The state of New South Wales is taking an assertive stance on gambling harm by introducing a new peer support service—a strategic addition to its current array of support measures aimed at mitigating gambling-related issues. The service, which is expected to be operational from early 2024, promises to bring a humanized aspect to support services by facilitating interactions between individuals seeking help and those who have firsthand experience with gambling harm.
The initiative is geared towards enhancing the potential of NSW GambleAware providers by ensuring they are equipped to deliver secure and efficient peer support services. It also focuses on the recruitment and maintenance of a dedicated workforce of peer support workers across local communities. An integral part of this strategy involves providing expert guidance to assist in the recruitment and retention of personnel, along with the development of resources tailored for these providers.
To maintain the highest standards in peer delivery, the plan outlines continuous professional development and training for peer support workers. The Office of Responsible Gambling emphasizes the importance of these measures, indicating that they are vital to ensure that workers obtain appropriate support and growth opportunities, allowing them to fulfill their roles with maximum effectiveness.
Alison Parkinson, the Office of Responsible Gambling director, highlighted that the new service represents a non-clinical avenue that complements the ‘stepped care approach’ of the GambleAware treatment and support model. Affirming its value, Parkinson remarked, “This service will provide an additional option for people experiencing gambling harm. It makes sure people across NSW can access support that meets their needs and circumstances.”
The planned service is not an isolated effort to counteract gambling harm. It comes on the heels of the NSW government’s announcement in September of a significant funding investment designated to ameliorate gambling-related harm. An impressive AU$100.0 million (£52.5m/€60.2m/US$65.7m) has been allocated to support a suite of harm minimization initiatives and projects that will extend their reach over the coming years.
A portion of the funds—amounting to $10.0 million—will be purposed for the Responsible Gambling Fund in the fiscal year 2023-24. It aims to back the GambleAware support services, alongside awareness and educational campaigns, initiatives, and research. An additional $6.4 million is set to enhance self-exclusion schemes including the introduction of third-party exclusions in local pubs and clubs. Moreover, $3.4 million has been earmarked to empower an independent panel overseeing comprehensive gambling reforms in NSW.
Further augmenting the efforts are plans to expend $21.7 million annually for three years, starting from 2024-25, to sponsor other gambling harm reduction initiatives and establish reforms.
The genesis of the funding comes from an unexpected quarter. The finances have been redirected from a $100.0 million fine levied against Star Entertainment Group last year. The company faced severe scrutiny and a resultant fine by the NSW Independent Casino Commission following a report penned by Adam Bell SC that uncovered prolonged anti-money laundering shortcomings and social responsibility failings at the Star Sydney casino.
Such proactive measures by the NSW authorities serve as a testament to their commitment to confronting the social challenges posed by gambling. The upcoming peer support service and the flow of funding into related efforts are strides toward building a responsible gaming environment for citizens, combating the perils of gambling harm, and fostering a landscape of awareness, prevention, and recovery for the benefit of communities across NSW.
