The Salvation Army and other responsible gambling groups across Australian are showing their support for third-party self-exclusion programs. Allowing friends and family to sign a problem gambler up to be excluded, the program would ensure that more compulsive players get the help they need. Now, NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has thrown his support behind the proposal.
"It's a good thing and the right thing to make sure that people who have a problem with their gambling stop gambling and get into counselling and turn their lives around," Mr O’Farrell says. One of the main concerns facing responsible gambling groups is the fact that most problem gamblers are in denial. Many compulsive players do not actively seek help because they are unaware that they have a problem.
It is not uncommon for problem gamblers only to seek assistance when they have hit rock bottom. Friends and family can help them avoid getting to that point by intervening early. However, third parties are not permitted to refer an individual to a self-exclusion program – and Mr O’Farrell believes that responsible gambling initiatives could be greatly improved if this were allowed.
It is also important that problem gamblers seek out other assistance after being barred from gambling venues. It is not enough to simply stop gambling; counselling is an important part of kicking an addiction, and many problem gamblers could benefit from taking advantage of the counselling programs that are offered by the Salvation Army and other local responsible gambling organizations.
Problem gambling is becoming an increasingly important issue in New South Wales and across the rest of the country. With James Packer planning to build a second casino in Sydney, it is important for local politicians and responsible gambling advocates to help compulsive gamblers manage their behaviour.
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