An alarming new study shows gambling addiction has contributed to 184 suicides in Victoria across the past eight years.
It is sad and stark proof the Andrews Labor Government must do more to ease a disturbing problem that is particularly prevalent among men aged 17 to 44.
The research, led by Angela Rintoul from Federation University and published in the Lancet Regional Health Journal, states the number of suicides could be even higher as gambling was not routinely investigated by coroners and often hidden from family and friends.
Despite the concerning figures, Labor has placed funding for responsible gambling programs on the chopping block, refusing to guarantee funding beyond next year.
The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF) was established by the former Liberals and Nationals Government in 2012 and provides vital support services such as the Gambler's Help program, raising public awareness of gambling harm and conducts gambling related research.
Yet despite the potential for more loss of life,the VRGF received just one year's funding in the May State Budget, with no certainty going forward.
Previous funding has been provided across four years, allowing the VRGF to carefully plan a long-term bid to stem problem gambling.
Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Emma Kealy, said Labor must re-consider its long-term funding for gambling programs.
"Labor's cuts to gambling support couldn't come at a worse time, with cost-of-living pressures mounting on Victorians and demand for mental health, alcohol and drug and gambling support significantly increasing," Ms Kealy said.
"Those living with gambling addiction need access to more support, not have these life-saving services cut by Labor.
"Suicide is a terrible tragedy for all touched by it, and sadly it is largely preventable if support is available. The work of the VRGF is essential in helping ensure we reverse this horrific trend of more deaths by suicide related to problem gambling."
There are strong associations between problem gambling and mental health, according to a VRGF submission into Victoria's mental health system.
The submission stated 39 per cent of Victorians with a gambling problem have a diagnosed mental illness and revealed gambling is estimated to account for 22 per cent of the Victorian mental health sector's total costs.
