Abstract
The prevention of gambling-related problems amongst Aboriginal communities has been neglected by most public health strategies
which concentrate on mainstream populations. Research indicates that rates of problem gambling are higher for Aboriginal groups
than the general population. Specific cultural, familial, and social patterns influence gambling by Aboriginal groups, which
are individually different, making it difficult to implement a cohesive strategy to address gambling-related harms. Because
of this complexity, a thorough literature review is necessary to identify gaps in policy and research. This paper uses a public
health framework to consider multi-dimensional influences (personal, environmental, economic, cultural and social) that affect
gambling uptake. Such analysis is also important for identifying risk factors which facilitate the development and maintenance
of problem gambling and potentially for underpinning protection, prevention and treatment programs. It is advised that strategies
be developed in consultation with Aboriginal peoples to guide public health policy and research to minimise any gambling-related
harms.
which concentrate on mainstream populations. Research indicates that rates of problem gambling are higher for Aboriginal groups
than the general population. Specific cultural, familial, and social patterns influence gambling by Aboriginal groups, which
are individually different, making it difficult to implement a cohesive strategy to address gambling-related harms. Because
of this complexity, a thorough literature review is necessary to identify gaps in policy and research. This paper uses a public
health framework to consider multi-dimensional influences (personal, environmental, economic, cultural and social) that affect
gambling uptake. Such analysis is also important for identifying risk factors which facilitate the development and maintenance
of problem gambling and potentially for underpinning protection, prevention and treatment programs. It is advised that strategies
be developed in consultation with Aboriginal peoples to guide public health policy and research to minimise any gambling-related
harms.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-22
- DOI 10.1007/s11469-012-9400-7
- Authors
- Helen Breen, School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Centre for Gambling Education and Research, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, 2480 New South Wales, Australia
- Sally Gainsbury, School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Centre for Gambling Education and Research, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, 2480 New South Wales, Australia
- Journal International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
- Online ISSN 1557-1882
- Print ISSN 1557-1874