1. Together We Do Better Reducing Gambling Related Harm

2. 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.

3. 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?

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Local Data Licensed EGM’s Losses per Adult 2016/2017
EGM Losses /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!!!

10. Lived Experience
Three Sides of the Coin

11. 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

12. What Can Neighbourhood Houses Do?

13. Where Can People Get Help?
Gamblers Helpline 24/
gamblershelp.com.au

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

15. Thank You Cathy Fyffe Ph: 0425 704 253