Council commits to gambling harm minimisation
Tuesday, 3 September 2019
Inner West Council is continuing its push to reduce problem gambling by holding two workshops on Monday 2 and Tuesday, 3 September aimed at local young people.
Inner West Council has a stated commitment to reducing the harm caused by gambling in the Inner West community.
As part of a 2018 Motion, Council hosted a Gambling Harm Minimisation Mayoral forum in November last year, where key stakeholders came together to discuss problem gambling and what to do about it.
The forum heard there was good news – Inner West clubs and pubs have reduced their gaming floor space by 70% since 2001, compared with the state average of 10% and the total number of machines is decreasing.
However, figures also show that losses are increasing, with Inner West losses increasing by 12% in the last 12 months.
The forum came up with several strategies to tackle problem gambling, including seeking funding for projects from the Office of Responsible Gambling.
Council is supporting the Office of Responsible Gambling to provide youth workers with the skills and knowledge to reduce gambling harm amongst young people.
Director of the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling, Natalie Wright, said the office was pleased to partner with the council to deliver two one-day Odds on Youth gambling harm education workshops on 2 and 3 September in Ashfield.
“Odds on Youth is an initiative that gives youth workers the skills and knowledge they need to reduce gambling harm among young people who access their services,” Ms Wright said.
“In 2019/20, the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling will spend over $35 million on initiatives to prevent and reduce gambling harm.
“These include education and awareness programs, Gambling Help services covering phone, online and face-to-face counselling, and grants supporting research, technology and innovation.”
Also as part of Council’s commitment to reducing the harm caused by gambling in the Inner West, Council will work with ClubsNSW to:
• Appoint a high-profile ambassador
• Improve training for staff in venues to identify and support those experiencing gambling harm to get help
For media enquiries, contact Elizabeth Heath | Media and Communications Coordinator P: +61 2 9392 5334 | E: Elizabeth.Heath@innerwest.nsw.gov.au