Research shows Australians lose an estimated $22 billion on gambling each year, representing the largest per capita losses in the world[1]. A project led by QUT with Suncorp Bank sees the launch this week of a toolkit to help support people negatively affected by gambling.
"Gambling is associated with significant health, social and economic harms with impacts on personal finances, family, mental and physical health, productivity, and the economy," said Professor Ross Gordon from QUT's School of Advertising, Marketing and PR and member of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Behavioural Sciences for Health.
"These harms don't just impact people who gamble, they impact their families, peers, businesses, and communities. While gambling is a socially acceptable pastime in Australia, talking about gambling related harms isn't."
Professor Gordon said that to tie in with Gambling Harm Awareness Week (18-24 July) QUT and Suncorp Bank have launched a gambling support toolkit highlighting key opportunities for banks to consider implementing. These include:
- Screening and monitoring
- Blocks and restrictions
- Refining policies and procedures
- Partnerships with service providers and
- Staff training
- Social marketing to raise awareness and change behaviours
Amanda Forster, Executive Manager of Suncorp Group's Office of the Customer Advocate said: "I have heard firsthand how gambling has affected Australians and not just the financial losses experienced but the loss of relationships within family members too.
"There is nothing more important than having a support network and we as a Bank are included in this network.
"It's time we take an industry stance and implement more initiatives that reduce gambling harms on Australians," Ms Forster said.
With new technologies such as smartphones and betting apps, a liberalised regulatory environment, clever marketing, and increasing social normalisation, gambling is more accessible than ever.
"The toolkit collaboration with Suncorp Bank outlines how banks can support customers experiencing gambling related harms and raise awareness, address stigma, and encourage support seeking. These recommendations can help reduce the harms caused by gambling in Australia," said Professor Gordon.
Suncorp Bank also recently introduced a gambling lock, which can be easily activated by customers and instantly block most gambling transactions on a Suncorp Visa debit card. The lock restricts transactions at most gambling services including sports betting, casino games, and online gambling.
The gambling lock and toolkit add to a suite of Suncorp Bank products and services that support customers experiencing gambling related harm. These include:
- Suncorp Bank credit cards cannot be used for gambling transactions.
- Unable to use Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) products for cash advances and gambling transactions.
- We have a customer care team who are specially trained to help people who may be experiencing gambling related harms and can connect customers to additional support services.
- Training materials for our customer-facing teams.
Lauren Levin Financial Counselling Australia's Director of Policy and Campaigns said: "In a recent survey, gambling financial counsellors told us nine out of ten people with gambling related issues could not afford food and essential services or pay their rent or mortgage. The top reported impact on others was relationship breakdown (95%).
"So many families are quietly suffering, and we welcome Suncorp Bank's approach to helping customers in a non-judgemental way. Financial counsellors help both people who gamble and family members whose lives are impacted by someone close to them gambling.
"Reach out and talk to someone, whether it is Gamblers Help or a financial counsellor on the National Debt Helpline, 0n 1800 007 007 (ndh.org.au). It's always free and confidential. And you won't be judged." Ms. Levin said.
To familiarise yourself with gambling problem warning signs and Suncorp's new gambling lock visit: https://www.suncorp.com.au/banking/help-support/problem-gambling-assistance.html
Click here to download the QUT and Suncorp Bank gambling support toolkit
[1] Data sourced from the Gambling and Suicide Prevention - A Roadmap for Change - Financial Counselling Australia.
