A research report released by the University of Tasmania earlier this year found that young men of higher socio-economic status and employed full-time, as well as children and adolescents, were the most likely to be attracted to sports betting.

There was also a strong belief that sports betting, doping and match fixing represented a significant threat to the integrity of sport in Australia, particularly at the grass-roots and semi-professional level.

The state government’s Missing the Moment campaign coincides with the Spring Racing Carnival and the start of the cricket and A-League seasons and aims to highlight the risks of sports betting.

It uses Facebook, the  websites of Tasmanian newspapers, and print advertisements to get its Missing the Moment, Get Back to the Real Game message across.

Human Services Minister Jacquie Petrusma said the government had committed an extra $8500 to evaluate the campaign after its conclusion.

‘‘The evaluation, along with the UTAS research, will inform our ongoing approach to tackling this issue,’’ she said.

She said other strategies planned for this financial year included stage five of the Know Your Odds prevention and early intervention campaign.

The campaign will focus on promoting self-help strategies, online help and support services and community partnerships with sporting clubs.

‘‘These partnerships use players as role models and the community profiles of sports clubs to promote Know Your Odds messages,’’ Ms Petrusma said.

‘‘Know Your Odds Skate, Scoot, BMX competitions will also be held in the North-West.

‘‘This initiative further targets young people as it supports local events and builds partnerships between the Know Your Odds campaign, Gamblers Help, NW local government and youth networks, while promoting the Know Your Odds messages to at-risk communities.’’

WHERE TO GET HELP:

Online:

Gambling Help Online is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People can talk to counsellors using chat or email, find information, get tips and tools for dealing with gambling issues or join a forum to talk with other people. www.gamblershelponline.org.au.

Phone:

Gamblers Helpline Tasmania is available 24/7. You can talk to a counsellor for crisis management, counselling, advice, information or a referral to in-person counselling. Ring 1800858858. Calls from landlines are free.

In person:

You can talk to someone face to face through Anglicare Tasmania. Services available include personal and family counselling, group counselling and support and arranging self-exclusions from gambling venues. For an appointment, call 1800243232.