Victoria programme for vulnerable players

Australia’s state of Victoria has launched a trial programme designed to treat problem gamblers on an individual basis.

The city of Ballarat is the location of the trial, reports Inside Asian Gaming, where health professionals have been equipped with a new way of screening patients to determine the best treatments.

The state government said that it aims to increase access to and training for practitioners who operate within the mental health, alcohol and other drugs sectors and are treating vulnerable people who have been exposed to gambling harm.

Apart from increasing awareness of gambling harm among healthcare professions, the project also seeks to remove barriers such as stigma faced by players seeking help. The results of the trial will be used to set up future programmes in the state.