This Gambling Harm Action Week (20-26 October), the ACT Government is encouraging change in the way we talk and think about gambling harm, moving away from blame and stigma, and toward support and shared responsibility as a community.
Minister for Gaming Reform, Dr Marisa Paterson, said this year's Gambling Harm Action Week theme 'Let's change the conversation' invites us to rethink how we talk about gambling harm, to remove the stigma associated with gambling harm and to support those who experience harm to get the help they need.
This week, the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission has released a new Guide for Talking About Gambling and Related Harms, providing practical guiding principles to support balanced, respectful, and informed conversations. The guide is the basis of a new Let's change the conversation campaign, starting this week.
"In the ACT, one in six people are impacted by gambling harm. This means most of us will know someone in our community who is experiencing gambling harm," Minister Paterson said.
"We want to encourage open conversation and help-seeking. This requires shift in how we view gambling harm, and how we support people who experience it," she said.
The ACT Government continues to deliver on its election commitment to reduce gambling harm. Practical and long-term initiatives to addressing gambling-related harm, include:
- the Independent Inquiry into the future of the ACT Clubs industry will develop an industry transition plan to ensure a thriving and sustainable future for community clubs without reliance on gambling revenue.
- tackling harmful features of gaming machines by introducing mandatory, account-based gaming in all ACT venues, supported by a suite of evidence-based harm reduction measures.
- reducing access to poker machines by legislating a long-term target of no more than 1,000 machines by 2045.
- exploring opportunities to reduce the exposure of children and young people to gambling advertising.
- expanding the gambling harm prevention and mitigation fund to ensure the eligibility for a wider range of research and expert advocacy groups.
If you or someone you know is experiencing gambling harm, help is available both for the person gambling as well as their family and friends. Visit gambling harm on act.gov.au to find support that suits you.
For immediate free 24/7 anonymous support, call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 or visit Gambling Help Online.
If you have concerns about gambling services in the ACT, you can raise the issue with the venue or provider directly. If unresolved, you can lodge a complaint online with the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission.
Quotes attributable to Laura Beacroft, Chair of ACT Gambling and Racing Commission:
"The words we use shape how we understand gambling, how we respond to those affected by it, and whether people feel safe enough to seek support. Language can either reinforce stigma or promote empathy, understanding and hope.
The Guide for talking about gambling and related harms recognises that gambling is a risky activity that can harm anyone, and that responsibility for reducing harm is shared across individuals, communities, industry and government.
It offers practical tips for using person-first language, avoiding stereotypes, and including support options in communications. It also provides guidance on recognising the scope and scale of harms - from financial stress and relationship breakdowns to broader impacts on families and communities.
Read the guide and learn more about talking about gambling harm on act.gov.au."
Quotes attributable to Markus Fischer, Lived Experience Coordinator & Community Engagement, ACT Gambling Support Service:
"This language guide has been co-designed with people who've experienced gambling harm firsthand. That matters - because when you've lived it, you know how words can either help or hurt.
Language shapes how we see ourselves and how others see us. It can carry stigma, or it can carry hope. This guide encourages respectful, person-first language that doesn't define people by their struggles, but instead opens the door to empathy, understanding - and real change.
Changing the conversation starts with changing the words we use. When we speak with care, we create space for recovery, support and dignity."
