Greg Isles, Mission Australia gambling counsellor for Nowra and Ulladulla, said although the majority of clients he speaks to gamble on poker machines, over the past few years there had been a rise, particularly among young people, in sports and smartphone gambling.

“This is a concerning trend,” Mr Isles said. 

“The majority of us gamble responsibly, using small amounts of money occasionally as a bit of fun. However, for some people it can become an addiction that eats up not only their money, but also the time they would have spent with family and friends.”

Mr Isles said the rise in sports gambling was worrying but not surprising given the amount of coverage it receives during sports broadcasts.

“It is hard to watch sport on TV now without being constantly updated on the odds. We are getting to the point now where sport and gambling have become two peas in the same pod. 

“This is concerning for two reasons: if someone with a gambling addiction sits down to watch a game of sport – they are bombarded with gambling information. This makes it very difficult for them.

“It’s also concerning because it’s creating a generation of young people among whom sport and gambling will be inextricably linked. I shudder to think of the problems this will cause in the future as these young people grow up and become adults with access to their own credit cards.”

Mr Isles said the rise in smartphone gambling was also a concern.

“This is a very isolating form of gambling that can result in large losses of money in a short period of time,” he said.

“Traditionally, you had to at least get out of the house to place a bet. Now, with more and more people owning smartphones, it’s quite easy to download an app and gamble anywhere – and at any time of the day – whether you’re in your lounge room or on your lunch break.

“Gambling is a pastime many people take up because they lack, or have difficulty accessing, other social activities. They might turn to gambling because of a lack of meaningful work or as a way to relieve boredom or stress.

“With many people owning smartphones, it’s now quite easy if you’re feeling a bit lonely or a bit bored to download a gambling application and start gambling straight away,” Mr Isles said.

Free, confidential gambling help is available in Nowra and Ulladulla by calling 4424 9607. 

More information is available at www.missionaustralia.com.au