• Helen E Miller, Samantha L Thomas, Priscilla Robinson, and Mike Daube.
• School of Health and Society, Faculty of Social Sciences and Australian Health Services Research Unit, Faculty of Business, University of Wollongong, New South Wales.
• Aust N Z J Public Health. 2014 Dec 1; 38 (6): 529-35.

ObjectiveTo inform public health approaches to problem gambling by examining how the news media covers problem gambling, with a particular focus on the causes, consequences and solutions to problem gambling, and the 'actors' and sources who influence media coverage.MethodsA qualitative content analysis guided by framing theory analysed coverage of problem gambling in Australian newspapers in the period 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012.ResultsSolutions to problem gambling were more frequently discussed than causes and consequences. A focus on the responsibility of individuals was preferred to reporting that focused on broader social, ecological, and industry determinants of problem gambling. Reporting was highly politicised, with politicians frequently quoted and political issues frequently discussed. In contrast, the community sector, health professionals and problem gamblers were rarely quoted.Conclusions And ImplicationsThis analysis has revealed the need for a more proactive, coordinated approach to the media by both public health researchers and health groups. The establishment of a gambling-specific coalition to push for evidence-based reform is recommended.© 2014 Public Health Association of Australia.

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