A NSW Government advertising campaign highlighting the potential impacts of risky gambling behaviour has been launched in Tamworth today by Member for Tamworth and Minister for Hospitality and Racing Kevin Anderson.
Mr Anderson joined Office of Responsible Gambling Director Natalie Wright and the local GambleAware service to unveil the three-month TV, radio and digital campaign, which promotes the Government’s new GambleAware one-stop shop for information, education, support and treatment.
“It’s great to be able to be at West Leagues today for the statewide launch of the Be Aware Visit GambleAware campaign. It is so important that members of our community are aware of the support available for people at risk of gambling harm and their families,” Mr Anderson said.
“The campaign focuses on the potential impacts of risky gambling behaviour on jobs, relationships and children and encourages people to reach out and get the support they need sooner rather than later.
“We know that people at risk of gambling harm can face difficulties in their personal relationships and at work with issues such as absences, lateness or lack of concentration.
“This campaign is designed as a thought starter to encourage people with, or at risk of, gambling harm to reach out to a family member or friend or check out the full range of information, support and treatment options available through GambleAware.”
The Tamworth region has 31 pubs and clubs that operate a total of 720 gaming machines. All venues with gaming machines must adhere to strict harm minimisation measures such as making available self-exclusion schemes for patrons who want to stop gambling.
Mr Anderson said with nearly one in 10 gamblers in NSW considered at risk of harm, there are thousands of people in regional communities such as Tamworth who could benefit from the wide range of services offered through GambleAware.
“GambleAware Hunter New England currently provide information, treatment and support services to over 260 people in the Tamworth region through counselling, community engagement and education,” Mr Anderson said.
“GambleAware brings together all NSW gambling support, education and treatment services under the one banner and is focused on supporting the entire community including people who may not face current challenges around gambling but may be at longer-term risk.”
Director of the Office of Responsible Gambling, Natalie Wright, said that while the campaign features light-hearted scenarios, it had a serious message and showed how some gambling behaviour can jeopardise relationships, jobs and children.
“The campaign also encourages parents to check their children’s video games for any elements that promote gambling,” Ms Wright said.
“We want people to know they are not alone as there is a wide range of innovative self-help, support and treatment options available through GambleAware.”
More information can be found on the which has tools and resources to help people check in on their gambling, learn how to gamble safely, support their loved ones or exclude themselves from gambling altogether.
