- Gambling Harm Awareness Week runs from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 October 2023
- State Government funded counselling service shows 16 per cent increase in new clients
- Gamblers urged to recognise the warning signs and seek help
Western Australians are being encouraged to recognise the warning signs of gambling-related harm and to seek help as Gambling Harm Awareness Week kicks off today.
The State Government funded gambling support service, Gambling Help WA (GHWA), reported a 16 per cent rise in referrals, with 611 new cases in 2022-2023. The free service provided 3,082 gambling and financial counselling sessions during this period.
Trends from GHWA data:
- the majority of clients are male (75 per cent);
- the primary types of gambling for people aged 40 to 49 years and 50 to 59 years were casino table games/keno;
- for younger age groups, between 18 to 24 and 25 to 29, there was a decrease in casino-table games/keno gambling types with an increase in sports betting and use of all online gambling platforms; and
- most clients are English speaking but there has been an increase in the need for interpreters (162 sessions compared to 91 in 2021-2022).
If you're gambling with more than you can afford to lose, help is available. Visit www.gambleaware.com.au or call 1800 858 858.
As stated by Racing and Gaming Minister Reece Whitby:
"For many people gambling is a bit of fun using some spare cash but for some this can quickly become a harmful habit using up savings, rent and mortgage payments.
"During Gambling Harm Awareness Week, we're encouraging people to reach out if they recognise the signs of gambling-related harm in themselves or someone they know.
"The WA Government funds support services, including a 24/7 helpline and one-on-one counselling, so that Western Australians facing gambling related harm can get help for free."
