The Salvation Army is so alarmed about the social devastation caused by pokie machines it has decided to reject all funds from the gambling industry. The decision would cost the Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army is opposed to gambling. The nature of gambling lends itself to exploitative, deceptive and manipulative practices. It is contrary to Christian principles of love, freedom from oppressive and concern for others.
As such it should not be a means of income generation or economic development, whether by government agencies, charitable organisations, churches or commercial interests.
If your gambling is making you feel depressed, anxious or worried. If you want to know more about the harm that gambling causes. If you’re spending a lot of time gambling. If you’d like help with quitting or reducing your gambling. If you are worried about someone you know who is gambling. A gambling problem can be difficult to admit.
In some ways this is a segue from my last post since the new providers of the contract with the government funding will be the Salvation Army. The article raises the concern, from the Labour party, that the funding is being transferred due to the Problem Gambling Foundation’s opposition to the Government’s SkyCity convention centre ‘deal’.
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
Gambling involves the exchange of money or goods wagered in artificially created games of chance. The gains of the winners are made at the expense of the losers. Wagers are made hoping for unearned wealth for the ‘lucky few’, although the vast majority of money staked remains with the organisers. People may begin gambling in an apparently harmless way, but for some, continued participation leads to dependency and a host of other social, psychological and spiritual problems.
Gambling is becoming increasingly common and accessible, often promoted and enabled by governments. Gambling may be large and sophisticated – such as lotteries, casinos, slot machines, online gambling or sports betting – or small and loosely organised informal games of chance. Hundreds of billions of dollars are gambled worldwide every year 1. Access to gambling has increased dramatically in the past several decades. Governments have moved to make gambling legal and, in many cases, have become the chief promoters of gambling. A large majority of the adult population of countries where gambling is legal participate.
Gambling often preys on the most vulnerable people who seek ‘quick and easy money’ to alleviate their problems. Statistics indicate that poor and working class individuals and families are disproportionately affected by the gambling industry 2. They may not gamble more frequently than the rich, but the costs they pay are greater. When people become problem gamblers they often disregard their primary responsibilities to family, work and society. Too often gambling leads to financial ruin, dishonesty and criminal behaviour.
Studies show that gambling during adolescence dramatically increases a person’s likelihood of developing a gambling dependency 3. The association of gambling with abuse and dependency is most pronounced in groups reporting early-onset gambling. This observation suggests that gambling during adolescence may substantially impact adult function 4.
Gambling is not merely a harmless activity but can become a compulsive dependency. The rates of pathological gambling worldwide range between 0.8% and 1.8% 5. This translates into millions of individuals. It is exceedingly rare for them to seek treatment 6.
GROUNDS FOR THE POSITION OF THE SALVATION ARMY
The Salvation Army believes that all our resources ultimately belong to God and that we have the responsibility to use money productively, to guard against greed, and to avoid gaining at the expense of others (see 1 Timothy 6:3-10; 17-19).
Gambling runs counter to Christian teachings about love, respect, self-control and compassion for others (see Galatians 5:22-23). Those who may be at low risk of becoming problem gamblers still have a responsibility to protect those who are at greater risk (see 1 Corinthians 8:9).
It is not for anyone to condemn or judge those who suffer from addiction (see Luke 6:37). We all have our own weaknesses. Christian principles teach us to help problem gamblers to recover, be whole persons and regain self-respect.
Governments are supposed to be God’s servants and seek the welfare of society as a whole. When the state uses gambling to collect revenue from a vulnerable population, it is not acting in good faith towards the citizens it is to serve.
PRACTICAL RESPONSES
The Salvation Army has concern for everyone suffering from gambling dependency and those impacted by their actions. Salvation Army soldiers commit to abstain from gambling in any form. In the context of fundraising for charities, Salvationists are encouraged to make donations rather than participate in gambling activities.
The Salvation Army encourages everyone to understand the risks of gambling and will encourage education and prevention programmes to this end.
