Time To Stop Gambling With People's Health

Dr Glasson said that for most people gambling is a manageable and socially acceptable activity, but for others gambling develops into a serious problem with negative effects on health.

Problem gambling is defined as 'gambling activity, which gives rise to harm to the individual player, and/or to his or her family; such harm may extend into the community'.

"Problem gambling is a growing public health issue that is affecting more and more Australians," Dr Glasson said.

"The Productivity Commission's report into Australia's Gambling Industries found that almost 300,000 - or two per cent - of Australians are problem gamblers.

"Even more alarming is the figure that for each and every one of these problem gamblers an additional five to 10 people are adversely affected in a direct way by their gambling.

"This means that at least two million Australians feel the social and financial - and health - impact of problem gambling. 

"The increasing influence of gambling in society is frightening.

"The total net takings from gambling during 2000-01 were $13,839 million - an increase of 26 per cent since 1997-98.

"This amounts to an expenditure of $944 per head of adult population for 2000-01⁽¹⁾.

"But the negative effects of gambling are not distributed equally among the population.

"In Victoria, for example, gaming machine densities are highest in economically disadvantaged areas, meaning that the more vulnerable in the community have higher exposure to the dangers and temptations of gambling.

"State and Territory governments must do more to ensure that disadvantaged communities and people are better protected from the adverse social problems associated with problem gambling.

"People hooked on gambling may experience stress-related physical and psychological ill health.

"Other adverse effects include family breakdown, domestic violence, criminal activity, disruption to or loss of employment and social isolation.

"Problem gambling may compromise a person's capacity to afford necessities such as adequate nutrition, heating, shelter, transport, medications and health services.

"This can have a devastating effect on the lives of individuals and families and impact on whole communities.

"Doctors are dealing with the victims of problem gambling on a daily basis," Dr Glasson said.

Dr Glasson said there are simple practical ways to reduce the harm of problem gambling.

"The National Australia Bank (NAB) recently signified their intention to remove all Automatic Teller Machines from gaming venues," Dr Glasson said.

"The AMA applauds this move as good corporate social responsibility.

"It is an example that should be followed by all the other banks and automatic teller providers.

"There is no doubt that teller machines in gaming venues exacerbate problem gambling by making access to money too easy.

"It is far better if problem gamblers are forced to leave a venue to get more money because it provides an opportunity for them to take a break and clear their head - and maybe not return to lose more money.

"Let's remove all ATMs from all gaming venues to discourage problem gamblers withdrawing and withdrawing until all their money's gone.

"I call on the Australian Hotels Association and the Australian Bankers Association to join with the AMA to ensure the NAB's initiative becomes policy across the banking and hotel sectors.

"Other banks must be discouraged from filling the void left by the removal of the NAB machines.

"The AMA is committed to working closely with industry, consumer and welfare groups to minimise the harm caused by problem gambling in the Australian community," Dr Glasson said.

Reference: 1.Gambling Industries, Australia, 2000-01 (ABS Catalogue No. 8684.0)

CONTACT:     John Flannery               (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761

Judith Tokley                (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306