Gambling harm can have serious impacts on individuals, families, and communities. The Gambling Harm Screening Tool helps health professionals spot patients at risk of gambling harm or those already negatively affected. Developed by the Fairfield Health Alliance, a collaboration between SWSPHN, SWSLHD, and Fairfield City Council, this tool provides a structured way to assess patients’ needs and guide them toward appropriate support or referral services.
About the tool
The Gambling Harm Screening Tool addresses the growing need for early intervention. Research shows that early identification of gambling behaviours can prevent more serious issues. These include financial stress, mental health challenges, and strained relationships.
The tool is designed to identify individuals who experience gambling harm either as gamblers or ‘affected others’. The screening tool consists of two parts. The first part of the tool is designed for individuals who gamble and is based on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), a validated measure used to assess the severity of gambling behaviours and related harms. The second part is the Concerned Others Gambling Screen (COGS), which helps identify people affected by someone else’s gambling.
Health professionals, like GPs, nurses, and allied health workers, can easily integrate this tool into routine patient assessments. This is especially useful in communities with higher rates of gambling.
How to use the Gambling Harm Screening Tool
The tool features a set of questions that identify gambling behaviours, risk factors, and the level of harm. It is simple to use and can be added to regular health assessments. If patients or their families raise concerns, the tool can quickly address them.
Gambling Harm Screening Tool
Next steps for health professionals and community workers
After using the Gambling Harm Screening Tool, consult available resources and referral pathways. These will help you find the best action plan for your patient.
By using the tool, health professionals can help patients access the right support at the right time, preventing further harm and promoting healthier outcomes.
For more information on the project and the development of this tool, visit the Fairfield City Health Alliance Gambling Working Group page.
Gambling harm referral pathways and support resources
This page provides information and tools to help identify and support individuals at risk of or affected by gambling harm.
For individuals experiencing more severe gambling-related harm, explore the gambling harm referral pathways. These outline referral options to services that offer comprehensive, tailored support.
Below, you’ll find a range of support services, self-help tools and community resources for individuals affected by or at risk of gambling harm.
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