ACT Gambling Counseling & Support Service
Our guest speaker this week was Ms Aoifa Berenger from the ACT Gambling Counseling & Support Service.
Service (AGCSS) exists to provide support and raise awareness to address gambling harm. Gambling harm is defined as “any kind of harm or distress arising from, caused or exacerbated by, a person’s gambling”. AGCSS was established in 2011 and is managed by Relationships Australia in partnership with Care Inc. and funded by the ACT Problem Gambling Assistance Fund. The are not a gambling regulator or anti-gambling. The AGCSS philosophy is to provide a public health framework, harm minimisation, education and to reduce stigma. Services are FREE and available to those who have concerns either about their own gambling or that of a family member or friend.
There definite correlations between gambling and other societal problems areas. There is a 58% correlation with substance abuse, 38% correlation with mood and abuse disorders, 52% correlation with family violence, 37% correlation with anxiety disorders, and an 80% correlation with suicidal ideation.
Australians spend over $18 billion per annum on all forms of gambling or $1500 per capita. This amount is considerably higher compared to other countries such as New Zealand ($495 per capita), Canada ($393 per capita) and USA ($325 per capita). People who engage in harmful gambling lose an average of $21,000 a year (that’s a third of the average annual salary). 5-10 people are significantly impacted by one person’s gambling meaning that up to 5 million Australians could be affected by gambling harm each year (including friends, family, employers). The estimated social cost of problem gambling is around $4.7 billion. In the ACT 14,998 people (5.4%) report symptoms of experiencing harm associated with their gambling. People experiencing gambling typically do not seek help until the consequences of their gambling are serious.
AGCSS services are available 24/7 to people who have concerns about their own gambling OR their families and friends