How the causes, consequences and solutions for problem gambling are reported in Australian newspapers: a qualitative content analysis

Abstract

Objective: To inform public health approaches to problem gambling by examining how the news media covers problem gambling, with a particular focus on the causes, consequences and solutions to problem gambling, and the ‘actors’ and sources who influence media coverage. Methods: A qualitative content analysis guided by framing theory analysed coverage of problem gambling in Australian newspapers in the period 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012. Results: Solutions to problem gambling were more frequently discussed than causes and consequences. A focus on the responsibility of individuals was preferred to reporting that focused on broader social, ecological, and industry determinants of problem gambling. Reporting was highly politicised, with politicians frequently quoted and political issues frequently discussed. In contrast, the community sector, health professionals and problem gamblers were rarely quoted. Conclusions and implications: This analysis has revealed the need for a more proactive, coordinated approach to the media by both public health researchers and health groups. The establishment of a gambling‐specific coalition to push for evidence‐based reform is recommended.

Gambling advocacy: lessons from tobacco, alcohol and junk food

“…47,48 Our study supports findings by Miller and colleagues (2014) who reported that industry and government commentary about problem gambling is framed around personal responsibility discourses. 14 These approaches ensure that the dominant discourse relating to problem gambling is one of 'problem people' , which ultimately absolves industry and government from the role they cause in the harm associated with products. 48 There is no strong evidence to suggest that personal responsibility approaches have been effective in preventing the harms caused by unhealthy commodity products to community.…”

“…12 Most government, industry and research responses to gambling harm have focused on addiction frameworks and personal responsibility responses. 14,15 'Responsible gambling' campaigns present gambling through the lens of the problem gambler, with public campaigns skewed towards personal responsibility and help-seeking narratives. 16 Cassidy and colleagues (2013) note that the political economy of gambling research is skewed towards problem gambling research.…”

“…17 Studies have included investigations of the development of new gambling products and technologies; [19][20][21] marketing and promotional strategies; Gambling advocacy: lessons from tobacco, alcohol and junk food industry and government seek to frame the public debate about problem gambling. 14,16 Public health advocacy has played a critical role in responding to these tactics in other unhealthy commodity industries. 31,32 The…”

Children’s attitudes towards Electronic Gambling Machines: an exploratory qualitative study of children who attend community clubs

“…Based on the behaviours of adults in their social networks, some children perceived that gambling on EGMs was a fun form of entertainment, that people win more than they lose, and that personal responsibility can protect people from harm. Messages about EGM use from government and industry focus heavily on personal responsibility [50, 51], and this study provides some indication that these messages may be reaching children. This is potentially problematic given that personal responsibility approaches appear to have had little impact on the prevention of harm from EGMs and may in fact lead to negative outcomes such as the stigmatisation of problem gamblers (Miller HE, Thomas S. The problem with ‘responsible gambling’: impact of government and industry discourses on feelings of felt and enacted stigma in people who experience problems with gambling.…”

Shaping pathways to gambling consumption? An analysis of the promotion of gambling and non-gambling activities from gambling venues

“…Despite these stated social and community objectives, researchers have highlighted that Clubs have become particularly dependent on the "aggressive pursuit" of revenue from EGMs for their financial survival (Hing, 2006, p. 85). It is therefore unsurprising that Clubs in Australia have actively opposed some reform proposals aimed at preventing the harm associated with EGMs which may impact on the profits they make from these machines (Miller, Thomas, Robinson, & Daube, 2014).…”