When it comes to problem gambling, many people forget about the distress experienced by the friends and family of problem gamblers. The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation is now reaching out to these individuals with a new campaign. Mumbrella reports that McCann Melbourne has created a television advert for the cause.
The campaign features interviews with various people who are related to problem gamblers: a mother, a wife, a daughter. They talk about their issues, speaking about how lonely it is to be in the life of a gambling addict. One woman states that she cannot talk about it with anyone, because she doesn’t want them to know.
The dialogue in the advert takes a realistic approach. Pat Baron, the creative director at McCann notes that the dialogue is based very closely on interviews that took place during the initial research phase. This ensures that people watching the advert will be able to relate to the statements being made in the commercial. It is hoped that they will feel inspired to reach out to the foundation to obtain the help they need.
“Our new campaign is quite different to previous campaigns in that it’s focusing on ensuring family members and friends know help is available to them regardless of whether the gambler is getting help,” says Serge Sardo, CEO of the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation. The goal of the responsible gambling foundation is the harm of problem gambling.
However, this is not only about helping problem gamblers themselves; it extends to supporting their loved ones with counselling and advice. You can view the advert below: