Call on community to 'spend time' changing gambling habits

This comes with a four per cent increase in losses on Ballarat pokies in January, compared to the same month last year, and an eight per cent rise on losses in December as pandemic restrictions continue to ease.

About $24 million was not put through Ballarat's electronic gaming machines from July to November when Victorian venues were closed, according to Victorian Commission for Liquor and Gambling Regulation figures.

Ballarat Community Health chief Sean Duffy said the new awareness campaign, launched on Ballarat buses, had a two-fold purpose: trying to capitalise on gambling habits broken during pandemic restrictions and promoting community ownership on the widespread issue.

"The community knows gambling is an issue and this is about community having a social responsibility on the issue," Mr Duffy said.

"We need to develop education and awareness of gambling issues...We know losses from pokies can be turned into positive impacts for the community both economically and in mental health and well-being.

"We can change the trajectory rates on mental health issues."

The campaign encourages people to try spending more time enjoying Ballarat attractions, sports and community organisations to create positive habits and connections.

City of Ballarat runs a Library After Dark program on Thursday nights at Sebastopol Library. The program, while open to anyone is also billed as a safe, gambling-free alternative for people seeking social connections in an inclusive, family-friendly environment.

Mr Duffy said buses were a great visual cue on Ballarat streets to prompt contemplation in making difficult decisions, like wanting to make a change. The next step would be people knowing where to get support, such as Ballarat Community Health of Child and Family Services, for gambling addiction.

This is not limited to pokies, but all forms of gambling including online sports betting.

"There is no better time to use COVID as a circuit-breaker and breaking the cycle of habitual behaviour," Mr Duffy said.

"What COVID has done is cease a lot of those habits so now this is a time to create positive habitual behaviour and use this opportunity to divert time and energy into something more meaningful.

"Whatever that is, is not for us to prescribe, but hopefully it can be wherever people access community organisations that are less destructive to health and well-being."

IN OTHER NEWS

BCH's buses promotion is an extension of its social media campaign last year featuring Ballarat community members and sites.

This project is funded by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation and designed to reduce the stigma associated with gambling harm.

Mr Duffy said personal impacts from gambling were often hidden because gambling could be a sensitive issue that made people feel uncomfortable.

He said talking about gambling harm as a community, including emotional stress, could make it easier for a person affected by gambling to reach out for support.

If you or someone you know is experiencing harm from gambling, or the gambling of someone close to you is affecting your wellbeing, help is available.

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