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Category: Gambling

How to protect yourself when your partner is gambling

Posted on by C R

If your partner’s gambling is starting to take a toll on you or your relationship, you’re not alone.

While gambling can be harmless fun when it’s kept in check, things can sometimes spiral — leading to stress, arguments, money worries, and breakdown in trust.

We’ve put together some advice to help you protect yourself, your money, and the people you care about when gambling starts to feel like a problem. We’ll also go through what free support options are available in Queensland.

 

Looking after yourself and your money

Even if your partner’s gambling doesn’t seem like a big issue right now, it’s okay to put some safety measures in place. Taking small steps now can help protect you down the road.

Here are some steps you can take:

  • Separate or close any joint bank accounts
  • Check your bank account and statements every month
  • Keep bank cards, important documents, and money somewhere safe
  • If you loan them money, put it in writing and agree on a repayment plan
  • Update your banking passwords and PINs, and set up two-factor authentication
  • Regularly open and check your own mail (both from the mailbox and your email)
  • Stash some “just in case” cash in a secret spot, like in a book on the shelf or a coat pocket.

Our Gambling Help Service (GHS) counsellors often suggest having an “escape fund” if your partner is gambling. This could be a second bank account or some cash tucked away, just in case you ever need it.

“That sense of needing safety is always with us, for good or bad. And if an escape fund helps a person feel safe, then it’s doing its job.”

-Helen, GHS Counsellor

 

What is financial abuse?

Financial abuse is when someone controls or manipulates your money to make you dependent on them. It can leave you feeling stuck or powerless.

Financial abuse isn’t always easy to spot – especially when it’s mixed in with things like trust, guilt, or someone saying they’re “looking after you” or “trying to help.” Cultural beliefs or gender roles about who should handle the money can make things even more confusing.

When gambling is involved, signs of financial abuse can include:

  • Stealing money or valuables
  • Giving you little or no access to household funds
  • Making you ask permission to use your own money
  • Lying or being secretive about where money is going
  • Putting debts in your name – with or without you knowing
  • Making you carry shared financial responsibilities on your own
  • Gambling with money that should go to shared expenses, like rent or bills
  • Withdrawing money from your account or shared accounts without asking
  • Pressuring you to take out loans, a credit card, or even your superannuation.

If any of this feels familiar, remember that it’s not your fault. Free support is available.

 

How gambling can affect relationships and families

When gambling becomes harmful or a ‘problem,’ it doesn’t just affect the person placing the bets – it can deeply impact everyone around them, too.

Harmful gambling might lead to:

  • Broken trust
  • Anxiety and worry
  • Arguments and tension at home
  • Ongoing money stress or unpaid bills
  • Emotional strain on relatives and kids
  • Feelings of isolation and not knowing who to talk to

Children in families where gambling harm is present may experience:

  • Neglect
  • Confusion
  • Shame and guilt
  • Anxiety and/or depression
  • Not feeling safe or supported at home.

Gambling harm can leave lasting marks on both children and adults. That’s why taking precautions is so important.

 

Free support is available

If your partner’s gambling is affecting your life, there is free and confidential help available.

You’re not alone. Together, we’ll find a way to get through your partner’s gambling.

You can:

  • Call Gambling Help anytime on 1800 858 858 – it’s free and available 24/7
  • Schedule free, ongoing counselling with our Gambling Help Service
  • Ask your bank about support options if you’re worried about financial abuse

Our Gambling Help Service (GHS) provides free, ongoing counselling to anyone impacted by gambling – whether it’s the person gambling or their loved ones. We can also connect you with other helpful services, like legal support or financial counselling.

If anything in this article has made you worry about abuse or safety in your relationship, please know that help is available. You can ring 1800RESPECT for support with family and domestic violence.

 

 

Older people and gambling

Posted on by admin

Gambling is engrained in Australian culture.

However, when gambling becomes harmful instead of positive, it can have severe consequences. Older Australians have the highest rates of many types of gambling and are particularly at risk of gambling harm.

We’ll go through the signs of gambling harm in older people and how you can help an older loved one you may be worried about.

 

Signs of gambling harm in seniors

Gambling becomes harmful when it starts to have negative consequences on the person’s life and wellbeing.

