READERS are concerned with proposed changes to TV sports betting, disadvantaged children getting the chance to play sport and government spending.
Families hit
THE planned banning of gambling advertising and live odds during sports broadcasts is a revolution for South Australia and one I am proud to support, along with my colleagues at Anglicare SA.
Problem gambling has a devastating effect on individuals, their families and the wider community and anything we do in this state to prevent gambling addiction should be supported.
When "a bit of a punt" turns into an addiction, it is organisations like Anglicare which are left to pick up the pieces.
Last year Anglicare supported 435 people and their families to deal with problem gambling - and these are the people who recognise they have experiencing a problem with their gambling.
Families are also impacted and they are just as much a victim and often access a range of other Anglicare-offered community programs, such as emergency assistance, housing support, and family and relationship counselling,
Anglicare acknowledges that gambling is a form of entertainment for adults who can take into account and appreciate the elements of risk associated with gambling.
Gambling is not considered harmful when limits are set which do not have a negative impact on the financial budget, on relationships and on other areas of our life, such as our employment and our time with friends and family.
Sports clubs should be aware that player and team endorsement through sponsorship further normalises the gambling industry as young children and players of the future are constantly presented with signs and symbols that encourage gambling.
Children have sports heroes and our society encourages and promotes sporting players as role models for our children.
Children's brains cannot distinguish between club values and ethics, and that of an individual, therefore children are more susceptible to the subliminal messaging being promoted through sponsorship deals and endorsements.
(Rev) PETER SANDEMAN, CEO, Anglicare SA.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/letters-sports-advantages-for-all-should-not-belong-to-few/story-fnii5yla-1226650250695
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