SWSPHN has ceased hosting events at venues with onsite gaming machines
10 Jul 2025
You may have noticed SWSPHN is now using different venues to host CPD events.
After careful deliberation and discussion, SWSPHN’s Board and Executives decided to cease hosting events, including CPD events, at venues which have onsite gaming machines (poker machines) or access to any other gambling affiliated activities.
Sponsorship for CPD events is also no longer being accepted and may only be considered for SWSPHN conferences.
There is emerging evidence regarding the health impacts of gambling and our communities are disproportionately impacted when compared to the rest of NSW
In the coming months we will be trialling new venues for face-to-face CPD events.
We will be holding our first CPD event at Ottimo House, Denham Court – Navigating lung cancer care: screening, referrals and state of the art treatments – on Wednesday, 6 August from 6.30pm to 9pm.
The event aims to equip GPs with key insights into lung cancer screening eligibility, referral pathways and the current standard of care for stages one to four of the disease. The session includes a panel discussion on cutting-edge treatments and innovations in lung cancer care.
Similar events are also being planned for Bankstown and Bowral.
Please note, Harrington Grove Country Club is no longer available as an event venue due to new management.
Summary of the impacts of gaming machines and gambling
Psychological and emotional effects
Addiction and compulsive gambling:
- poker machines are highly addictive due to their design, which often includes features like intermittent reinforcement (random rewards) which create strong psychological hooks
- constant engagement with these machines can lead to gambling disorder, classified as a behavioural addiction by the DSM-5
Mental health disorders:
- individuals addicted to poker machines often experience higher rates of depression, anxiety and stress
- the cycle of winning and losing can create intense emotional highs and lows, contributing to emotional instability
Suicidal tendencies:
- problem gambling is associated with a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts. The financial and emotional strain can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair
Social and behavioural effects
Financial strain and debt:
- the addictive nature of poker machines can lead to significant financial losses. This financial strain often results in severe stress, impacting mental health
- financial problems can lead to secondary issues such as loss of employment, housing instability and relationship breakdowns
Social isolation:
- problem gamblers may isolate themselves from family and friends, either due to the amount of time spent gambling or the shame associated with their behaviour
- social isolation further exacerbates feelings of loneliness and depression
Cognitive effects
Distorted thinking:
- gamblers may develop cognitive distortions, such as the illusion of control and gambler’s fallacy, which perpetuate their gambling behaviour
- these distorted thoughts can impair decision-making and problem-solving abilities, further entrenching the addiction
Community impact
Economic costs:
- the broader community bears significant economic costs due to problem gambling, including increased demand for mental health services, social services, and legal costs
- the presence of poker machines in communities is often linked to higher crime rates and reduced community cohesion
Family impact:
- families of problem gamblers often experience severe emotional and financial stress. Children in these families may suffer from neglect or emotional distress