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Journal of Gambling Studies
Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies 3/2014

01-09-2014 | Original Paper

Gambling Harms and Gambling Help-Seeking Amongst Indigenous Australians

Authors: Nerilee Hing, Helen Breen, Ashley Gordon, Alex Russell

Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies | Issue 3/2014

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Abstract

This paper aimed to analyze the harms arising from gambling and gambling-related help-seeking behaviour within a large sample of Indigenous Australians. A self-selected sample of 1,259 Indigenous Australian adults completed a gambling survey at three Indigenous sports and cultural events, in several communities and online. Based on responses to the problem gambling severity index (PGSI), the proportions of the sample in the moderate risk and problem gambler groups were higher than those for the population of New South Wales. Many in our sample appeared to face higher risks with their gambling and experience severe gambling harms. From PGSI responses, notable harms include financial difficulties and feelings of guilt and regret about gambling. Further harms, including personal, relationship, family, community, legal and housing impacts, were shown to be significantly higher for problem gamblers than for the other PGSI groups. Most problem gamblers relied on family, extended family and friends for financial help or went without due to gambling losses. Nearly half the sample did not think they had a problem with gambling but the results show that the majority (57.7 %) faced some risk with their gambling. Of those who sought gambling help, family, extended family, friends and respected community members were consulted, demonstrating the reciprocal obligations underpinning traditional Aboriginal culture. The strength of this finding is that these people are potentially the greatest source of gambling help, but need knowledge and resources to provide that help effectively. Local Aboriginal services were preferred as the main sources of professional help for gambling-related problems.
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Metadata
Title
Gambling Harms and Gambling Help-Seeking Amongst Indigenous Australians
Authors
Nerilee Hing
Helen Breen
Ashley Gordon
Alex Russell
Publication date
01-09-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Gambling Studies / Issue 3/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3602
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-013-9388-3

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