Few gamblers with problems seek help
The Productivity Commission (PC) Report into Gambling 2010 findings reinforce the Tasmanian Gamblers Help experience: people having problems with their gambling often do not seek professional help until a crisis occurs:
- financial ruin
- relationship breakdown
- court charges
- attempted suicide, or
- when they hit 'rock bottom'.
Nearly 70% of clients of the Gamblers Help services in Tasmania reported gambling had been causing problems for two years or more before they sought help.
The main obstacles to help-seeking are
- feelings of guilt, shame and embarrassment
- denial, and
- believing they can resolve their problems without professional help.
The PC Report concluded that the help seeking rate is between 8% and 17%.