Signs that gambling is becoming harmful may include:

  • Sudden decrease in wealth
  • Lying about their gambling
  • Stress, anxiety, panic attacks
  • No other hobbies besides gambling
  • Using pension funds or savings to gamble
  • Increasing the amounts they are gambling
  • Gambling in the hopes of winning back losses
  • Not being able to set limits on gambling activities
  • Bragging about gambling wins or minimising losses
  • Irritability when asked about gambling or when not gambling.

 

Worrying numbers

Research shows that older Australians are more at risk of gambling harm than other age group.

Over 23% of older Australians play the pokies, compared to only 16% of the general adult population.

Over 63% of older Australians play the lottery.

 

Why older people gamble

Studies show that older Australians gamble due to loneliness, the need for social interaction, and ease of access.

Social isolation

Social isolation is a major cause of loneliness amongst the elderly. A study by Relationships Australia reveals that over 27% of retired Australians feel lonely.

Older people are at risk of social isolation due to factors such as mobility issues, friends or spouses passing away, and retirement.

Ease of access

Gaming venues in Australia tend to offer promotions targeting older people. Incentives may include cheap meals for seniors, free entertainment geared toward an older audience, and free shuttle buses to and from venues.

These promotions make gambling easy for older people to access, but they can also exploit older people’s vulnerabilities.

 

Advice for loved ones

Learning about safer gambling can protect your older loved one’s financial wellbeing.

We offer a guide to talking to an older person you’re worried about here.

Below are some ways you can help protect your older loved one from the risks of gambling harm:

Suggest less risky hobbies

Suggest alternate hobbies that are accessible and safe for someone of their age group and ability level. Ideas may include joining a local social club, gardening, or puzzles.

Help them to access other activities

While gambling venues are often accessible for the older population, other activities may be harder to attend due to transportation or mobility issues.

You can help by offering to drive them to safer activities, such as free senior social groups.

Here is a list of ten fun, safe activities for seniors.

Be honest about the odds of winning

Studies show that older Australians have limited understanding of Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs), as well as misperceptions about potential EGM harm.

Gently communicate with your loved one about gambling’s risk of losing versus the odds of winning.

 

RAQ offers a Senior Financial Protection Service (SFPS), a free community education program to help older people make informed decisions and to stay safe from financial elder abuse.

You can learn more about the SFPS here, or by calling 1300 063 232.

 

Want to receive updates on our Senior Relationship Services blog posts?

 

Young People and Gambling

Posted on by admin

Technology has changed the way we gamble, making it more accessible and convenient.

Mobile phone users can access online gambling websites and apps at the touch of a button – any time, anywhere. We’re seeing betting ads on billboards, TV, websites, and even social media apps.

Gambling is engrained in Australian culture, and it’s generally accepted and normalised.

Unfortunately, this easy access and regular advertising means our young people have more exposure to gambling than ever before – and it may seem like an appealing activity to some teens and youth.

According to a recent study, the key influences on youth gambling (aged 12-17) include parents/guardians, peers, and advertising.

“Playing around with gambling and betting is part of this natural exploration of risk-taking, and it’s not just exclusive to young people who are over 18,” Belinda from Headspace Gold Coast explains.

“As a community, we don’t always see the small elements of gambling-like behaviours we unconsciously normalise and expose children to regularly – such as acknowledging Melbourne Cup Day in schools.”

We explore the rates of youth gambling in Australia and what we as parents and a community can do to reduce the risk of gambling harm in our children and young people.

 

Troubling Numbers

Research has demonstrated that gambling exposure, and particularly the promotion of gambling, may have a significant impact in shaping young people’s positive attitudes towards gambling.

More troubling findings include:

  • The average young person spends at least 3-4 hours a day on some sort of online activity
  • 1 in 5 adults with gambling problems started gambling before they were 18
  • The average age a young person gambles for the first time is 11 years old
  • 1 in 5 adolescents play casino games
  • Up to 20% of young Australians aged 15-17 have bet on sports in the last 12 months
  • In 2015, the gambling industry spent $236 million nationally on advertisement.

 

Advice for Parents

Gambling-related harm and risks may not be a common conversation parents and guardians have with their children like other youth issues.

