Summary:

Higher rates of problem gambling risk and harm from others’ gambling have been reported among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory (NT). Further, there exists a significant variation in gambling among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the regions in the NT. Also, there is a lack of in-depth research in this area in the NT context. Hence, this study will make an original and substantial contribution to this research area.

There are inherent benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who wish to voice their opinions and experiences related to gambling and having these experiences acknowledged and fed-back to service providers. Talking to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about their experiences and working alongside them to develop strategies to address the topics that are uncovered, is the best way to move forward. The purpose is to develop culturally-sensitive resources to prevent gambling-related harms among Aboriginal people and communities. Hence, this strengths‐based approach would also mean that participants will draw upon the individual and/or community strengths to remedy the gambling-related issues.

The benefits of this study in the form of new knowledge and recommended strategies will accrue to the funding body (Northern Territory Government). Capturing lived experience of individuals about gambling, and views on potential approaches to prevent harm from gambling, would, therefore, be useful for developing prevention strategies, interventions, and targeted treatment approaches to regulate gambling harm among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the NT, and will potentially benefit the whole community.

Participant information sheet available here.

Chief Investigator:
Project Manager:
  • Mr David Aanudsen
Contact information:
Helplines:
  • Gambling helpline: 1800 858 858 (Toll free)
  • Crisis helplines: Lifeline 13 11 14 (Toll free)
  • Domestic Violence helpline: 1800 737 732 (Toll free)
  • Danila Dilba Health Service (Darwin): (08) 8942 5444
  • Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Service (Katherine): 1800 987 547 (Toll free)
  • Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation (Tennant Creek): (08) 8962 2385
  • Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation (Nhulunbuy): (08) 8939 1900
Project dates:

June 2020 - July 2021.