Responsible Gambling Awareness Week 2021

Responsible Gambling Awareness Week (RGAW) is an annual event that encourages gamblers to stay within their limits and highlights the support available to people who feel gambling may have become a problem for them.

RGAW is promoted by Centacare North Queensland’s Gambling Help team and runs from 26 July to 1 August with an aim to raise awareness of responsible gambling across Townsville and the greater North Queensland region.

“When gambling took over…” is the theme for this year’s RGAW, to show this Gambling Help Queensland have shared stories of real people with lived experiences of problem gambling. Videos explain first hand some of the reasons why their risky gambling habits started, how they realised there was a problem and the various paths people used to seek help.

Centacare North Queensland is the official not-for-profit agency appointed by the Queensland Government to facilitate free and confidential gambling help counselling for problem gamblers and their family and friends across North Queensland.

The Ville Resort—Casino Compliance Manager Allan Carr said they were committed to supporting initiatives like Responsible Gambling Awareness Week that help to reduce the harm gambling can cause.

“It’s important that The Ville and other gaming operators are involved in helping to support responsible gambling and we’re looking forward to welcoming the Gambling Help Team this week,” he said.

“We know that people from all walks of life can have problems with gambling and I would encourage anyone struggling with gambling to seek help and support.”

Centacare North Queensland Executive Director Paula Washington said the support of The Ville played a crucial role in reaching everyone in the community, to understand what it means to gamble responsibly.

 “We are honoured to partner with The Ville to raise awareness of responsible gambling across the community. The Gambling Help team will be at The Ville on Monday 26 July and Thursday 29 July with free resources if anyone wants to come talk to the team or get more information.”

If anyone needs support, counselling or are worried about a family member and their gambling habits – contact Gambling Help 24/7 on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelpqld.org.au for free counselling and support.

Contact Centacare North Queensland on 1300 672 273 or visit www.centacarenq.org.au