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Welcome to Gamble Aware Week 2022

Gamble Aware Week is an annual initiative to increase awareness around gambling and gambling related harm in the Tasmanian community.

It’s also an opportunity to talk openly about gambling addiction and help reduce the stigma around gambling.

Throughout the week we will:

encourage people who gamble to recognise when their gambling may place them at risk of harm
provide information on practical ways to keep gambling under control
provide information about services in the community that are available to support people.

What's the real co$t?

We’re pleased to be hosting Gamble Aware Week for the 3rd year in a row. This year’s theme is What’s the Real Co$t?

Throughout the week we’d like to encourage people to talk about the costs associated with gambling, gambling harm and the effect these can have on the community, family members, friends, workplace and the individual.

The aim is to:

Connect through seeking out or offering support
Observe the toll that gambling really takes
Speak up about gambling harms and redefine as an addiction
Think twice about perpetuating stigmas… promote open and honest conversations.

This week we focus on personal stories of recovery, sharing hope and optimism, and reducing the stigma associated with gambling that prevents people from seeking help.

Thank you to those with lived experience who have taken the time to share their story.

Noel Mundy
General Manager – Housing and Community Services

What’s the Real Cost?

To mark the start of Gamble Aware Week, Anglicare Tasmania’s Social Action Research Centre (SARC) has released a report that explores the real cost of gambling.

It highlights the ripple effect that gambling has on interpersonal relationships, physical and mental health and the wellbeing and productivity of entire communities.

Download the report

Statewide Gamble Aware Week Events

South

Anglicare’s Gamble Aware Week Launch – Glenorchy Family Fun Day
Join us Monday, 31 October from 10.00am to 2.00pm on the Glenorchy City Council lawn to help launch Gamble Aware Week.

We will be hosting local service and support providers from around the Hobart area. There will also be fun activities for the whole family including a large snakes and ladders, make your own mask arts and crafts, balloons and so much more!

Rokeby Neighbourhood Centre – Halloween Fun
Join us Monday, 31 October from 3.00pm at the Rokeby Neighbourhood Centre for a Halloween barbeque with games and activities for children as well as free lucky dip prizes.

Download a copy of the event flyer here.

North

Northern Suburbs Community Centres – Picnic and Play at Lilydale District School
Join us Friday, 28 October from 10.00am to 12.00pm for a family picnic and play event at Lilydale School.

This is a free event, with a BBQ, farm animals, pony rides and face painting all included for families to enjoy.

Download a copy of the event flyer here.

North West

Youth, Family & Community Connections (YFCC) – Arvos at the Junction
Arvos is a weekly drop in session for young people aged 11-18 years of age. This week, in conjunction with Gamble Aware Week, our focus will be educating attendees on some of the risks and safeguards that apply with both online gaming and gambling.

Join us Monday, 31 October from 3.00pm at the Pathway Shed in East Devonport
Join us Tuesday, 1 November from 3.00pm at the Devonport Junction.
Join us Wednesday, 2 November from 12.00pm at the Burnie Junction

Gambling doesn't discriminate

Did you know that gambling affects people across all age groups, gender and social demographics?

Gambling harm (which is different to a casual turn on the poker machines or a ‘flutter on the horses’) can see family relationships suffer and people unable to afford to eat or heat their homes.

Research shows that people will seek help for a drug use issue before they will seek treatment for gambling related harm. But research also shows the earlier you have a conversation around someone’s gambling the less likely they are to develop a more serious form of gambling harm.

Stories from the community

Stop. Control. Reduce. Your goals, your choice.

If gambling has become a problem, you are not alone.

Gambling can quickly get out of control. If gambling is affecting you or your family, Gamblers Help counsellors are here to support you. We can help you to set and achieve your goals.

If you’d like a ‘self-exclusion order’ that bars you from gambling areas in Tasmania, Gamblers Help can arrange that. We can provide support and encouragement, too.

