Three new instructional videos are available to help health professionals and community workers recognise gambling harm, start conversations and use the Gambling Harm Screening Tool in everyday practice.
Developed by the Fairfield City Health Partnership and Alliance Gambling Working Group, the videos provide practical guidance on how to introduce the screening tool, talk with patients and clients about gambling harm, and respond appropriately when concerns are identified.
The videos cover:
- Recognising gambling harm, including common signs of harm and when to consider asking about gambling
- Talking about gambling harm, including practical guidance for respectful, non-judgemental and culturally responsive conversations.
- Using the Gambling Harm Screening Tool, including how to complete the screening, interpret results and identify appropriate next steps
Supporting earlier identification of gambling harm
Gambling harm can affect a person’s mental health, finances, relationships, work and social wellbeing, but it may not always be identified during a routine consultation.
The Gambling Harm Screening Tool provides GPs, health professionals and community workers with a structured approach to identifying gambling harm in people who gamble, as well as people affected by someone else’s gambling.
The tool combines two established approaches. The first section is based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and helps identify the severity of gambling behaviours and related harm. The second uses the Concerned Others Gambling Screen (COGS) to identify people experiencing harm because of someone else’s gambling.
Using the screening tool alongside the new videos can help health professionals identify gambling harm earlier, have supportive conversations and connect people with appropriate support and referral options.
Responding to gambling harm in Fairfield City
Gambling harm was identified as a shared health priority for the Fairfield City Health Partnership and Alliance following a local health needs assessment and community consultation in 2017 and remains a top priority for the alliance in 2026.
Gambling continues to have a significant impact in Fairfield. In 2026, Fairfield LGA had 3,822 active electronic gaming machines, while about $2.1 million was lost each day on poker machines. This is a substantial increase from about $1.455 million lost each day in 2019.
The community also faces several factors associated with an increased risk of gambling harm. Fairfield City is one of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas in Greater Sydney and has one of Australia’s most culturally diverse populations, with almost 60 per cent of residents born overseas and 76 per cent speaking a language other than English at home.
These local and ongoing needs informed the development of the Gambling Harm Screening Tool to help health professionals and community workers identify gambling harm and connect people with appropriate support.
Watch videos now Access gambling harm tool