Melbourne Cup prompts problem gambling warning

Woy Woy gambling counsellor Mr Chris Davidson is urging residents to look out for signs of problem gambling in their loved ones as the Melbourne Cup approaches.

"As we move into the spring racing carnival, it can be hard to avoid media coverage and increased sports betting advertising," Mr Davidson said.

"This can make people more vulnerable to developing or exacerbating a problem gambling habit.

"We encourage friends and family to use the Melbourne Cup and other spring carnival events as an opportunity to start a conversation with someone who they believe may be at risk of problem gambling," Mr Davidson continued.

According to Mr Davidson, talking with a friend or loved one has been made easier with the new Talkward program providing free e-cards aimed at breaking the ice and initiating a conversation.

The e-cards, which can be customised and personalised, humorously focus on a thorny subject but carry a serious message: "Now we've got the awkward bit out of the way, let's have a talk in real life."

"The gambling environment has changed completely in the past decade and now anyone who has a smart phone has a means to gamble anywhere and anytime, with very few checks and balances.

"Our focus is strongly on encouraging local people to understand the realities of gambling including the odds of winning and the costs of losing so we can prevent problems before they start," Mr Davidson concluded.

Mr Davidson works at Gambling Solutions at the Woy Woy Community Centre, operated by Coast Community Connections.

Media release, 18 Oct 2016

Katey Small, Brilliant Logic