New resource – Reducing stigma: A guide for talking about gambling harm
The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation has released a new resource to assist media and others to talk about gambling harm-related issues in a non-stigmatising way.
Gambling has become more topical in recent years. Several public inquiries into casino practices, a federal parliamentary inquiry into online gambling, and industry’s skyrocketing advertising spend – more than $309 million in Australia in 2022* – have fuelled community interest in the subject.
However, the stigma associated with gambling harm is a deterrent to help seeking, which research has found is exacerbated by insensitive, judgmental and blaming language that implies those affected have a defective character.
The new resource comprises two documents, including a quick reference guide, which:
- explain the difference between problem gambling and gambling harm
- outline the different types of gambling harm
- provide examples of stigmatising terms and suggest alternatives
- offer practical advice on working with people who have lived experience of gambling harm to share their stories.
In developing the evidence-based resource, the Foundation considered the findings of academic and market research, reports of public inquiries, and consultations with our Lived Experience Advisory Committee, Gambler’s Help counsellors, other clinical experts, and Mindframe.
Click on the below links to view the guides.
*Nielsen Ad Intel, estimated ad. spend on monitored media channels and outlets, Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2022 (2022), Jan 3, 2021 to Jan 1, 2022 (2021)
Media contact:
Fiona Skivington, Manager, Media & Communication
on +61428248931 or fiona.skivington@responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au