ECCV welcomes proposed gambling harm protections

MEDIA RELEASE

The Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV) welcomes the reforms announced yesterday to protect Victorians from gambling harm. Targeted measures are needed to address problem gambling in multicultural communities.

ECCV CEO, Mo Elrafihi said:

“We welcome the State Government’s commitment to protecting Victorians struggling with gambling addiction and preventing gambling harm in our community. These measures will be a lifeline for vulnerable individuals and families.

“Areas with a large number of electronic gambling machines, significant gambling losses and lower socio-economic statuses have large culturally diverse populations.

“In a 2018 ECCV survey, 80 percent of respondents confirmed the pervasive presence of gambling within our multicultural communities.

“We need to ensure that gambling harm prevention programs and support services are culturally appropriate and responsive.”

Background
ECCV has undertaken several gambling harm initiatives and actively raised concerns and awareness about gambling harm among multicultural communities, highlighting the barriers they face in seeking help.

A 2018 ECCV survey revealed that 55 percent or respondents considered gambling a significant issue in their community, while 25 percent viewed it as a problem. The survey underscored the urgent need to challenge the prevailing discourse on gambling within these communities.

Pokies were identified as the most harmful form of gambling, followed by lotteries and online gambling. Men were perceived to be at a higher risk of gambling harm compared to women. People aged 30-60 were perceived as the most vulnerable age group. However, older people were considered to be at higher risk than young people.

While participation rates in gambling may be lower among multicultural communities, research indicates that rates of excessive gambling and related harm are higher than the average.

Find further information in this ECCV report.