Gambling does not have to mean you are out of control. Free and confidential services are available to help you.
On any entertainment platform, anywhere, chances are you’ll see an ad for gambling. As a firmly established part of Australia’s culture, gambling causes harm for many. Gambling can cause many types of harm, this page focuses on the financial harm for gamblers and their friends and families.
When it comes to seeking help, gambling doesn’t need to feel ‘out of control’ for you to access support services – including free and confidential financial counselling, 24-hour helplines, multicultural services, and self-exclusion programs. In fact, it’s much better if you seek out this help before gambling takes hold of your life and puts you or your loved ones at risk of harm.
Talk to a helpline
Services include gambling-specific information, mental health support, and relationship guidance.
| Organisation | How to get help |
| Gambling Help Online Problem gambling support services | 1800 858 858 Online chat Online forum |
| Lifeline Crisis support services | 13 11 14 Online chat |
| Beyond Blue Mental health support services | 1300 224 636 Online chat |
| MensLine Australia Information and referral service for men with family and relationship concerns | 1300 789 978 Online chat |
| Suicide Call Back Service Specialist counselling services | 1300 659 467 Online chat |
Find a financial counsellor
Financial counsellors are professionals who can guide you through your situation, help you find solutions for debt and advocate on your behalf. Their services are always free, confidential, and non-judgemental. There are even financial counsellors who specialise in helping people whose debt is related to gambling.
National
| National Debt Helpline Information and advice to help you move on. | 1800 007 007 Online chat |
States and territories
Some states and territories have financial counsellors who specialise in issues related to gambling debt, for all other places, contact the National Debt Helpline.
| New South Wales | GambleAware |
| Northern Territory | Anglicare |
| Victoria | Gambler’s Help |
| Western Australia | Centrecare |
See more information
You may not be ready to talk just yet, but if you’re keen to learn more about gambling harm, explore the following resources at your own pace:
National Debt Helpline – Helps you to understand your rights, get help, and solve problems on your feet.
Gambling Help Online – Allows you to find and learn more about the services available to you in your state or territory.
This information was last updated 5 June 2023.
The links and resources in this article have been compiled and reviewed by the Brotherhood of St. Laurence. We aren’t responsible for what you’ll find at the links, though we do hope you find the information useful. See our disclaimer if you’d like to know more.
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