Ep. 89 - The Untangle Project: Women Helping Women With Gambing Problems
“The Untangle Project is a safe, non-judgmental space for women experiencing gambling harm or helping someone else through it.”
Gambling problems are often kept in secrecy and silence. In this episode of Fold em, we hear from Anna Martin who is speaking up about gambling related harms, the need to regulate the gambling industry and advertising, and to improve services for those struggling with gambling, particularly women.
Although she never would have imagined speaking out in the media or to politicians, Anna is doing so. After struggling with gambling problems in early adulthood and trying different ways to address it, Anna found a path that helped her to stop. In doing so, she realized that women often do not fit with traditional gambling support services and that it can be hard to speak up and access help. Out of this, Anna founded The Untangle Project in Australia. It aims to provide a safe, non-judgemental space for women who are experiencing gambling harm or helping someone else through it.
Anna tell us about The Untangle Project and how women in Australia (and from around the world) can connect with it. She also talks about why gambling addiction is a public health crisis and that women are particularly vulnerable in this crisis.
Listen to episode 89 and hear:
What helped Anna to stop gambling
Why women are particularly vulnerable to gambling problems
What resources and supports are available to help women struggling with gambling harm
LISTEN to EPISODE 89
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Anna’s Journey: Untangling Herself From Gambling Problems
Anna grew up in Australia, where gambling is a normal part of life. As a child, she was gifted scratch tickets and at 18, her family introduced her to pokie machines (slot machines). What started as fun, in early adulthood became a coping strategy when she wasn’t feel good inside.
Over time, gambling took over Anna’s life. She gambled every day, feeling stuck but unsure how to stop. Even after realizing she had a problem, it took years for Anna to seek help. When she did, it took awhile to find the right fit. What eventually worked for her was joining a support group, banning herself from gambling venues, and celebrating time away from gambling by treating herself to a new tattoo.
Today, Anna has stopped gambling. She uses her experiences to help other women who feel trapped like she once did.
Gambling Harm: A Public Health Crisis
Anna describes gambling as a public health crisis in Australia. The numbers back her up: Australians lost $32 billion to gambling in one year, and one in ten women is at risk of gambling-related harm.
Women in tough situations, like dealing with domestic violence, mental health problems, or social isolation, are especially vulnerable. Gambling venues are everywhere—there are more pokie machines than public toilets or postboxes in Australia, making them impossible to ignore.
Anna believes recovery services don’t do enough for women. Many programs are designed for men or expect people to speak publicly about their problems, which doesn’t work for everyone. She says more private and supportive options are needed to help women recover.
The Untangle Project: Women Helping Women With Gambling Problems
Anna started The Untangle Project, a safe and welcoming community for women affected by gambling.
The Untangle Project offers:
Resources: Help finding trusted counsellors, financial advisors, and other services.
Awareness: Campaigns to educate the public about how gambling harms women.
Support: A network where women can connect, share stories, and get practical tips for recovery.
The project is also working on a documentary to share women’s stories with problem gambling and a program to teach strategies for staying on track during recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, visit The Untangle Project or follow them on Instagram at @TheUntangleProjectAUS.
What Other Resources Are Available to Help Women With Gambling Problems
In an earlier episode of Fold em, we heard from Christina who founded The Broke Girl Society - a supportive community on Facebook for women recovering from from compulsive gambling. Hear Christina’s story in episode 29 of Fold em and check-out The Broke Girl Society podcast and blog.
You can also find women only online gambling support groups at Gamblers, Family and Friends in Recovery and Recovery Road Online.
Free outreach support and counselling is available for residents of experiencing harm from gambling or supporting someone who is. Contact Gambling Support BC.
What Support is Available to Help With Gambling Concerns?
To learn more about gambling concerns and how to access resources and support, go to the home page of this website or listen to other Fold em podcast episodes.
Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.
We welcome your feedback and ideas for topics for upcoming episodes. Reach out through the Contact Us page on this website or through email at Foldempodcast@gmail.com.
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