The Salvation Army engages in advocacy with governments, commercial entities and individuals concerning the inherent dangers of gambling and the suffering it inflicts on gamblers and their families.
The Salvation Army opposes the stigmatisation of those suffering from a gambling dependency. It seeks to support gamblers and their families through the provision of education, counselling and rehabilitation programmes. In so doing, The Salvation Army uses a holistic approach that fosters psychological, social and spiritual well-being.
References
Gamble Aware. (2013). Gamble Responsibly. Retrieved from http://www.gambleaware.co.uk Gamblers Anonymous. (n.d). Gamblers Anonymous. Retrieved from http://www.gamblersanonymous.org
Hardoon, K.K. & Derevensky, J.L. (2002). Child and adolescent gambling behaviour: Current knowledge. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry 7 (2) 263-281.Retrieved from http://youthgambling.mcgill.ca/en/PDF/Publications/2003-1999/Child%20and%20Adolescent%20Gambling%20Behavior%20-%20Current%20Knowledge%202002.pdf
Lynch W.J., Maciejewski, P.K. & Potenza M.N. (2004). Psychiatric correlates of gambling in adolescents and young adults grouped by age at gambling onset. Archives of General Psychiatry 61 (11) 1116-1122. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.61.11.1116.
National Gambling Impact Study Commission. (1999). Final Report. Retrieved from http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/ngisc/reports/finrpt.html.
Problem Gambling Guide (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.problemgamblingguide.com
Stucki, S & Rhis-Middel, M. (2007). Prevalence of adult problem and pathological gambling between 2000 and 2005: An update. Journal of Gambling Studies. 23 (3) 245-257. doi: 10.1007/s10899-010-9200-6
Suurvali, H., Cordingley, J., Hodgins, D. & Cunningham J. (2009). Barriers to seeking help for gambling problems: A review of the empirical literature. Journal of Gambling Studies. 25 (3) 407-424.
Approved by the General, June 2012 The views expressed in this international positional statement constitute the official position of The Salvation Army on the issue addressed, and they may not be modified or adapted in any way without the express written permission of International Headquarters.
Footnotes: 1Gamble Aware. Gamble Responsibly. 2 National Gambling Impact Study Commission. Final Report. 3 Karen K. Hardoon & Jeffrey L. Derevensky. Child and adolescent gambling behaviour: Current knowledge. 4 W.J Lynch, P.K Maciejewski & M.N. Potenza. Psychiatric correlates of gambling in adolescents and young adults grouped by age at gambling onset. 5 S. Stucki & M. Rhis-Middel. Prevalence of adult problem and pathological gambling between 2000 and 2005: An update. 6 H. Suurvali, J. Cordingley, D. Hodgins & J. Cunningham. Barriers to seeking help for gambling problems: A review of the empirical literature.
Although most New Zealanders gamble without experiencing any harm, a small minority who participate do suffer some degree of harm and for them the impacts of this can be significant. The TAB is committed to promoting responsible gambling and has various tools and procedures in place to help minimise the potential harm associated with gambling. The TAB aims to educate customers, and to assist them with making good decisions in relation to their gambling. The TAB wants all of its customers to follow these tips to help stay in control.
If you think that you, or someone you know, may be experiencing issues with gambling, here are some behavioural signs to look out for:
Mood swings or outbursts brought on by gambling
Attempting to hide gambling from family or friends, or being dishonest about gambling
Trying to borrow money for the purpose of gambling more
Gambling for long periods without taking a break, or prioritising gambling over other commitments
Gambling most days of the week
Chasing gambling losses
Setting a limit, but not being able to stick to it
Gambling is no longer a source of fun and is causing regret or distress
If you recognise some of these signs, and think that you or someone you know might need help, know that it is available right now.
Free and confidential support and counselling services are available through the Gambling Helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling the Gambling Helpline 0800 654 655. You can also text the Gambling Helpline at any time on 8006.
