The following information is for individuals and organisations working with migrant and refugee communities. It can help you to support clients affected by problem gambling.
What is problem gambling?
Gambling has existed for thousands of years, and has different forms in different cultures.
The most common forms of gambling in Australia include poker machines (pokies), games at the casino and bets on sports events. Forms of gambling practised in other cultures may include betting on cockfights and horse racing, or playing cards and dice.
Gambling is a form of recreation and entertainment for many people, but it can sometimes become a problem. Problem gambling has two components:
- Harm: When a person's gambling activity leads to harm to the player, his or her family, or the community in general
- Loss of control: When a person spends more time or money gambling than they intend to
You'll find more information at the Victorian Government's problem gambling website.
How does it affect refugee and migrant communities?
Problem gambling can affect people of all cultures and backgrounds.
Through the migration process, migrant and refugee communities can experience a range of settlement pressures such as language barriers, unemployment, isolation and separation from family. Research has shown that these pressures can contribute to a propensity to gamble.
Research conducted by CEH with Somali, Iraqi, Sudanese Dinka and Liberian communities has found that the longer communities reside in Australia, the higher the risk of developing gambling problems.
Gambling may be more attractive to people of refugee or migrant backgrounds because:
- they may feel lonely, depressed, stressed or bored
- venues are easily accessible, and offer a welcoming and safe environment
- they may not understand how the machines work, or the odds of winning
- they do not need English skills to access gaming venues
Access to services
People of migrant and refugee backgrounds can face a number of barriers that prevent them from accessing problem gambling services.
These barriers include:
- lack of awareness about problem gambling services
- concerns about privacy and confidentiality
- feelings of shame and stigma
- mistrust or misunderstanding about the role of counselling
The Multicultural Gambler's Help Program (MGHP) assists refugee and migrant communities to learn more about problem gambling and to access support services.
Find out more about our services