Join us as we dive into an important topic that affects many individuals, families and communities across the world – Gambling Harm. Gambling harm can be any negative consequence caused or made worse by gambling. Gambling harm can be difficult to recognise, sneaky, and will rarely impact an individual in isolation. Our host, Markus Fischer has worked in the mental health and alcohol and other drug sectors for over seven years, spending the last four years focused on gambling harm minimisation. Markus’ passion stems from his personal lived experience.
In this show, Markus speaks to various guests including those impacted by gambling harm, researchers, service providers and those in the industry. He provides information, encouragement, and pathways for others to reach out for support and assistance when they are negatively impacted by gambling.
Each episode explores the complexities of gambling harm, the resources available for those impacted, and effective harm minimisation strategies.
This podcast is brought to you by the ACT Gambling Support Service.
If you are impacted by gambling harm, please contact National Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.
If you're in the ACT and looking for support, visit actgamblingsupport.org.au (http://actgamblingsupport.org.au/).
If you are outside the ACT, visit gamblinghelponline.org.au (http://gamblinghelponline.org.au/) to find support in your local area.
Bets to Better - Ravi - Australian Multicultural Action Network
In this episode of Bets to Better, Markus is joined by Ravi Krishnamurthy, Founder, President and CEO of the Australian Multicultural Action Network in the ACT.
Markus and Ravi talk about the impact that gambling harm has on multicultural communities in Australia, and how factors of shame and trust may impact their help seeking behaviours. They dive into gambling during major sporting events and the importance of education.
They highlight how the roles of faith leaders and communities elders are a key in creating gambling resilient communities.
If you are impacted by gambling harm, please contact the National Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support. If you’re in the ACT and looking for support, visit actgamblingsupport.org.au (https://actgamblingsupport.org.au).
If you are outside the ACT, visit gamblinghelponline.org.au (https://gamblinghelponline.org.au) to find support in your local area.
4 Feb 2026
Bets to Better - Marisa - Relationships Australia
In this episode of Bets to Better, Markus is joined by Dr Marisa Paterson, ACT Labor Member for Murrumbidgee, and the Minister for Gaming Reform in the ACT.
Markus and Marisa talk about the ACT Government’s public health approach to gambling harm and how to shift Australian culture to reduce gambling harm. They discuss the challenge of gambling harm particularly the marketing beast of the gambling industry.
The resources mentioned in this episode include: FairPlay (https://fairplay.org.au/) is an online resource designed to support the prevention of online gambling harm in children and young people. The Guide for Talking About Gambling and Related Harms developed by the ACT Gaming and Racing Commission can be found here here (https://www.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/2930544/Guide-to-talking-about-gambling-and-related-harms.pdf)
If you are impacted by gambling harm, please contact the National Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support. If you’re in the ACT and looking for support, visit actgamblingsupport.org.au (https://actgamblingsupport.org.au).
If you are outside the ACT, visit gamblinghelponline.org.au (https://gamblinghelponline.org.au) to find support in your local area.
21 Nov 2025
Bets to Better - Jodie - Relationships Australia
In this episode of Bets to Better, Markus is joined by Jodie from the Canberra Recovery Service.
Markus and Jodie speak on the co-occurrence of challenges such as gambling, alcohol and other drugs, trauma, and mental health concerns. They reflect on how far the rehabilitation sector has come, as well as expressing ideas on how to continue to improve services.
Both share their lived experience of recovery and their passion for using their experiences to help others.
For more information on Canberra Recovery Services, you can contact them on 02 6295 1256 or via email at CRC@salvationarmy.org.au. If you are impacted by gambling harm, please contact the National Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.
If you’re in the ACT and looking for support, visit actgamblingsupport.org.au (https://actgamblingsupport.org.au).
If you are outside the ACT, visit gamblinghelponline.org.au (https://gamblinghelponline.org.au) to find support in your local area.
20 Oct 2025
Bets to Better - Annie - Relationships Australia
In this episode of Bets to Better, Markus is joined by Annie, one of our Counsellors at the ACT Gambling Support Service and Relationships Australia.
Markus and Annie got together to talk about those who might not necessarily engage in gambling, but are impacted by gambling harm – friends, families and other loved ones.
