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Assisting Problem Gamblers in the Gaming Venue: A Counsellor Perspective

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Abstract

Governments now recognise gambling as a social and public health issue that invites a collaborative approach to responsible gambling and help-seeking involving the gambling industry, gambling help agencies and the wider community. In this paper, we report on findings from interviews with 23 counsellors working in Queensland Gambling Help agencies in Australia based on their own and their clients’ experiences of the processes and practices involved in help seeking in gaming venues. An aim of this study was to establish how venues interact with local gambling help agencies to provide assistance to patrons with gambling problems and the way that venue staff respond. It identified gaps in relevant staff skills and responsible gambling training, particularly the barriers to providing appropriate assistance to problem gamblers, and best practice examples. The barriers to seeking assistance included: patrons feeling shame; issues of confidentiality; and lack of awareness of help available at gaming venues.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by financial assistance from the Queensland Office of Regulatory Policy through its Responsible Gambling Research Grants Scheme. The authors do not have a financial relationship with this organisation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Gambling Education and Research, Southern Cross University, Limsore, NSW, Australia

    Nerilee Hing & Elaine Nuske

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  1. Nerilee Hing
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  2. Elaine Nuske
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Correspondence to Nerilee Hing.

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Hing, N., Nuske, E. Assisting Problem Gamblers in the Gaming Venue: A Counsellor Perspective. Int J Ment Health Addiction 9, 696–708 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-010-9305-2

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