But it’s important to provide a safe space for healthy communication around gambling and problem gambling from a young age as it becomes more prevalent among our youth.

“Gambling can be a hidden, dirty word when it comes to recognising that young people under 18 engage in it,” says Belinda.

“But pushing gambling behaviours and related harm under the rug only further negatively impacts young people. It excludes young people from the conversation of gambling harm and discourages early help-seeking.”

Not sure how to start the conversation? We hope these tips help.

Be honest about the odds of winning

Explore and discuss the odds of winning and help them understand the probability of losing.

Have a conversation about risks. We all take risks in life – and maybe more so during our adolescence.  Explore the risks and potential consequences of losing when gambling.

Set boundaries and limitations

It’s not uncommon for young people to experiment with risky pursuits and push boundaries. Establishing boundaries, limitations, and expectations can help form healthy behaviours and understanding about the consequences of underage gambling.

Lead by example

Gambling is often a social activity within families of young people who gamble. Young people will pay close attention to the attitudes and behaviours of parents and other adults in their lives. Be mindful of your language and behaviour around gambling and set an example of safe gambling.

 

Where to Get Support

Relationships Australia and Headspace have teamed up to collaborate with support and advocacy efforts in the youth gambling space.

We work in local communities to start the conversation around young people and gambling, educate the community on how to detect problems associated with gambling, and where to find the appropriate support services.

If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with gambling, free, confidential, and culturally appropriate help is available. You can talk to a counsellor by calling the 24/7 helpline on 1800 858 858.

Or you can contact the Headspace national head office on (03) 9027 0100 to find your local centre. Headspace is committed to providing the best possible service to young people.

Attitudes to Gambling in Different Cultures

Posted on by admin

Australia is one of the most multicultural countries in the world. Almost 30% of our population was born overseas, and nearly every single country from around the world was represented in Australia’s population in 2020.

Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths.

Harmony Week (March 21st – 27th) encourages us to celebrate this diversity, and highlights the importance of respect, inclusivity, and creating a space where everyone belongs. This Harmony Week, we’ve teamed up with Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast (MCCGC) and cultural leaders from around the world to share insights on gambling in different countries, and what gambling looks like in Australia within culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.

 

Gambling Around the World

It’s amazing just how differently gambling is viewed in different cultures.

While it may be considered a positive social activity in some countries, it’s strictly prohibited in others, such as Poland, Singapore, Cambodia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Whether it’s accepted or not, gambling is a part of many cultures around the world – and Australians are widely reported to be the world’s biggest gamblers.

“With gambling being so prevalent in Australia, particularly Queensland, many people who move here from other countries can perceive gambling as a big part of Australian culture,” explains Gambling Help Services Community Educator Amy.

“These individuals may engage in gambling as a way to integrate into the Aussie lifestyle.”

We spoke to some cultural leaders to learn about the attitudes toward gambling in their country of heritage compared to their experience of gambling in Australia.

 

Ping – China

“It’s a good thing. It’s accepted. But there are limits.”

Ping explains that China has a very big gambling culture – especially during Chinese New Year.

She says card games are very popular in China, with everyone knowing how to play cards but not always gambling for monetary value. She also notes that it’s common for seniors of the Chinese community who live in Australia to go to the casino.

“It’s seen as a positive thing for seniors for social engagement. It doesn’t have to be a negative thing,” Ping explains.

“It can be a positive thing – especially for seniors – as long as you have the right education. It’s very important to educate people about limits.”

Ping stresses the importance of educating the next generation about safe gambling.

“It’s important for our leaders to educate and guide in the right way – especially with kids gaming online,” she says. “Start with teenagers in high schools and universities.”

 

Antonella – Argentina

“We have a big and powerful gambling industry.”

Antonella explains that gambling is a big issue in Argentina, with a lot of casinos in the country.

“I never thought that it would be a very safe place for community groups to be in,” she explains.

Antonella also notes that in Argentina, the casino is a popular place for international students and refugees to meet.

 

Yasuko – Japan

“We need more support for the mental impacts.”

Yasuko describes how gambling is viewed in a negative light in Japan. There currently aren’t any bright and flashy casinos like in Australia, and generally, only men participate.

