Alcohol and gambling

Horses, dogs, footy, pokies, blackjack, two-up, scratchies, Lotto, bingo and, of course, two flies up-the-wall. Australians gamble more per head of population than any other nation. That's not necessarily a problem in itself, as gambling can be recreational and enjoyable. The same principle applies as with alcohol; it's about keeping the balance right, fitting gambling around a healthy lifestyle.

But when losses exceed what can be afforded there is a problem. And when the over-riding motive is to win money or to escape from boredom and depression, then it is very easy for things to go horribly wrong with massive repercussions for bank balances and debt, and for the mental health of gamblers and their families. Fraud is common when problem gamblers desperately 'chase' their losses to try and repair the damage. Families are ripped apart; it is very difficult to regain the trust of family members and friends. Problem gamblers often become depressed and anxious as a result of their gambling.

Is there a link between alcohol and gambling?

Yes. Research has shown that just two standard drinks are enough to cloud the judgement of most gamblers, leading to larger bets.

And some people have found that after successfully bringing their drinking under control, they have begun to gamble excessively.

The strategies for dealing with a gambling problem are similar to those for dealing with an alcohol problem. Recognition of the problem involves an assessment of your gambling before acting by using strategies for cutting down or giving up. Then social support and continuing to monitor high-risk situations and your gambling is required to maintain change. Just as for alcohol problems, most people with a gambling problem eventually bring it under control.

Click here for Gambling Links. Most sites will direct you to gambling services. Some sites include self-help materials.

State/Territory Sites

Victorian government

The Victorian government's website defines problem gambling, summarises latest research and projects, provides links to problem gambling services and includes a news update and information relating to the latest government harm-reduction campaigns. Links are provided to the prevention kit for use in schools and to community partnerships. The site is available in multiple languages. This is a comprehensive website of use to various stakeholders.
http://www.problemgambling.vic.gov.au/

South Australian government

This site is similar to that of the Victorian governments in scope. The site contains, in addition to relevant information on problem gambling services available, self-help manuals, one for problem gamblers and a parallel one for family members/friends. The site content and the self-help manuals are available in multiple languages.
http://www.problemgambling.sa.gov.au/

NSW government

The NSW Office of Liquor Gaming & Racing has pages devoted to problem gambling (where to receive help from the "G-Line" network) and "responsible gambling" information/code of conduct. The problem gambling has a number of self-help resource links, including an innovative gambling loss calculator. http://www.olgr.nsw.gov.au/gaming_hfpg.asp
The help page for gamblers also links to http://www.gamblinghangover.nsw.gov.au/, an extensive, well structured, self-help website (in addition to links to services) that includes personal stories of problem gambling to which members of the public can contribute.

ACT government

This site is fairly limited in scope, providing an overview, some tips, and links to gambling services in the ACT. http://www.problemgambling.act.gov.au/

Queensland government

The newly formed (July 2008) Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing has a web-page devoted to "responsible gambling".
http://www.olgr.qld.gov.au/responsibleGambling/index.shtml

West Australian government

Links to a Gambling Hotline from which referrals to services can be made.
http://www.rgl.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?cat=GamingProblem

Centrelink

Centrelink provides a national directory of gambling help services.
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/services/gamb.htm

Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

FACSIA provides an overview of the National Framework on Problem Gambling 2004-08 (Ministerial Council on Gambling). There is also a link to the council sponsored Gambling Research Australia (GRA).
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/gamblingdrugs/progserv/problemgambling/Pages/default.aspx

Relationships Australia

This is one page within Relationships Australia's website. It provides brief information on harm minimisation resources provided by RA gambling, practical tips for controlling gambling, and links to the RA network of 'Gambling Help' services located in Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Telephone assistance is available Australia-wide.
http://www.relationships.com.au/what-we-do/services/problem-gambling

Central Coast of NSW - NGOs

A number of organisations that offer services on the Central Coast of NSW have a combined website dedicated to helping problem gamblers and their families. It includes personal testimonies. It is available in five languages. http://www.problemgambling.net.au/

The Diversity Health Institute

The Diversity Health Institute is a coalition of many non-government organisations and peak bodies. It provides a multicultural gambling site which provides assistance in more than 40 languages. Telephone and face-to-face counselling is provided.
http://www.dhi.gov.au/mpgs/