Explores the relationship between casinos and local gamblers, the regulatory environment and the effect of promotional and responsible gambling initiatives.

This discussion paper summarises the available research about how gambling problems affect family relationships and family members, how families cope with gambling problems, and the assessment and therapy options available to the family members of people with gambling problems.

Overview

The Victorian gambling study is a longitudinal study of gambling and health in Victoria conducted between 2008 and 2012. This study is the only large-scale, general population, longitudinal gambling study conducted in Australia.

Stronger harm minimisation measures are needed, mainly aimed at 'pokies', including lowering the intensity of play and the capacity for gamblers to set spending limits on themselves, according to this report. Gamblers in Australia spend (lose) over $18 billion per year including nearly $12 billion on poker machines. The Commission estimates that problem gamblers account...