $65 million Murrindindi 25 $128 $1 million Whitehorse 431 $389 $53 million Yarra Ranges 442 $245 $29 million THIS IS ONLY POKIES!!!

Lived Experience Three Sides of the Coin

Program/Event ideas Awareness Raising event held in Gambling Harm Awareness Week 8-14th October 2018 or at other times Social Groups on Friday/Saturday night Informal music nights – bring your instrument Social dining groups Establish partnerships with other organisations Walking Groups/Social Groups on weekends BBQ in the park in summer months – run by volunteers Working with existing groups and activities in the house e.g. gambling theme for book groups etc Additional resources for VCAL students and their parents

What Can Neighbourhood Houses Do?

Where Can People Get Help? Gamblers Helpline 24/7 1800 858 858 gamblershelp.com.au

Resources ReSpin Gambling Awareness Speakers Bureau who have speakers who can share their lived experiences phone Gabby Byrne on 9450 2633 or email respin@bchs.org.au Three Sides of the Coin - a theatre performance group. Contact Judy on 9564 6137 or email on Judy.javisarlinkhc.org.au Brochures, pamphlets, posters and support services information from Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation for displays at houses

Thank You Cathy Fyffe Ph: 0425 704 253 Email: cathy@chaosnetwork.org.au