According to recent research, Australian residents lose about AU$22 billion on gambling on an annual base, which has been estimated as the largest per capita losses on a global scale. Now, a project unveiled in collaboration between the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Suncorp Bank will see the release of a special toolkit aimed at helping the minimisation of gambling-related harm inflicted on people who have been suffering the negative effects of their compulsive behaviour.
Professor Ross Gordon from the School of Advertising, Marketing and PR at the Queensland University of Technology has explained that gambling is usually associated with considerable social, economic and health issues that affect not only the addict’s personal finances but also productivity, family relationships, physical and mental health, as well as the economy.
The Professor, who is also a member of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Behavioural Sciences for Health, explained that these harms do not only affect people who gamble themselves, but also impact their friends and family, businesses, peers, and entire communities. He further shared that gambling is currently considered a socially acceptable pastime in the country but talking about gambling-related harm is not normalised.
Gambling Being Normalised to Australians but Talks about Gambling-Related Harm Are Not
Professor Gordon has now confirmed that a new gambling support toolkit was rolled out in collaboration between Suncorp Bank and the Queensland University of Technology right on time for the Gambling Harm Awareness Week that takes place between July 18th and July 24th.
The toolkit highlights some major implementation opportunities that could be considered by the banks, such as staff training, more refined policies and procedures, thorough screening and monitoring, more restrictions and blocks, social marketing aimed at raising customers’ awareness and changing behaviours, as well as partnerships with various service providers.
According to the Executive Manager of the Office of the Customer Advocate at Suncorp Group, Amanda Foster, the existence of a support network for Australian problem gamblers is extremely important. She further noted that implementing more initiatives aimed at reducing gambling-related harm was very important.
Gambling, especially online-based services, has become easily accessible over the last few years with the help of new technologies, such as smartphones and gambling applications. Aggressive and clever marketing used by operators, increasing social normalisation and a more liberalised regulatory framework have made access to gambling services easier than ever but they have also raised some concerns regarding potential gambling harm, social stigma and financial problems associated with gambling.
The toolkit collaboration was released in an effort of Suncorp Bank to support its customers experiencing gambling-related harms and to raise awareness about the negative consequences that can occur as a result of gambling. Apart from the special toolkit, the bank has recently introduced a gambling lock, which allows customers to instantly suspend most gambling transactions on the bank’s Visa debit card, including casino games, sports betting, and online gambling.
The credit cards issued by Suncorp Bank are not allowed to be used for gambling transactions. Furthermore, the bank offers several other products and services to support customers experiencing gambling-related harm, such as a trained and vetted customer care team aimed at helping people who may be facing negative consequences as a result of their gambling. Suncorp Bank’s customers are not allowed to use Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) products for gambling transactions and cash advances associated with gambling services.
- Author
Olivia Cole
