About the week
Gambling Harm Awareness Week is an annual event that raises awareness about gambling harm and how it affects individuals, families and communities.
During Gambling Harm Awareness Week, we’re encouraging Victorians to learn how gambling products work so they can make more informed choices.
Some gambling products are designed to encourage long, continuous play, which can lead to negative effects known as gambling harm.
Gambling harm can affect your:
- self-esteem
- relationships
- physical and mental health
- work performance
- social life.
The campaign offers information and simple strategies to help people avoid gambling harm, including:
- setting deposit limits
- checking betting activity statements
- taking regular breaks from gambling
- self-excluding for longer breaks.
2024 dates and theme
Gambling Harm Awareness Week will be held from 18 to 24 November 2024.
Research shows only 44% of Victorians strongly agree that gambling products like pokies, casino games, and sports betting are responsible for the harm they cause people. (Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation community attitudes survey 2023)
This year’s campaign ‘You're meant to lose more than you win. Know what’s behind the game’, will focus on how gambling products contribute to harm.
The campaign encourages people to rethink their chances of winning and their decision to gamble by explaining:
- how gambling products work
- how hard it is to know the real chance of winning
- how complex gambling products can be
- misconceptions that knowledge and skill can change the outcome.
The campaign also provides tips to help people protect themselves from harm.
There are resources available to help people understand the risks of gambling, reduce those risks, and find support.
These resources, along with other promotional materials, will be available for campaign supporters to use and share in their local community.
Resources and supporter kit
Access campaign resources such as downloadable posters, social media tiles and information including key messages via our Resources and supporter kit page.
Contact us
Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission
Phone: 1300 599 759
Email: [email protected](opens in a new window)
If you or someone you know needs help with their gambling, support is available 24/7. Free call 1800 858 858 or visit the Gambler’s Help website.(opens in a new window)
Gambler’s help information is also available in languages other than English on the help in other languages page(opens in a new window).
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