DMWD is supporting the RGAW 2019 in Oberon NSW 2787. Click HERE to read more

What is Responsible Gambling Awareness Week?

Responsible Gambling Awareness Week is an annual initiative to increase awareness of gambling and gambling harm in the NSW community. In 2019 it will be held from 16 – 22 September. It is an opportunity to increase the community’s understanding of risky gambling behaviour, encourage people to recognise when their gambling may place them at risk of harm, provide information on practical ways to keep gambling under control and how to get help if they need it.

What is responsible gambling?

For individuals, responsible gambling is about exercising control and making informed choices. Responsible gambling is about keeping gambling within affordable limits of money and time, and only gambling in a way that is enjoyable, and in balance with other activities and responsibilities.

For individuals, gambling responsibly is about treating the experience as a fun activity or a social event, not as an investment or a way to make money. Gambling is not the answer to financial problems, nor is it a solution to feeling low, stressed or frustrated.

For gambling providers and operators, responsible gambling is the provision of safe, socially responsible and supportive environments where the potential for harm is minimised and where people can make informed decisions about their participation in gambling.

Why do we need to promote responsible gambling?

For most people gambling is an enjoyable and harmless activity. However, gambling is a serious issue for a small number of people in our community, and can be the cause of harm to themselves and others.

Problem gambling is characterised by difficulties in limiting money and/ or time spent on gambling which leads to adverse consequences for the gambler, others, or for the community. Gambling harm can relate to financial, health, relationships, education and employment, social and psychological wellbeing.

Why Check In?

During RGAW people are encouraged to ‘check in’ on their own, their family, friends and colleagues gambling and provide appropriate support or direction.

How can people check in?

The Office of Responsible Gambling has created a series of tools to assist in identifying risky behaviours, starting conversations and, if needed, seek help. People can use these tools to check in, or simply start a conversation.

Where can people get help?

Gambling Help NSW provides free and confidential support for anyone experiencing problems with gambling, including family members and friends. Gambling Help provides:

• Phone counselling available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 858 858
• Face to face gambling counselling in 270 locations across NSW
• Online chat with a gambling counsellor via live online chat or email 24/7
• Services for women and people from Aboriginal and multicultural communities
• Financial counselling and legal help