Across Victoria, responsible gambling campaigners have had a significant impact on the local gaming market. They have worked hard to ensure that problem gambling support remains a priority, and a recent conference aimed to tackle the issue. On 26 August, counsellors and welfare workers got together at a conference organised by the Bouverie Centre in partnership with the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation.
At the event, attendees learned more about improving problem gambling support services to compulsive players across the state. Problem gambling is one of the most difficult forms of addiction to deal with. It often comes hand-in-hand with other forms of addiction, so an integrated approach is needed.
Gambling addiction also has a unique stigma attached to it, so compulsive players are often quite reluctant to come forward. As such, counsellors and support workers also work with the loved ones of problem gamblers regularly.
“With as few as 10 per cent of people with gambling problems seeking formal help, we are adopting a ‘no wrong door’ approach to service delivery to make sure clients don’t fall through the cracks,” says Serge Sardo, CEO of the Responsible Gambling Foundation. This approach ensures that no compulsive gamblers are left without treatment. As such, cross-sector collaboration is encouraged.
The needs of problem gamblers are quite complex, and this method will ensure that they get the help that they truly need. “By working across sectors, Gambler’s Help services can also contribute to a growing pool of knowledge, expertise, funding, shared referrals and other valuable resources which can improve outcomes for clients,” he continues.
This is a great development for problem gambling support services. It is good to see support staff from across the country working hard to ensure that local residents who are suffering from gambling addiction can develop a healthy relationship with the activity.
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