Promotion of gambling is not cricket

Promotion of gambling is not cricket
Danny Rose, AAP Medical Writer

The Ashes pose an often undisclosed health risk to Australians, the nation's psychiatrists have warned, pointing to the rising use of sports coverage to promote gambling.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) said it has been "alarmed" at the rise in gambling ads, as well as references to sporting odds, in televised sport and particularly the cricket.

All cases of this promotional activity should be required to carry a warning to emphasise the harms of excessive gambling as well as a helpline for existing addicts to call, the college said on Friday.

"Problem gambling is a real concern in our community," RANZCP president Dr Maria Tomasic said in a statement.

"(Yet) there has been little public debate about the introduction of gambling advertising on sports programs, particularly during the day when children may be watching.

"Frequent exposure to gambling promotion, gambling's association with sport, and the use of commentators and sporting role models to promote gambling and discuss betting odds, can normalise gambling and influence vulnerable people and children."

The college said sports betting problems were on the rise and reform was needed to promote more "responsible levels of gambling activity" and so minimise its harmful impact on the community.

This should include:

- Showing helpline phone numbers whenever gambling odds are broadcast during live sporting events.

- Providing clear warnings at all gambling venues which explain the possible harms that flow from excessive gambling.

- The advice should also contain details on where to seek help, while more counselling services and other forms of help were needed.

- The mathematical odds of winning in luck-of-the-draw style gambling should also be on clear display at gambling venues.

"Problem gambling can result in divorce, suicidal thoughts and acts, illegal acts and bankruptcy," said Dr Clive Allcock, Member of RANZCP's Section of Addiction Psychiatry.

"Those with gambling problems often also have other concerns, such as depression, hazardous alcohol use and smoking, and personality disorders."

Dr Allcock also said more research was also needed to develop evidence-based treatments for gambling addiction, as there was currently "not one treatment which is considered to be the best for problem gambling".