A model of Indigenous commercial gambler profiles in north Queensland, Australia

Abstract

This paper examines commercial gambling by Indigenous Australians in three regions of north Queensland. Semi-structured interviews conducted with 60 Indigenous Australians revealed numerous themes that influence Indigenous gambling activities. Themes were synthesized into a conceptual model for understanding Indigenous commercial gambling by developing several gambler profiles. These profiles were analysed as being positioned along a public health continuum model of gambling, from healthy to unhealthy commercial gambling. The four emerging profiles were labelled social, binge, exploited and committed gambler, respectively. The continuum model explains gambler profiles, including behaviours, motivations and outcomes as moving from healthy gambling in low-risk situations to unhealthy gambling in high-risk situations. The model contributes to a deeper understanding of influences involved in controlling or stimulating gambling by Indigenous gamblers in these regions.

Keywords:

• gambling
• Indigenous
• conceptual model
• public health
• Australia

Acknowledgements

The Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians who participated in this study are thanked for their generosity and contributions to this research.

An Australian Postgraduate Award, a Southern Cross University alumnus award and a Centre for Gambling Education and Research top-up scholarship funded the researcher for this project.

Notes

1. The author is aware of debate associated with titles used to describe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Terms such as Indigenous, Indigenous Australian, Aboriginal, Murri and Koori are used interchangeably in this paper depending on source material.

2. TAB or Totalisator Agency Board is the agency that operates a computerized system of betting calculating all bets and payouts in a pari-mutuel style (McPherson, 2007).

3. To demand share or to humbug is to harass and pester people for money and to expect to receive it (McDonald & Wombo, 2006).