News
Helping GPs recognise and respond to gambling harm
SPONSORED: From financial and psychological distress to poor physical health, GPs are uniquely placed to identify gambling harm.
A survey found more than one in five adults reported experiencing harm from gambling.
Gambling is a part of life for many Australians, but evidence shows it can have serious consequences for health and wellbeing.
The New South Wales Gambling Survey 2024 found that one in five adults (21%) reported experiencing harm from gambling – either from their own gambling, someone else’s or legacy impacts.
Harm from gambling ranges from financial stress and relationship breakdown to psychological distress and poor physical health. Certain groups are disproportionately affected, including regular gamblers, people who play pokies, young men (particularly those aged 18–24) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
For GPs, these findings highlight the importance of incorporating gambling harm screening into routine clinical practice. Patients affected by gambling may present with issues like anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, family conflict or financial hardship, often without initially disclosing gambling as a contributing factor.
GPs are uniquely positioned to identify these underlying issues. A gentle, non-judgemental enquiry can help start the conversation and open the door to timely support.
Free specialist support is available
GPs don’t need to be gambling harm specialists to support patients experiencing or at risk of gambling harm.
Gambling Help Online provides free and confidential support across Australia for anyone affected by gambling, including families and carers. Services include counselling, financial advice, and peer support from people with lived experience. There’s also culturally safe support for people from culturally diverse and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Patients can access help by calling 1800 858 858 or visiting Gambling Help Online, which also has details of local services.
Upskilling GPs for confidence and competence
In addition to referral pathways, GPs can build their knowledge and confidence in recognising and responding to gambling harm.
The NSW Office of Responsible Gambling has partnered with the RACGP to deliver tailored training and resources for GPs including gambling harm awareness podcasts, and two webinars to support gambling harm minimisation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and young people.
These activities are designed to integrate gambling harm into everyday clinical practice, equipping GPs with practical strategies for assessment, brief intervention and referral. Training also supports GPs to have sensitive conversations about gambling, reduce stigma, and recognise when gambling may be linked to co-occurring health issues such as mental illness or substance use.
GambleAware Week 2025
A timely opportunity for GPs to start a conversation about gambling is GambleAware Week 2025, taking place from Monday 20 October–Sunday 26 October. This annual statewide campaign in NSW encourages people to talk openly about gambling, challenges common myths, and promotes help-seeking.
GambleAware Week is also an opportunity for health professionals to reflect on their role in prevention and early intervention. Practices may wish to share resources in waiting rooms, run short social media messages, or simply ask patients a screening question if gambling comes up in consultation.
Key takeaways for GPs
- Gambling harm is a public health issue that affects patients across all demographics
- The NSW Gambling Survey 2024 highlights the scale and impact of gambling harm, with one in five adults in NSW harmed by gambling
- GPs are well placed to identify early warning signs and provide support
- Gambling Help Online services are free, confidential and easy to access
- Training and resources are available to help GPs feel confident discussing gambling with patients and referring them to appropriate services
- GambleAware Week 2025 (20–26 October) is an opportunity to promote awareness and encourage help-seeking
By integrating gambling harm into routine care, GPs can make a meaningful difference to patients’ lives and communities across Australia.
This article was commissioned by the NSW Office of Responsible Gambling and independently reviewed by newsGP.
Log in below to join the conversation.
gambling gambling harm NSW Office of Responsible Gambling
newsGP weekly poll
Do you think other jurisdictions should follow Queensland’s lead and allow all GPs to initiate, modify and continue ADHD medication for adults?