Could gambling be affecting your wellbeing?

The high levels of gambling in our shire and the harm it causes, are under the spotlight during Gambling Harm Awareness Week (October 17-23).

Already this financial year, $3.1 million has been lost to gambling in Bass Coast.

In 2021/22, $15.3 million was lost.

Bass Coast’s losses on poker machines is more than double that of our South Gippsland neighbours.

Of the shire’s 213 poker machines, 58 are located at the Phillip Island RSL.

In 2021, a report from the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation stated that between June and December 2020, the RSL had the highest player loss of any venue in the shire.

According to Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS), the cost is not just a financial one.

With health problems accounting for one-fifth of gambling harm in Victoria, the negative effects of gambling on people’s physical and mental wellbeing will be put under a spotlight by LCHS this week, with local communities encouraged to Talk. Share. Support. 

Under this year’s theme – Could gambling be affecting your wellbeing? – the week provides an opportunity for open community conversations about different types of gambling harm.

“Every day we support people experiencing negative consequences from gambling, as well as those affected by someone else’s gambling, but what harm looks like may surprise some people,” LCHS Partnerships and Prevention Manager Michelle Ravesi said.

“In 2021-22, Gippslanders lost more than $125 million to the pokies. We also know more money is being lost to online gambling.

“According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority, 11 percent of Australians gambled online in the six months to June 2021.

“It’s widely understood gambling can lead to financial losses and relationship difficulties. What’s less often discussed is how gambling can change how people feel and behave,” Ms Ravesi said.

Gambling can cause stress or guilt, difficulties with concentration, and trouble sleeping. These effects can build up over time and have a significant impact on an individual’s mental and physical health.

Research shows Victorians score an average of 8.1 out of 10 for their overall satisfaction with life. For people who are experiencing gambling harm, the average can fall to as low as 5.3 out of 10. 

Ms Ravesi said if you recognise any of these ‘symptoms’ in yourself or someone else who gambles, a conversation may be beneficial.

“Other signs to look out for include feeling shame or regret after gambling, uncharacteristically snapping at friends and family, or drinking more than usual,” she said.

“Gambling harm can affect anyone, so if you’re feeling down and gambling could be the reason, you may get relief from talking about it with family or friends or by seeking help from a gambling support service.

“Talk. Share. Support. is not just a Gambling Harm Awareness Week slogan. It is a list of actions that really work to help improve the wellbeing of people experiencing gambling harm.”

If you are affected by your own gambling, or the gambling of someone you know, phone Latrobe Community Health Service on 1800 242 696.

Latrobe Community Health Service provides the Gambler’s Help service across Gippsland. You can access free and confidential financial and / or therapeutic counselling to help you get your finances back on track and/or give you strategies to take back control of your gambling.