Search

: Objective: This study aimed to explore regular gamblers’ perceptions of the social acceptance and cultural accommodation of gambling in Australia, which are two dimensions of the normalisation of gambling. Methods: Qualitatively focused online survey with 363 adults in New South Wales and Victoria who gambled in a typical month. Open‐text responses about the link between gambling and Australian culture were interpreted using reflexive thematic analysis to construct themes from the data. Results: Gambling was perceived to be a culturally significant part of Australian life due to existing traditions, the perception that gambling was central to the Australian identity, and perceived economic benefits. Participants considered that gambling was a common and socially accepted activity that was embedded in the activities of social networks. Participants also stated that gambling products, venues and marketing were embedded in everyday environments, although some believed that the embedding of gambling in society was harmful. Conclusion and public health implications: This study demonstrated that regular gamblers largely viewed gambling as being a socially accepted and culturally accommodated activity in Australia. There is scope for governments to develop comprehensive programs to denormalise gambling, including learning from research, evidence and experience in other areas of public health., It is now widely recognised that gambling poses a threat to public health through a range of serious health and social harms.[sup.1] Approximately $25 billion is lost on gambling in [...]

: Objective: Research has demonstrated that gambling is becoming increasingly normalised for women. As limited research has sought to understand women's perspectives on this issue, we sought women's opinions about the factors that may contribute to the normalisation of gambling for women, and the strategies that may counter this normalisation. Methods: Semi?structured interviews were conducted with 41 women in young and middle adulthood, aged 20?40 years. Results: Participants suggested that gambling was normal for women because gambling environments had been designed to appeal to women, newer technologies had removed the stigma of attending physical venues, and the growing equality and independence of women. To de?normalise gambling, women suggested addressing the influential role of marketing, designing new public education strategies, addressing the availability and accessibility of gambling, and restricting engagement with gambling products. Conclusion: This study highlighted women's perceptions of strategies to address the normalisation of gambling and the importance of providing risk information paired with broader policy reform and prevention initiatives to address the range of determinants that normalise gambling for women. Implications for public health: Involving women in advocacy and understanding their perspectives is important in developing relevant public health responses to the normalisation of gambling for women., Gambling is now recognised as a global public health issue.[sup.1] Researchers have identified that the risks associated with gambling have increased over time, that gambling products have become normalised in [...]