COUNTING THE COSTS OF GAMBLING

Gambling has become a major problem for people of all walks of life, including people unde the age of 25.

Gambler Help is an organisation that helps problem gamblers to eventually quit the habit. Colleen Lovell from gamblers help said one of the main forms of gambling that people under 25 take, is turf gambling (Horse Racing, Trots and The Greyhounds).

A recent survey conducted by the state government found that youth gambling made up 24% of problem gambling in Victoria. This puts young people under 24 in the top three highest groups that have a gambling problem in the state.

In Ballarat between 1 & 2% of the population have a gambling problem, which put the city on a par with metropolitan Melbourne.

Many outside influences can create a gambling problem (i.e.. friends and Work Colleagues). However one of the prominent comes from family, practically if your family either breeds or train horses and\or gambles on the horses, or your family may have a history of playing the pokies.

Some families may try to hide a gambling problem within the family unit so that out side people will not suspect a gambling problem is within the family.

Colleen said that going out with friends and family to a gaming venue is not seen as a problem, but a problem gambler will return to the venue a short time after going home.

Nine out of ten problem gamblers under 25 turn to turf gambling as against some others who use the pokies.

Drugs and Alcohol abuse has not statistically been linked to a person having a gambling problem, but people who may have committed crimes may suffer some form of gambling problem.

Nick Pollock
Youth@bility Reporter

If you would like more
information about
Gamblers Help call:

1800 156 789