Salvation Army Problem Gambling Winnings
The Gambling Helpline is a national, dedicated helpline service where trained staff can provide guidance, support and information. The Gambling Helpline also has specialist services available including the Maori Gambling Helpline, the Pasifika Gambling Helpline, the Youth Gambling Helpline, and the Debt Gambling Helpline.
Places where you can find more information
Gambling Helpline New Zealand Choicenotchance.org.nz Problem Gambling Foundation NZ The Salvation Army Oasis _________________________________________________________________
TAB Tools that can help
For most customers betting on racing and sports or playing gaming machines is a fun, safe and exciting pastime, however we recognise that for a small percentage of people it may become a problem.
The TAB has a range of support measures to promote responsible gambling to customers and ensure betting remains a safe and fun activity.
Here are some of the tools available to help customers manage their gambling:
Set Your Limits - Accessible at all times through the account dashboard - account customers are able to set specific spending limits across a defined period. A mandatory 'cool down' period applies before these limits can be increased or removed. If you would like to discuss additional options in relation to spending limits, including setting limits over a different time period, please contact our helpdesk on 0800 102 106 for assistance.
Decreasing your Limits - Limits placed on your account can be lowered at any time. To lower your limits, navigate to the Set Your Limits section of the account dashboard and enter the amount you want to reduce your limit to.
Increasing Your Limits - Your limits cannot be increased without triggering a mandatory stand down period. These periods are designed to ensure you cannot act on a spur of the moment decision to increase or remove your limit. Daily limits trigger a mandatory 24 hour stand down. Limits greater than a day will trigger a mandatory 7 day stand down period. No person (including TAB staff) can override a stand down period.
Take A Break - Also accessible at all times through the account dashboard - account customers are able to elect to 'take a break' from their TAB account for a specified period. Where a customer elects to take a break, they will not be able to access their account for the break period or place any bets through their account. Additionally, when a customer takes a break, the TAB will not send marketing material or information to the email address registered against the TAB account.
Removal From Promotional Emails - When you elect to Take A Break, your TAB Account will automatically be converted to ‘No Promotion Material’ for the period of your break. Meaning you will not receive any promotional content from the TAB for the duration of your break period. Additionally, you can (at any time) elect to unsubscribe from receiving TAB promotional material (even without utilising the Take a Break feature). This can be done via the Account Dashboard or by electing to unsubscribe from within any TAB promotional email you receive.
TAB Account Only Exclusion - It is possible to exclude yourself from betting via TAB Account only. If you do not wish to exclude from all TAB services, but think that a TAB Account Only Exclusion could help you better manage your betting, please contact [email protected].
Multi Venue Self Exclusion Programme - The TAB runs a retail exclusion programme for both its Class 4 (Pokie Machine) and TAB wagering sites. The exclusion programme allows customers to block themselves from entering and gambling at any TAB venues in the country. Information regarding the exclusion programme is available in store, or call our helpdesk on 0800 102 106 for more information.
As one of the four major gambling providers in New Zealand, the TAB has a responsibility to minimise harm associated with its products. The responsibility extends beyond the requirements set out under the Racing and Gambling Act 2003. The TAB goes beyond the standards set out in legislation in many significant ways.
In conducting its business the TAB strives to exhibit a sense of social responsibility by having regard to the communities in which it operates. This is a continuous and evolving process that develops in tandem with research evidence, population needs, and the development of new tools and technology. As part of this process, the TAB is committed to:
Working in partnership with health and help service providers to ensure our responsible gambling initiatives achieve the best possible harm minimisation outcomes;
Trialing and implementing new and emerging technology that is aimed at making the gambling environment safer for the customer;
Reviewing processes, procedures, and commitments to identify areas where our responsible gambling programme can be improved.
Salvation Army Problem Gambling Rules
If you require further information about the TAB’s Responsible Gambling programme, please contact [email protected].