Victorian problem gambling leads to new class of criminal

Today's Herald-Sun reveals not only the growing problem of crime, especially of the white-collar variety, linked to gambling but also the fact that many legal professionals are concerned that there is a new class of criminal developing fuelled by gambling problems.

People don't realise that problem gambling doesn't just affect the gambler it affects their family, friends, work colleagues, employers and wider community. Like casting a pebble into a pond the ripples move onward and outward affecting those around them.

The Heart Research Centre example presented in the article is no exception. This person's problem gambling has not only affected her family, friends and workplace it has affected the ability of the Heart Research Centre to carry out its work to find cures to life threatening illnesses. We of course will never know what direct impact this will have but some negative affect is guaranteed.

Government claims to have the toughest responsible gambling measures in Australia. This is questionable at best given the opinions of many experts in the field and even if it is the toughest that may be only because it is compared to equally weak and ineffective legislation elsewhere.

The assessment of whether actions to respond to problem gambling is effective needs to be conducted by an independent body without a vested interest - as despite the damming evidence to the contrary government and the gambling industry do not seem to be able to see the forest for the trees when it comes to problem gambling and its impact on the community.

There have been many changes in gambling policy this year, however we just seem to be going nowhere fast.

GG