BRIGHT signs advertising responsible gambling messages decked rubbish bins across the CBD this week to promote Responsible Gambling Awareness Week.
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This year's theme, ``Is your gambling risky or responsible?'', was at the heart of Centacare's work to raise awareness about the financial and emotional impact gambling addiction has on Mount Isa families.
Centacare Family Relationships and Gambling Help Service program manager Menik Gunasekera said there was a distinct difference between social and problem gamblers.
``Social gamblers only play what they can afford to lose and don't chase losses or a big win. They have control,'' she said.
``Problem gamblers lack control and spend more than they can afford.
``Some borrow money and don't pay bills.''
Mrs Gunasekera said help was available through a Centacare stall at the Buffs Club every day this week.
Centacare staff will also wear t-shirts promoting the winning slogans from a gambling awareness competition run earlier in the month.
``We are there from midday until 2pm every day and Buffs is one of the gaming organisations in town that really supports the cause,'' Mrs Gunasekera said.
``We sit outside and talk to their patrons and we have an agreement with them called Dial a Counsellor so if someone needs support immediately they call us and we can go down and support the client in a very discreet way.''
Responsible Gambling Awareness Week runs until June 1.