“Gambling seems to be more appealing and positive in Australia, with bright lights, conversation, dressing up and drinking. It’s a social thing here,” she says. “Japanese people don’t dress up for the horse races like Australians do.”

Yasuko explains that in Australia, she has worked in aged care, where she has taken clients to the casino. “They really enjoyed it. It’s positive for entertainment. But more education and support is needed.”

 

Frederik – Netherlands

“Once poker machines arrived, hell broke loose.”

Frederik reminisces on life before casinos opened and gambling became more common in the Netherlands.

“Before the casino opened, family relationships were positive. We enjoyed outdoor activities. Once poker machines arrived, hell broke loose.”

He explains how gambling and drug issues brought more crime to the country, and that “drugs and gambling go hand in hand.”

 

Maria – Hungary

“Gambling is hidden in Hungary, but it’s really in your face in Australia.”

Maria highlights that gambling must be really sought out in Hungary, while it’s extremely accessible in Australia in comparison.

“It’s very hidden in Hungary, and it’s very much in our face in Australia,” she says. “It’s very casual to go somewhere and find pokie machines, for example. It creates a different norm and coping methods for people. The lights and noises are designed to get you in. And once you get high on winning, it’s hard to walk away.”

Maria states that in Hungary, casinos are associated with criminal activities and the upper class. “It’s a hidden world,” she says.

“I believe education is needed regarding the odds and how these games are set up to create compulsive behaviours, taking more reality into this “glamorous” world.”

Maria explains that she believes gambling is a dangerous hobby, and it’s very easy to lose control.

“Most people who participate in gambling in Hungary are vulnerable people who cannot really afford to play or lose big,” she says.

“It would be nice if staff were trained at pubs, where they recognise problematic behaviours. The 24/7 helpline is also a good idea.”

 

Gambling and CALD Communities in Australia

Research funded by the Office of Responsible Gambling found culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities are vulnerable to increased risks of gambling-related harm.

Individuals from these communities generally participate in gambling less than the overall population but when they do, they’re more likely to experience problems.

“These communities may have existing stressors such as learning another language and integrating into a new culture, feeling disconnected from community groups, and not knowing who to reach out to for help,” Gambling Help Services Community Educator Amy explains.

“These can all contribute to higher risks of gambling harm.”

 

Gambling Support for CALD Communities

If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with gambling, free, confidential, and culturally appropriate help is available. You can talk to a counsellor by calling the 24/7 helpline on 1800 858 858.

Gambling Help Queensland can provide translator services and help connect you with your local multicultural services. The website can be translated to six other languages and offers information about problem gambling and where to access help.

“The Gambling Help Service can help you explore options and ideas, support you to get through the hard times, and work with you to achieve positive results,” Amy says.

If you need to connect with your local organisation or community group representing your culture, Multicultural Communities Council Gold Coast can help.

There are a lot of different perspectives and experiences of gambling around the world. Coming to Australia where gambling is common and normalised may contribute to increased risk of gambling harm. It’s important for us all, as a community, to be aware of these risks and to know where to get support.

Responsible Gambling Awareness Week 2020: Getting Help is a Safe Bet

Posted on by admin

Aussies love to gamble. In fact, research shows around 6.8 million Australians are regular gamblers, spending money on one or more gambling activities each month.

From having a flutter on the pokies to backing our favourite team in the big game, gambling is a widely accepted and enjoyed form of entertainment in our culture.

But when gambling goes from harmless fun to risky behaviour, it can have serious impacts on the individual and the people around them.

Responsible Gambling Awareness Week (RGAW) is an annual event that encourages gamblers to stay within their limits and highlights the support available to people who are worried about their gambling, or that of someone they know.

This year, RGAW will be held in Queensland from 27 July to 2 August 2020.

The theme is Getting help is a safe bet. This is a reminder to stop, take a breath, and think about your gambling.

Normal RGAW events have been cancelled due to social distancing restrictions, but we’ll be sharing helpful information and resources on the RAQ Facebook page throughout the week.

If you need help with your gambling, Relationships Australia QLD provides free and confidential help through the Gambling Help Service program. You can learn about the program here, or call the 24/7 Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858.