Our Gamblers Help service provides support and strategies that work. You can read the following client stories to see how Gamblers Help has supported Tasmanians already.

All clients' names have been changed to protect their privacy. Find more stories here

Nigel

Nigel, 30, came to Gamblers Help with a clear vision that he wanted to stop gambling.

He wanted to learn how to deal with the urges and cravings associated with his addiction.

He also wanted to bring the extent of his gambling habit and debts out into the open with family and friends…

Read the story here

Hayley

Hayley contacted the Gamblers Help service to arrange a self-exclusion.

In her first appointment with a counsellor, she spoke about the current stressors in her life.

Hayley indicated she was unsure whether she wanted to complete an exclusion. After a discussion with her counsellor, a goal was set to control her gambling behaviour…

Read the story here

Ben

Ben sought out the Gamblers Helpline for ongoing concerns over his gambling.

Ben was a young male living with his partner and baby. He was working full-time and held qualifications in the trade sector.

He was also a talented athlete. At the age of 18, Ben was drafted to a national sports team. It was during this time Ben was introduced to and joined the team’s punter club…

Read the story here

Andrew

Andrew was 43 when he first came to see a Gamblers Help counsellor in July 2019.

Andrew linked his high stress levels and depression to his ongoing use of poker machines.

His wife and children had left, and he had debts of $19,000. He felt that his life had hit rock bottom…

Read the story here

Latest Blogs

View all

Understanding gambling harm. Pictured: A male excitedly reacting to a wager placed on a mobile sports betting app. The male is standing outside a sports stadium.

Sep 20, 2022

What does gambling harm look like?

The average Australian adult spends $1,172.14 on gambling per year (2014-15). This makes Australia the gambling capital of the world. Read full story How does Gambling Harm affect others? Pictured: Young man looks despondently at the mobile phone in his hand

How does Gambling Harm affect others? Pictured: Young man looks despondently at the mobile phone in his hand

Sep 20, 2022

Do you know how your gambling affects others?

Gambling can have a wide ripple effect. It’s estimated that for every person experiencing gambling harm another seven other people are affected, too. Read full story Find healthy activities to help you avoid gambling. Pictured: riends sitting on a mountain top overlooking Hobart.

Find healthy activities to help you avoid gambling. Pictured: riends sitting on a mountain top overlooking Hobart.

Sep 20, 2022

Staying active can help you control your gambling

Many people who gamble say it’s a way to avoid boredom, or cope with stressful situations. Here are some ideas for activities that can keep you busy and fulfilled. Read full story

Take the 100 Day Challenge!

The 100 Day Challenge is a flexible program designed with the help of professionals to give people the support they need to reduce the harm gambling may be causing in their lives. And it’s all done anonymously.

Whether it’s wanting to simply cut back on gambling, take a break or stop permanently, the 100 Day Challenge is a great resource. People can set individual goals, get support and advice, discover new activities or chat to others who are also up for the challenge.

For support or more information contact us at GamblersHelp@anglicare-tas.org.au or on 1800 243 232.

Download the 100 Day Challenge App

Top 5 tips to stop gambling

Set money and time limits, and stick to them.
Take breaks when gambling.
Don’t chase your losses – walk away.
Make gambling only one part of a range of activities you use for interest or recreation.
Quitting: Delay + Distract = staying stopped.

Find more tools to stop gambling here

Community Resources

If you are a friend or family member who is supporting someone with a gambling problem, Anglicare’s Gamblers Help Family Resource Booklet can help you identify:

the warning signs of gambling harm
the impact of gambling on the individual
how to support the individual
how to take care of yourself
how to find services and supports in your local area.

You can also call us on 1800 243 232 to speak with one of our counsellors.

Download Family Resource Booklet

Sign up for Anglicare's monthly Snapshot Newsletter

Funding

Gamblers Help is funded by the Tasmanian Government through the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Visit the Department of Premier and Cabinet for more information.