Working together to build stronger communities - Taking action on problem gambling
The Problem Gambling stream of Diversity in Health 2010 is brought to you by the Department of Justice's Office of Gaming and Racing.
Victorian Government's approach to problem gambling
In 2006, the Victorian Government announced Taking action on problem gambling - a five-year strategy to address problem gambling in Victoria. It is an integrated approach to consumer protection and to the prevention, early intervention and treatment of gambling related harm.
Cultural relevance is a guiding principle that seeks to ensure the design and delivery of prevention and harm minimisation strategies meets the needs of all Victorians, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse (and Indigenous) communities.
Gambler's Help Service System
As part of the strategy, the Gambler's Help Service System remains the cornerstone of the Victorian Government's response to problem gambling.
Gambler's Help provides the following integrated and coordinated services across the eight Victorian State Government Regions:
- Problem gambling case work services
- Specialist portfolio services to develop strong linkages across problem gambling and mental health, alcohol and other drug and family services
- Specialist problem gambling financial counselling
- Community education
- Recovery Assistance Program to provide material and financial assistance to individuals and their families when gambling has resulted in financial crisis
- Gambler's Help Line - 24/7 information, referral, counselling and support (including scheduled telephone counselling)
- Services to Indigenous Victorians (regional and statewide)
- Services to CALD Victorians (regional and statewide)
To further build the capacity of health professionals, the Victorian Government launched the Problem Gambling Professionals website in 2009 .
A first for Australia, the website provides information, guidance and resources to help health and welfare professionals identify problem gambling clients and effectively respond to their needs.
Australia's first online counselling program for those affected by excessive gambling. Gambling Help Online (GHO) is an initiative of the Ministerial Council on Gambling (MCG) and is funded as part of an agreement between all State and Territory Governments and the Australian Government. Launched in August 2009, GHO provides immediate, free, 24/7 text based counselling via real time chat or email support.
GHO also provides a wealth of interactive information and resources about problem gambling issues, help seeking and self help and support materials.