NSW launches multicultural gambling harms service
The Western Sydney Local Health District will oversee providers of multicultural services for its flagship gambling support program.
Australia.- GambleAware and The Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) have launched a new gambling harm support programme to help people dealing with gambling addiction issues. The campaign, funded by the New South Wales Office of Responsible Gambling will focus on culturally diverse communities, which it said were more likely to be affected by gambling harm.
Graeme Loy, chief executive of WSLHD, told local media: “We’re looking forward to working with all GambleAware Providers across NSW to build capacity to support multicultural communities and deliver culturally appropriate services.”
He added: “Our goal is to ensure that anyone who needs help can speak to someone in the language they are most comfortable with, and who understands both their culture and community.”
Last June, the NSW government launched a campaign dubbed “The Number that Changed My Life” focusing on Vietnamese, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Hindi and Korean communities.
The campaign website stated: “By presenting a combination of hope and motivation, we help people see that getting support can bring harmony back into their lives, including a happy life with their loved ones.”
Last year authorities in NSW started to test cashless slot machines. The machines include spending limits, time limits and real-time messaging to customers to collaborate with responsible gambling measures. The New Lambton club was the first venue to introduce cashless slots last September.
