Getting back to the real game
Are you spending more time watching the odds than the action? It might be time to get back to the real game – particularly this coming AFL Grand Final weekend!
Sports betting is the fastest growing sector of the national gambling industry. In 2015-16, Australians lost around $921 million on sports betting – and this didn’t include betting on horse or grey hound races.
Have you:
- bet more than you could really afford to lose?
- gambled to win back money?
- felt guilty or anxious about your gambling and the issues it may be causing?
- needed to bet with larger amounts to get the same rush?
- lost track of how much money and time you’ve spent gambling?
- had people question you about your gambling lately?
If so, it might be time to reach out for support, and Anglicare Tasmania makes it easy, this Gamble Aware Week (19-24 October), with a focus on sports betting.
We have a dedicated web page that is full of hints and tips, including fact sheets that you can download and use as conversation starters with your family, friends and team mates at your local sporting club. Our Gamble Aware team will also visit sporting clubs this week to spread the message, and is planning a post-week survey to help improve our outreach service.
What is Gamblers Help?
Anglicare’s Gamblers Help service is at the ready to support both existing and new clients to achieve their goals. The service is funded by the Tasmanian Government and run by Anglicare in the North West and South and Relationships Australia in the North.
Free and without time restrictions or judgement, Gamblers Help is available to anyone who is being harmed by their own or someone else’s gambling. We can also link you with Anglicare’s financial counselling service.
“One of the features that works well for many of our clients is ‘self-exclusion’,” says Carlene Hutton. “Working with a counsellor, you will identify the venue or venues that are causing problems for you and your name will be added to a no-entry register managed by Anglicare.”
Would you like more information?
Visit the Anglicare website for a handy series of fact sheets, tips on how to talk to your mates and the Gambler’s Help support service.
We welcome your call on 1800 243 232.
Anglicare’s Facebook page will include regular posts during the week. (It’s a great way to keep informed about other Anglicare programs, events and news in your community, too.)
You can also join a free online community education session on Tuesday 27 October (North West) and Thursday 29 October (North and South). These sessions will be held between 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. via Zoom—check our Facebook page for details.
PHOTO: Anglicare Tasmania’s Alcohol and other Drugs team members (from left) Carlene Hutton, Tina Johnston and Sean Robinson.
