Gambling: A Poison Chalice for Indigenous Peoples’

Abstract

Indigenous populations are now being encouraged to be involved in the business of gambling as an operator or if not given that status, are actively encouraged to participate in gambling activities. Research both published and unpublished show that different indigenous populations often have a higher prevalence of problem and pathological gambling than other populations groups, especially the dominant population, which actively encourages the normalisation and exposure of vulnerable peoples to gambling. Within this context there are issues for indigenous peoples which vary from one country to another, but irrespective of different government and state policies, there are matters to be considered such as the "voice", of indigenous peoples in gambling policies, their treaties and ongoing implications, duty of care by politicians and administrators whom licence and regulate gambling, and the long term effects for indigenous people, especially children and young people who are exposed to gambling with no protections in place for their safety.

Yarning about gambling in Indigenous communities: an Aboriginal and Islander Mental Health Initiative

“…In rural areas the limited opportunities for alternative recreational activities accessible to Aboriginal people also contribute to high levels of problem gambling (Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of NSW 2007). These Australian findings echo international research which links gambling with disempowerment and marginalisation (Volberg & Wray 2007;Dyall 2010) and the 'boredom, chaos and trauma' of everyday life (Dyall & Hand 2003: 325). These Australian findings echo international research which links gambling with disempowerment and marginalisation (Volberg & Wray 2007;Dyall 2010) and the 'boredom, chaos and trauma' of everyday life (Dyall & Hand 2003: 325).…”

“…National and international evidence suggests Indigenous gambling involvement, gambling expenditures and gambling-related problems are higher than that of non-Indigenous people (Raylu & Po Oei 2004;Delfabbro et al 2005;Volberg & Wray 2007;Dyall 2010). Dyall argues that it is not only the availability of gambling, but also accompanying historical, economic and political changes that have led to increased gambling problems among Indigenous peoples in particular (Dyall 2007;Dyall 2010).…”

Public Health and Indigenous Australian Gambling: Risky Lifestyle or Harmless Recreation?

“…A sense of loneliness and internalisation of shame and guilt contribute to some Indigenous people's use of alcohol and gambling in order to reduce their disadvantage (AHMRC, 2007). Selfprotective mechanisms can be used by people vulnerable to risk (Dyall, 2010). The comorbidity between gambling and alcohol use was not unique to this research.…”

Commentary: Indigenous Health Special Issue

“…Dion et al (2010) provide an example of the difficulties of reviewing the literature linking childhood trauma and problem gambling, predominated by non-Indigenous studies, to explore possible links between sexual abuse and problem gambling amongst Aboriginal peoples in Canada. The second article compares gambling to smoking and alcohol, in terms of the negative consequences for the individual and for the environment (Dyall 2010).…”