Third report

The prevention and treatment of problem gambling

12 October 2012

© Commonwealth of Australia 2012
ISBN 978-1-74229-705-7

Prevention
Industry measures
Treatment

Terms of reference
Conduct of the inquiry
Acknowledgements
Scope of report
Structure of report

Importance of a public health approach to gambling
Committee view
Governments need better processes to engage with local communities
Committee view

A public health approach to prevention
Advantages of public information campaigns
Issues concerning 'responsible gambling' messages
Mixed messages
Some campaigns to date
Committee view

The need to address and reduce stigma and stereotypes
Developing a social marketing campaign to address the stigma associated with problem gambling
Recent attempts at anti-stigma campaigns

Need to understand why people gamble
A range of messages are needed for different groups
Other information to be included in social marketing campaigns
Format issues
Is there a role for gambling education?

Lack of industry engagement in the inquiry
Greater attention on the dangers of the product
Staff training and intervention
Self-exclusion in theory
Incentives to gamble from venues
Is there a need for a legislated duty of care?

No 'one type' of problem gambler
Some forms of gambling are riskier than others
What is pathological gambling?

Introduction
Context
Models of treatment
Examples of treatment
Referrals to treatment
Success of treatment
Measures to complement treatment

Introduction
When do people seek help?
Stigma and shame
Lack of awareness
Comorbidity
Ways to increase help-seeking
Treatment services for Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse groups

Introduction
How can we improve treatment systems?
Embedding awareness of gambling across the health system
Qualifications and training

Introduction
The current state of gambling research and data collection
Areas for improvement
A national research agenda is needed
Independence of research and funding sources
Data collection
Evidence base for treatment
Evaluation of treatment

Prevention measures
Industry needs to take more responsibility for a dangerous product
Machine design
Other suggestions to limit harm
The need for a legislated duty of care
Conclusion
Treatment, research and data collection
Other issues