While gambling harm is a major issue across Australian society, there has been comparatively little research into how this problem is experienced in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
Existing research suggests that gambling participation rates in CALD communities are lower than average, but rates of excessive gambling and related harm are higher than average.
ECCV’s submission outlines our findings about gambling harm in CALD communities, how it is experienced, and strategies for prevention.
One of the issues associated with gambling in CALD communities is stigma, where people are often reluctant to seek help for their gambling problems and instead try to deal with it themselves or within their families.
Dominant messages and language in society tend to blame individuals for their gambling problems, and not the structures in our society. Therapy and counselling are also sometimes seen as Western concepts that are inappropriate for some CALD groups, which can create a further barrier to seeking help.
To reduce gambling harm in CALD communities, ECCV recommends taking a public health approach to gambling harm in order to lift the shame and stigma, and remove the responsibility from individuals and families.
Multicultural and ethno-specific organisations must also be supported to develop relevant and effective gambling harm policies, as well as targeted programs to prevent gambling amongst CALD youth.
Media Enquiries
For all media or information contact:
Email: media@eccv.org.au
Phone: 0431 091 738
