New resources help health workers identify gambling harm
25 Sep 2026
The videos were developed by the Fairfield City Health Partnership and Alliance Gambling Working Group. They explain how to raise the topic of gambling, speak with patients and clients, and respond when screening shows possible harm.
The three videos focus on:
- Identifying gambling harm: Signs that may indicate harm and when it may be useful to ask about gambling.
- Starting conversations: Ways to discuss gambling in a respectful, non-judgemental and culturally responsive way.
- Using the screening tool: How to complete the Gambling Harm Screening Tool, understand the results and decide on suitable next steps.
Helping identify harm earlier
Gambling can affect a person's mental health, finances, relationships, employment and social wellbeing. However, these problems may not always be recognised during regular health consultations.
The Gambling Harm Screening Tool gives GPs, other health professionals and community workers a structured way to identify gambling-related harm. It can also be used to identify people affected by another person's gambling.
The tool uses two established screening methods. Its first section is based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), which looks at gambling behaviour and the level of related harm.
The second section uses the Concerned Others Gambling Screen (COGS). This helps identify people experiencing harm because of another person's gambling.
The new videos are designed to support use of the tool in practice. Together, they can help health workers recognise concerns, have supportive conversations and connect people with suitable support and referral services.
Gambling harm remains a Fairfield priority
Gambling harm became a shared health priority for the Fairfield City Health Partnership and Alliance after a local health needs assessment and community consultation in 2017. It remains a key priority for the alliance in 2026.
In 2026, Fairfield LGA had 3,822 active electronic gaming machines, with about $2.1 million lost each day on poker machines. This compares with about $1.455 million in daily losses in 2019.
Fairfield also has several factors linked with a higher risk of gambling harm. The area is among the more socioeconomically disadvantaged parts of Greater Sydney and has a highly diverse population.
Almost 60 per cent of Fairfield residents were born overseas, while 76 per cent speak a language other than English at home.
These local needs helped shape the Gambling Harm Screening Tool, which aims to support earlier identification of gambling harm and help connect people with appropriate support.
New resources help health workers identify gambling harm
Source: Fairfield City Health Partnership and Alliance Gambling Working Group.