Building Awareness and Support for AAPI Communities Impacted by Gambling Harms
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities are among the fastest-growing populations in New York State. These communities are rich in culture, language, history, and traditions. At the same time, they can face unique challenges when it comes to mental health and gambling harms. By raising awareness and building stronger connections to support services, we can help individuals and families find hope, healing, and recovery.
Gambling Through Cultures
Gambling is often viewed differently across cultures. For some AAPI communities, gambling may be a social activity connected to family gatherings, celebrations, or cultural traditions. Games like baccarat are especially popular due to cultural familiarity and accessibility. While many people gamble without experiencing harm, others may develop unhealthy gambling behaviors that can impact their finances, relationships, emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
Unfortunately, gambling harms often go unnoticed. Cultural values such as perseverance, resilience, respect for family, and maintaining harmony can sometimes make it difficult for individuals to talk openly about personal struggles. Some people may worry about bringing shame to themselves or their families. Others may feel pressure to handle problems on their own rather than seek help. As a result, many individuals suffer in silence even when support is available.
Language barriers can also create challenges. Individuals with limited English proficiency may have difficulty finding services, understanding treatment options, or communicating their needs. Even when language support is available, cultural stigma surrounding mental health and gambling can still make reaching out for help feel uncomfortable.
Community Action
The good news is that there are many ways communities can help. One of the most important steps is practicing cultural humility. This means listening, learning, and recognizing that the AAPI community is not one single group. It includes many diverse cultures, languages, and experiences. Taking the time to understand how gambling is viewed within a person’s family or community helps create trust and meaningful conversations.
Community partnerships also play an important role. Trusted organizations, faith communities, cultural centers, advocacy groups, and local businesses can help share information and connect people to resources. When support services are offered in multiple languages and presented in culturally responsive ways, individuals are more likely to feel welcomed and understood.
Another effective strategy is to normalize seeking help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it can be a powerful act of responsibility and care for oneself and one’s family. By sharing stories of hope, recovery, and resilience, we can reduce stigma and encourage more people to seek support before problems become crises.
The Harmony Task Force
One of the projects taking place to support the AAPI communities is the Harmony Task Force. The goal of this task force is to expand connections with community-based organizations, as well as city and state agencies, to better support the AAPI community. Through these efforts, we work to strengthen relationships, improve access to resources, and increase awareness around ongoing community needs and concerns.
Together, we can create communities where conversations about gambling harms are met with understanding, compassion, and support. Through awareness, education, cultural humility, and strong community partnerships, we can help ensure that every member of the AAPI community knows they are not alone and that help is available when they need it.
Help and Hope
If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.
Learn more about gambling harms. Visit the NYCPG Training Center to view upcoming trainings as well as a list of self-paced trainings available to all.