“Parents are becoming increasingly concerned about the flood of gambling promotion that young people are exposed to, whether through prime time television, the online environment or prominent sponsorships,” gambling help counsellor Barry Mason of Anglicare Northern Inland said.

“Recent studies show that the largest six sports betting agencies spend up to $40 million each per year on promotion and a great deal of that is visible to young people.

“This year Responsible Gambling Awareness Week aims to educate young people so that they can view gambling and its promotion in an informed and thoughtful way. “We’ll also be reaching out to help young people who may already be running into trouble with gambling.”

Mr Mason said the week’s activities would include the publication of a new booklet, Talking to Teens about Gambling, which will be made available free to parents and carers.

The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing’s Gambling and Young People Strategy will continue to roll out in 2015 after Responsible Gambling Awareness Week.

This includes the release of new lesson plans for the Year 11 and 12 Crossroads program that have been developed in consultation with the NSW Department of Education.

“The gambling environment has changed completely in the past decade and now anyone who has a smart phone has a means to gamble anywhere and anytime, with very few checks and balances,” Mr Mason said.

“Our focus is strongly on encouraging young people to know the realities about gambling, including the odds of winning and the costs of losing, so we can prevent problems before they start.”

Anglicare Northern Inland assists problem gamblers and their families in Inverell and surrounds free of charge and with complete confidentiality. To make an appointment call Barry Mason on 6722 2766 or 1800 858 858.