Roundtable Discussion Tackles Gambling’s Widespread Impact on the Northern Beaches
On October 22, a pivotal roundtable discussion on the impact of gambling was convened in the Northern Beaches, uniting newly elected councillors, industry staff, and community members with lived experiences. Emceed by Kim Smee, Editor of the Manly Observer, this gathering surfaced critical concerns regarding gambling’s social consequences. Notably, Manly Observer maintains a strict policy against gambling advertisements, reinforcing its commitment to responsible dialogue on this pressing issue.
A Collaborative Effort for Change
The event was graced by the Northern Beaches Mayor, Sue Heins, who acknowledged the contributions of various organizations forming the planning committee. These included the Pittwater Uniting Church Social Justice Team, Forest Kirk Uniting Church, and several other local entities committed to social advocacy and harm minimization. Mayor Heins reflected on the council’s resolve that led to the establishment of the Gambling Harm Minimization policy last March, emphasizing that gambling is not merely an individual concern. "It is a major social issue with profound effects on individuals, families, and the community at large," she stated.
Alarming Statistics Surface
The roundtable aimed not only to raise awareness but also to provide concrete data illustrating the impact of gambling in the region. A staggering statistic showed that residents in the Northern Beaches lose, on average, $2.8 million weekly to gambling activities, a compelling number that has remained consistent over the past two years. Dr. Kate da Costa from Wesley Mission presented alarming figures: there are currently 2,040 poker machines operating across 39 premises locally. By comparison, the entire state of Tasmania, with a slightly higher number of machines, reports a quarterly loss significantly lower than this figure.
Insights from Experts
The program featured contributions from notable experts who detailed the mechanisms fostering the rise of gambling dependence in local communities. Professor Wayne Warburton from Macquarie University provided a sobering overview of gambling harm, echoing research that highlights the increasing resemblance of behavioral addiction to substance misuse. He revealed that while 73 percent of New South Wales residents engage in gambling, only 1 percent are classified as addicted. Astonishingly, the majority—85 percent of those affected by gambling-related issues—are categorized as moderate-risk gamblers.
Crystal Hillery from the Northern Sydney Local Health District reported findings from a youth-led research initiative, Not Kids Business, where over 175 high school students explored the prevalence of gambling advertisements online. The results illustrated alarming trends, with students capturing instances of gambling promotions infiltrating social media and games designed for young audiences.
An Examination of Advertising Practices
Paul Dovas, CEO of ASCCA, underscored the troubling dynamics of digital gambling advertising. He noted that families sharing the same IP address may unknowingly expose children to gambling ads if just one adult engages with gambling content. Dovas shared staggering figures indicating that $38.9 million was spent on gambling advertisements in just one year, with social media platforms bearing a significant portion of this burden.
Personal Accounts Illuminate the Issue
Perhaps the most poignant moment of the discussion came from Guy Morel, founder of The Mind Cafe, who shared his personal journey with gambling addiction, which led to suicide attempts. Morel’s story emphasized the emotional and psychological toll of gambling, highlighting how social isolation and stigma can impede individuals from seeking help. His experience reinforced the importance of community support, as he now advocates for greater awareness and assistance for those struggling with similar issues.
Exploring Solutions and Moving Forward
Following the expert discussions, audience members broke into workshops, generating ideas to address gambling-related challenges specific to various demographics, including seniors and young people. Solutions proposed included initiatives for late-night alternative venues for seniors and strategies aimed at mitigating gambling ad exposure for children.
As the roundtable concluded, Councillor Kristyn Glanville urged collaboration across various sectors to develop pathways toward grassroots solutions. This gathering marks a significant commitment by the Northern Beaches community to tackle gambling’s pervasive effects through continued advocacy, education, and proactive policies. The ongoing dialogue not only signifies a step toward enhancing community awareness but also paves the way for actionable solutions that can help protect vulnerable residents from the harms of gambling.
For those seeking immediate support, resources like GambleAware are available 24/7, emphasizing that assistance is not only accessible to gamblers but also extends to their families. The road to addressing gambling harm in the Northern Beaches is still long, but the initial steps taken during this roundtable provide a hopeful outlook for the future.
