Gambling and Aboriginal people

Most people in Australia love to gamble, playing lotto, scratchies, in casinos, on sporting events or betting on horse or dog races.

The Melbourne Cup is by far the most known and popular betting event with many Australian employers interrupting work to watch the race.

Gambling is very common in many Aboriginal communities but little data exists. Aboriginal people usually have about 50% less money than non-Indigenous people and have a higher unemployment rate, suggesting that "significant numbers of Aboriginal people experience gambling-related problems" [1].

A short history of Aboriginal gambling

It is likely that Aboriginal people gambled prior to invasion, including wagering for food and clothing. In the late 19th and early 20th century large card circles for adults and children were common on missions and reserves. Depending on age children played for lollies or cigarettes. Today community card playing is part of everyday life in many Aboriginal families [1,2].

Aboriginal people describe gambling as a way of socialising, particularly in rural and remote areas, to relieve boredom and loneliness.

While women are more likely to gamble on poker machines, bingo and cards, men are more likely to gamble on horse racing.

Consultations suggest that problems associated with gambling in NSW Aboriginal communities are getting worse.

Gambling in Aboriginal communities has a big impact because some people have low incomes and big habits. —Survey participant [1]

Gambling is good?

Many Aboriginal people consider gambling to be a recreational activity and closely link it to drinking. This is due to the frequent co-location of gambling and alcohol-licensed premises.

Gambling problems might go along with drug and alcohol problems. Stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, depression and feelings of not belonging to the community make gambling problems more common for Aboriginal people than the non-Indigenous community.

Many gambling venues offer easy access, long opening hours, air condition and serve food and drinks. This makes them an attractive alternative to hot outdoor camps or overcrowded living conditions which are common in Aboriginal communities.

Gaming machines are good pain killers. —Aboriginal health service provider [1]

Some gambling statistics

Gamblers don't seek help

Common gambling problems are well known and similar throughout the world. Gambling has been linked to mental health (depression and suicide), physical health, spiritual health, family breakdown, domestic violence, crime, financial difficulties and many more issues [3].

Within Aboriginal communities gambling problems are often a source of shame and stigma which can stop them from seeking help with gambling. Aboriginal people who work in professional roles or who are respected elders in the community are particularly vulnerable.

Feelings of shame and concerns about confidentiality are significant barriers to Aboriginal people seeking help for problem gambling, especially with gamblers who have difficulties in limiting their money and time spent gambling. Hence not many Aboriginal people seek help from gambling treatment services.

We as Aboriginal people don't like talking about gambling. —Ashley Gordon, Ministerial Expert Group on Gambling [3]

Governments usually tackle problem gamblers with counselling services, but there is a shortage of Aboriginal gambling and financial counsellors. In 2008 only 6 Aboriginal gambling counsellors existed in all of Australia [1]. Many Aboriginal gamblers shy away from using the few services that exist [2].

Aboriginal health services routinely deal with mental health issues, drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence but overlook addressing gambling.

Gambling is causing a lot of harm, but what scares me most is that it is not being discussed by Aboriginal people. —Ashley Gordon, Ministerial Expert Group on Gambling [2]

If you see a gambling counsellor its saying you're a loser. [People] don't understand the psychological escape gambling is for some people and how difficult it is to walk away.—Survey participant [1]

Where to get help

There are only few mainstream service providers who are experienced in working with Aboriginal clients. Many need more knowledge, skills and confidence to engage with Aboriginal communities.

If you are a gambler and you need help contact the following services and resources:

Aboriginal Safe Gambling Program

1800 752 948 (freecall)
This helpline provides information about the NSW Aboriginal Safe Gambling Program.

Problem Gambling Help Line (G-line) NSW

1800 633 635
This is a confidential 24-hour, 7 days a week, statewide helpline offering crisis counselling, available to anyone in NSW.

Gambling Help Online

www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
A website with information on gambling offering information to regain control, find support and help others. The site offers a 24/7 phone number for counselling, information and referral.

Gambling money used to help Aboriginal groups

In New South Wales, the Responsible Gambling Fund uses some of the money gambled (or lost) to support gambling treatment services and research. Places that earn more than A$1 million from their poker machines (called 'pokies' in Australia) each year get a tax break if they contribute to local community projects. Aboriginal community groups are eligible to apply for such funds.

Out of respect for Aboriginal culture I use Indigenous sources as much as possible.
[1] 'Pressing problems - Gambling issues and responses for NSW Aboriginal communities', Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW, 5/2008 (research conducted from 2005 to 2007 in New South Wales) [2] 'On a loser', Koori Mail 489 p.1 [3] 'New program is a good bet', Koori Mail 497 p.39 [4] 'Gambler's challenge', Koori Mail 409 p.21