RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING AWARENESS WEEK 2008

It aims to raise community awareness of the importance of gambling responsibly and to provide gamblers with information and knowledge to stay in control when gambling. The theme is Gamble Responsibly. Stay in Control.

The week-long initiative is through a partnership between government (State and Local), industry, unions and community groups. They include:

•    the Victorian Government through the Department of Justice
•    the community sector through the Interchurch Gambling
Taskforce, Gambler’s Help Services and The Salvation Army;
•    the gaming industry operators including Tabcorp, Tatts Group, Crown Ltd, ClubsVIC, the Australian Hotels and Hospitality Association Victoria, the Australian Leisure and Hospitality Group;
·        The Victorian Trade Union Movement; and
·        The Victorian Local Governance Association and various Local governments.

The Week complements the Government’s community education work on responsible gambling. The Week also seeks to draw people’s attention to four hot tips to help them stay in control when they gamble. They are:

1.      Gamble for the fun of it, not for the money.
2.      Set yourself a limit and don’t exceed it.
3.      Don’t chase your losses. Walk away.
4.      Don’t let gambling take over your life.

Throughout Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, information will be available through community service announcements and advertising on radio, television and in newspapers.  Printed material will be displayed at gambling and gaming locations around the state, including hotels, clubs, TAB and Tattslotto outlets and Crown, as well as community centres. There will also be internal staff awareness and education campaigns.

Gambler’s HELP line, 1800 156 789, is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free and confidential.  Visit www.problemgambling.vic.gov.au for further information.