Abstract
The purpose of this paper was to examine risk and protective factors associated with the consequences of card gambling and
commercial gambling for Indigenous Australians in north Queensland. With Indigenous Elders’ approval and using qualitative
methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 60 Indigenous and 48 non-Indigenous Australians in three north
Queensland sites. Risk factors associated with both card and commercial gambling consequences were found to be poverty and
a reluctance to seek gambling help, while for card gambling only, generational influences was a risk factor. In contrast,
protective factors for both card and commercial gambling consequences were reported as positive role models, family relatedness
and cultural resilience. Culturally distinctive risk and protective factors, once identified, can be the target of public
health strategies to promote responsible gambling awareness among Indigenous gamblers.
commercial gambling for Indigenous Australians in north Queensland. With Indigenous Elders’ approval and using qualitative
methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 60 Indigenous and 48 non-Indigenous Australians in three north
Queensland sites. Risk factors associated with both card and commercial gambling consequences were found to be poverty and
a reluctance to seek gambling help, while for card gambling only, generational influences was a risk factor. In contrast,
protective factors for both card and commercial gambling consequences were reported as positive role models, family relatedness
and cultural resilience. Culturally distinctive risk and protective factors, once identified, can be the target of public
health strategies to promote responsible gambling awareness among Indigenous gamblers.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-15
- DOI 10.1007/s11469-011-9315-8
- Authors
- Helen M. Breen, School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Centre for Gambling Education and Research, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, New South Wales 2480, Australia
- Journal International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
- Online ISSN 1557-1882
- Print ISSN 1557-1874