Annie announces the launch of a new drop-in support group available in the ACT for this group. They discuss the power of peer support and how coming together with others who share your experience can be beneficial.
For more information on our family & friends drop in support group visit https://actgamblingsupport.org.au/support/family-friends-drop-in-group/ (https://actgamblingsupport.org.au/support/family-friends-drop-in-group/).
They also talk about some of the tricky conversations that family and friends may need to navigate with the person engaging in gambling, offering some helpful suggestions on where to start.
If you are impacted by gambling harm, please contact the National Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support. If you’re in the ACT and looking for support, visit actgamblingsupport.org.au (https://actgamblingsupport.org.au).
If you are outside the ACT, visit gamblinghelponline.org.au (https://gamblinghelponline.org.au) to find support in your local area.
14 Apr 2025
Bets to Better - Kathleen - Care Financial
In this episode of Bets to Better, Markus is joined by Kathleen, a Financial Counsellor from Care Financial, one of the ACT Gambling Support Service’s partner providers.
Markus and Kathleen talk about one of the most evident forms of gambling harm – financial harm. Kathleen speaks on how gambling impacts finances, the role of a financial counsellor and the road to financial recovery.
Financial counselling is a free service providing support, information and advocacy allowing their clients to make informed decisions regarding their finances.
If you are experiencing financial harm, you can call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or visit ndh.org.au for a financial counsellor in your local area.
If you are impacted by gambling harm, please contact the National Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.
If you’re in the ACT and looking for support, visit actgamblingsupport.org.au (https://actgamblingsupport.org.au)
If you are outside the ACT, visit gamblinghelponline.org.au (https://gamblinghelponline.org.au) to find support in your local area.
16 Dec 2024
Bets to Better - Meher Chettu - Holiday Season Strategies
Markus is joined by Meher Chettu, a counsellor from the ACT Gambling Support Service, to share strategies for navigating holiday temptations and pressures related to gambling harm.
11 Dec 2024
Bets to Better - Sue-Anne Muggleton - Lifeline
Sue-Anne Muggleton shares insights on using Lifeline to better support mental health, offering a lifeline to those struggling with crisis.
13 Nov 2024
Bets to Better - Dr Aino Suomi - ANU Centre for Gambling Research
In this episode of Bets to Better, Markus is joined by Dr Aino Suomi, an Associate Professor and the Director of the Australian National University Centre for Gambling Research.
Aino offers some great insights into gambling participation in Australia, the impact of COVID on participation, and the emerging risks presented as online gambling grows.
Together, Markus and Aino dive into trends across various means of gambling and the harms associated.
If you are impacted by gambling harm, please contact the National Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.
If you’re in the ACT and looking for support, visit actgamblingsupport.org.au (http://actgamblingsupport.org.au/)
If you are outside the ACT, visit gamblinghelponline.org.au (http://gamblinghelponline.org.au/) to find support in your local area.
To read or learn more from Aino’s research visit Aino Suomi — The Australian National University (https://researchportalplus.anu.edu.au/en/persons/aino-suomi)
28 Oct 2024
Bets to Better - Taylem - Recovering Gambler
In this episode, Markus is joined by Taylem, a young local tradie from Canberra.
Taylem talks about the escalation of his gambling and the harmful impacts it has had on his life.
He shares his journey of recovery, ongoing challenges and how he protects his recovery today.
If you are impacted by gambling harm, please contact the National Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.
If you’re in the ACT and looking for support, visit actgamblingsupport.org.au (http://actgamblingsupport.org.au/)
If you are outside the ACT, visit gamblinghelponline.org.au (http://gamblinghelponline.org.au/) to find support in your local area.
25 Oct 2024
Bets to Better - Trailer
Welcome to the pilot!
Hear a brief introduction from our host, Markus Fischer, including what you can expect from each episode.
Markus has worked in the mental health and alcohol and other drug sectors for over seven years, spending the last four years focused on gambling harm minimisation. Markus’ passion stems from his personal lived experience.
If you are impacted by gambling harm, please contact the National Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.
If you’re in the ACT and looking for support, visit actgamblingsupport.org.au (http://actgamblingsupport.org.au/)
If you are outside the ACT, visit gamblinghelponline.org.au (http://gamblinghelponline.org.au/) to find support in your local area.
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