Discuss an Approach to Gambling Harm Reduction
Harm reduction is both a philosophy and a set of practices used when working with people who are using substances.
Harm reduction means providing support that prioritises people’s human rights and the principles of social justice. It focuses on positive change and on working with people without judgement, coercion, discrimination, or requiring that people stop the behaviour as a precondition of support.
Harm reduction is about meeting people where they are at on their journey. Someone may not be ready to attend counselling for their gambling but they may want to reduce the harm gambling is causing in their life. These eight harm reduction techniques can help to limit harm if people want to continue gambling.
Set a money limit
Avoid gambling if you are feeling angry, upset or lonely
Make it a rule not to gamble on credit
Learn more about how the gambling industry works
Set a time limit
Don’t try to win back lost money
Limit gambling on more than two types of products
Reach out for support from someone you trust
Discussing Blocking and Exclusion Methods with the person you are supporting is a further step on their harm reduction journey. They may want to start by blocking or excluding from only online or only physical premises and working towards exclusion from both.
Discussing Blocking and Exclusion Methods with the person you are supporting is a further step on their harm reduction journey. They may want to start by blocking or excluding from only online or only physical premises and working towards exclusion from both.
Ensure that all gambling websites are blocked on devices and that you cannot create any new accounts on gambling websites. Apps can be installed for 6 months up to 5 years.
Self exclusion
People can self-exclude from their local bookies, casinos and bingo halls through different organisations. This can take a lot of time to organise but potentially deters people from the shops they usually frequent and can break routines.
Banks
Many banks offer the option of blocking gambling transactions which means that people are not able to make payments with their bank cards. This ensures that online gambling is not possible and that if someone wants to go into a betting shop, they have to lift money first.
Blocking apps
Scratchcards and lottery tickets are usually classified as ‘groceries’ in many shops so people will still be able to pur-chase them in supermarkets and shops.