Gambling addiction not only has a negative effect on the gambler; it is also harmful for their friends and families. In addition to causing stress and financial turmoil, problem gambling can also be a catalyst for violence. According to researchers at Melbourne University, there is a link between gambling addiction and domestic violence – an issue that should be address imminently.

According to the study, Melbourne University researchers found that almost half of problem gamblers’ relatives had experience violence in the previous year. The study was led by Professor Alun Jackson, and it is the first of its kind. No other research project has examined the link between problem gambling and violence.

The researchers interviewed 120 individuals who had sought help for a relative who had shown signs of gambling addiction. 52.5% of respondents report some type of domestic violence. Of those individuals, 20% reported victimisation, 10.8% reported actual violence and 21.6% reported both.

Parents, current partners and ex-partners were the most likely to be victims of abuse, and researchers are concerned that the abuse may extend to children. "They are often the victims of violence by extended family members, particularly parents, parents-in-law, who are often stepping in to try and protect their family member,” says Jackson.

"For example a problem gambling mother will be abused by her partner who is at the end of their tether and then she will displace that violence onto children”. Professor Jackson’s research also highlights support services’ failure to screen families for signs of violence. Many respondents stated that taking part in the study was the first time that they were asked about the potential of violence.

When they had sought support services, they were only asked about gambling behaviour; so, much of the abuse goes unreported. The research team suggests that problem gambling services should begin screening for the presence of violence in order to offer more effective treatment for victims of gambling addiction.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.