Understanding and Addressing Gambling Harms in the Northern Rivers: A Community-Informed, Multi-Site Research Initiative
1. Executive Summary
This research proposes a multi-part, cross-disciplinary study to assess gambling behaviours, harms, public perceptions, and community resources in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. Drawing on case studies, youth exposure research, and stigma analysis, the project aims to inform harm minimisation strategies, improve public health messaging, and evaluate community-based alternatives to pokies. The project will combine geospatial mapping, qualitative and quantitative methods, and collaborative partnerships with local services and affected communities.
2. Research Aims and Objectives
Overall Aim:
To provide an evidence base that supports policy and service improvements to minimise gambling harms in regional communities, with a focus on the Northern Rivers region.
Specific Objectives:
✦ Map the availability and accessibility of gambling venues and services across Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore, and Mullumbimby
✦ Identify demographic risk factors and prevalence of gambling harms in local populations
✦ Examine stigma and barriers to help-seeking among those affected by gambling
✦ Investigate the effectiveness and perception of alternatives to pokies (e.g., Eltham Hotel case study)
✦ Compare engagement and outcomes of Gamblers Anonymous (GA) with NA/AA
✦ Analyse the impact of digital content on youth gambling exposure, including TikTok and social media platforms
✦ Develop community-informed recommendations for policy, education, and service delivery
3. RGF Priority Research Areas Addressed
This project aligns with multiple RGF priorities:
• Individual and community level harm minimisation
• Gambling among vulnerable groups
• Regulation of gambling environments
• Emerging technologies and new trends
• Measuring and understanding prevalence and harm
• Efficacy and effectiveness of treatment and support pathways
4. Methodology
A mixed-methods approach will be used across five interconnected sub-projects:
✦ 4.1 Community Gambling Profile (Northern Rivers)
• Geospatial Mapping of venue density and proximity to schools, public housing, and health services
• Community Surveys to gauge gambling habits, risk factors, and support-seeking behaviour
• Stakeholder Focus Groups with health workers, community leaders, and venue staff
✦ 4.2 Pokies-Free Pubs: Eltham Hotel Case Study
• Financial Data Analysis (pre/post pokies removal)
• Interviews with patrons, managers, and local artists
• Patronage Survey comparing motivations and perceived social atmosphere
✦ 4.3 Stigma, Treatment, and Peer Support
• Public Opinion Poll on gambling vs drug/alcohol addiction
• In-depth Interviews with individuals with lived experience of gambling harm
• Comparative Analysis of GA vs NA/AA attendance, structure, and accessibility
✦ 4.4 Youth and Digital Exposure
• Content Analysis of gambling-related posts and ads on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube
• Youth Surveys (ages 12–17) via schools and youth services
• Parent/Educator Interviews on awareness and protective strategies
5. Collaborators and Stakeholders
✦ Regional partner orgs: Social Futures, NNSWLHD, Coffs Refugee Support
✦ Academic support: University Centre for Rural Health (Lismore), Southern Cross University
✦ Community consultation: Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Gamblers Anonymous facilitators
✦ Youth organisations and schools
6. Expected Outcomes and Impact
✦ Evidence-based recommendations for regional harm minimisation and venue licensing
✦ A model for pokies-free entertainment precincts
✦ Data-informed digital literacy campaigns targeting youth gambling exposure
✦ Identification of gaps in treatment and support systems
✦ Greater insight into public attitudes and stigma reduction approaches
7. Timeline and Deliverables
PhaseTimeframeDeliverablesProject designMonths 1–2Ethics approval, stakeholder engagementData collectionMonths 3–6Surveys, interviews, mappingData analysisMonths 7–8Interim findings, media reportsFinal reportingMonths 9–10Full report, infographics, presentationDisseminationMonths 11–12Community briefings, journal submission
8. Budget (est. $180,000–$200,000)
Includes:
• Staff costs (research assistant, community liaison)
• Participant incentives (vouchers for surveys/focus groups)
• Travel and accommodation
• Data analysis software
• Community workshops and dissemination events
• Final reporting and design
In-kind contributions from partner orgs (e.g. room hire, printing, consultation hours) will be included.
9. Evaluation and Learnings
• Continuous stakeholder feedback loops (via advisory group)
• Post-project reflection workshop with community partners
• Evaluation framework focused on relevance, uptake, and future applicability
• Assessment of how findings contribute to long-term service or policy reform
10. Contact and Expression of Interest
To be submitted to:
With expression of interest requesting access to the RGF grant portal
