Australians lose to those around them. A$25 billion for legal gambling This means that per capita losses are the highest in the world.
The harms of gambling – including financial, emotional, social and psychological costs – stretch To your loved ones, colleagues, colleagues, and community. Also, some communities are affected differently than others.
The Northern Territory has a growing multicultural population; 22% of residents Born overseas, 33% speak a language other than English At home.
Approximately 37% of residents in multicultural areas considered an at-risk gamblercompared to 14% in English-speaking households.
Many immigrants, including those in the Northern Territory, experience economic, social and emotional pressures that can turn them to gambling as a means of socialization and stress relief. Our research investigates why and what may limit risks and harms.
Read more: Pocky? Lotto? Sports Betting? Which form of problem gambling affects Australians the most?
“There’s not much to do.”
issued early this yearOur lived experience research investigated the pressures that make gambling attractive to immigrant communities.
For example, in Darwin, entertainment options are scarce, so gambling bridges the social gap. One person we spoke to said:
For us in Darwin it’s a kind of entertainment […] I don’t have much to do, so I go to the casino with my friends.
Gambling can be a means of socializing when there are no other affordable and culturally appropriate options.
But what starts as a casual activity can quickly lead to personal tension. Some participants in our study described family tensions.
My sister and brother-in-law got into a fight. […] She said, “Why do I have to spend so much money gambling?” But he said, “It’s my hobby.”
Another revealed how gambling affects family relationships.
My husband is not at home most of the time because he goes gambling, which affects me a lot […] The children miss their father. My husband is gone.
“Sometimes you can even win money.”
Financial stress is an important factor Increased risk of gamblingespecially among immigrants on temporary visas who face job and visa uncertainty.
As one international student explained to us, some immigrants see gambling as a potential escape from financial pressure.
It is common for international students to bet their tuition money on casinos. […] Sometimes you can win money.
However, gambling losses often exacerbate financial difficulties and trap individuals in a cycle of debt and losses.
“I had never gambled before coming to Australia.”
The Northern Territory’s legal and accessible gambling environment also plays an important role, particularly for immigrants from countries where gambling is restricted.
A participant from Bangladesh said:
Gambling is not a good thing in my country […] I had never gambled before coming to Australia.
Another person believed that
Betting on soccer is an easy way to make money […] But in Africa, we didn’t have access to as much capital as here. [in Australia].
Making money through gambling is seen as easy, which increases the temptation, especially in times of economic uncertainty.
Photopunk PL/Shutterstock
“I think it’s embarrassing to talk about it.”
Another important factor is reluctance to seek help, often due to cultural bias or language barriers. Many immigrants prefer to manage their gambling problems privately. One participant said:
In my culture, gambling is considered a bad behavior […] I just feel embarrassed to talk about it.
Some expressed skepticism about counseling, believing it was ineffective. This hesitation can lead to isolation, with individuals and families managing their gambling harm privately and often being unaware of community support options.
Gambling also affects mental health, with participants describing cycles of guilt, shame, and financial stress. Participants described how online gambling worsened their addiction
my gambling problem got worse […] I started spending more money than I had a right to spend. […] We always ended up going back to the casino or poker site until our bank account was empty.
A culturally sensitive approach is needed
Our research shows that culturally sensitive approaches are essential to effectively addressing gambling harm. This includes raising awareness about the risks of gambling in a way that resonates with diverse communities.
Additionally, our study participants reported higher rates of gambling among Filipino, East Asian, and African communities, and anecdotally, this problem is more prevalent among women in certain Asian groups. I reported that there is.
Expanding culturally appropriate recreational opportunities can help provide healthier alternatives to gambling.
Support services too tailored to the needs of immigrants.
language specific Counseling and culturally competent resources It could encourage immigrants to seek help. Policy makers may consider reviewing gambling advertising and venue availability to reduce exposure, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Addressing gambling harm among migrants, including in the Northern Territory, requires a collective effort from policy makers, community leaders and local organizations.
