Consequences of commercial gambling for indigenous communities in New South Wales, Australia

All rights reserved.One of the complexities of gambling not well understood is its distinctive impacts on different populations and cultural groups, including Indigenous and First Nations peoples. The term Indigenous Australians has been used to include all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples unless otherwise quoted. To help advance understanding in this area, this chapter examines the consequences of commercial gambling for Indigenous Australians. It first provides an overview of the social and economic status of Indigenous Australians, a brief historical account and review of Indigenous Australian gambling. The research methods for the study are then described including the social constructivist approach taken, qualitative methodology, ethical considerations and sampling technique. Using semi-structured interviews we captured the views of a cross-section of people including 169 Indigenous Australians, 21 non-Indigenous gaming venue managers and 10 non-Indigenous gambling counsellors in six regional sites in New South Wales. The interviews were conducted by three researchers, one Indigenous man and two non-Indigenous women in places nominated by the participants. The Indigenous man took the lead in all interviews. In most cases, the Indigenous people's interviews were not recorded, in respect for cultural issues. Instead, extensive notes were taken and transcribed immediately. Results are presented and discussed as positive and negative consequences of gambling. Common positive consequences were reported to include socialising, enjoyment, social acceptance, physical comfort, an opportunity to win money and some reduced alcohol consumption. Negative consequences commonly arising from gambling were reported as financial hardship, family difficulties, relationship problems, extended negative community impacts, exploitation of vulnerable others, mental health issues and some crime. Gambling consequences, once identified, can be highlighted in public health and community education campaigns to heighten awareness of gambling impacts among Indigenous gamblers. © 2015 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc