Survey underway on barriers faced by gamblers

February 19, 2007

New survey underway on barriers faced by gamblers

A new survey investigating the barriers faced by gamblers in seeking help is being undertaken by the Gambling Research Centre at the Auckland University of Technology.

Gambling Helpline chief executive, Krista Ferguson, said the project (called Barriers to Help-Seeking) is significant because it is the first research of its kind in New Zealand.

She said it will provide insight into what prevents problem gamblers from coming forward for help and what motivates those who do come forward.

"Only 12 per cent of problem gamblers seek professional help and this survey aims to provide some conclusions as to why that number is low. As a problem gambling service, we will be able to learn from real experiences presented in these surveys and consequently improve how we support individuals, families and communities experiencing problem gambling related harm," she said.

Ms Ferguson said it was also important to recognise that it is not just the gamblers themselves who suffer but their family and friends as well. The survey therefore also invites family members of gamblers to participate in the survey.

Gambling Helpline is supporting the survey by including a link to the online survey on its website. The new survey will also be conducted by telephone and face-to-face.

Gambling Research Centre coordinator, Dr Maria Bellringer, who is leading and supervising the Ministry of Health commissioned project, said gamblers, problem gamblers, and family will be surveyed to find out their thoughts on problem gambling and also on the relevance of services.

"The project is important because at the moment we know some population groups are not using help services as much as they need, such as Pacific and Asian peoples. By talking to different ethnic, gender and age groups who are directly affected, we can see why some people are not coming forward and what improvements services can make to meet these people's needs," she said.

Initial research carried out under the project found reasons why people did or did not seek help included:
* People not recognising they have a problem * People feeling shame over their problem * The need to keep gambling to regain financial loss * Incorrect perceptions of problem gambling services

The online survey, which can be accessed through the Gambling Helpline's website, is divided into two parts: one for the gamblers themselves and one for the family members affected by problem gambling. Surveys are anonymous and take around 10 minutes for the participant to complete.

To fill out an online survey go to:
www.gamblingproblem.co.nz/resources/index/resources

If you are worried about your gambling or that of some-one close to you call the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 or visit www.gamblingproblem.co.nz . For international information and helpline services visit www.gamblingproblemhelplines.com

ENDS

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