Who we work with

Gambling problems and mental illness frequently occur together. Approximately three quarters of people at high risk of experiencing gambling harm also have a mental illness, most commonly a mood disorder such as depression.

Research shows people seeking help for gambling harm are often experiencing other problems, such as anxiety or substance use issues. A 2015 study found almost three in four people receiving help for gambling were experiencing co-occurring or ‘comorbid’ conditions. Conversely, clients of other services may be experiencing harm from gambling. A recent Foundation-funded study reported that six per cent of clients of Victorian mental health services experience severe gambling problems, a rate eight times higher than the general population.

We work with partners across the health and human services sectors to continuously improve service integration and referral processes so we can provide Victorians seeking help with as seamless an experience as possible.

This year we continued to fund specialist mental health service Alfred Health to provide expert consultancy to Gambler’s Help agencies and to facilitate referrals to local mental health services. We have increased funding to enable Alfred Health to provide services in regional and rural areas and to deliver a mental health webinar series in 2017–2018.

The Foundation is partnering with the AFL Players' Association to empower elite AFL clubs across Australia to recognise and avoid gambling harm within their environments. 

The five-step program will be facilitated in partnership with clubs. Additionally, a gambling harm awareness education program will be delivered to all rookie players in partnership with AFL Sportsready and the AFL Players’ Association. 

An outcome of the programs will be a Gambling Harm Action Plan, which clubs will co-create with the Foundation to define their strategy for educating players on what gambling harm looks like, and shaping their environment to prevent gambling harm.