If you're worried that gambling might be affecting you or your loved ones, there are many ways to get help:
- counselling
- financial counselling
- peer support
- support for family and friends affected by gambling
- engaging in activities like meditation, exercise, or other fun hobbies that don’t involve gambling.
Where to get support
Lifeline
If you're struggling, or in crisis, contact Lifeline via:
All options are available 24/7.
If you're thinking of ending your life, call 000(opens in a new window) immediately.
BetStop
BetStop(opens in a new window) is the Australian Government’s National Self-Exclusion Register™. It allows you to block yourself from all online gambling providers licensed in Australia, for free.
Once registered, gambling providers cannot:
- accept bets from you
- open new accounts in your name
- send you marketing messages.
BetStop also offers other gambling support. Contact them via:
Gambler's Help
Gambler’s Help services (opens in a new window) are available in metropolitan, regional and rural areas in Victoria.
These services include gambling counselling, help with your finances, support groups and help for young people.
There is also support for First Nations and multicultural communities at risk, and staff who work in gaming venues.
Call Gambler’s Help anytime on 1800 858 858(opens in a new window), or their Youthline on 1800 262 376(opens in a new window).
Gambling Help Online
Gambling Help Online is a national support service offering free, 24/7 assistance(opens in a new window). They provide online chat with trained counsellors who understand gambling, tools and links to more support.
National Debt Helpline
The National Debt Hotline(opens in a new window) is a free government service that can help you if you're in financial trouble due to gambling.
Trained counsellors can provide you with advice to help you get your finances back on track. They can also put you in touch with legal, health, crisis accommodation and food services.
- Contact them via:
- phone: 1800 007 007(opens in a new window), 9.30am – 4.30pm weekdays
- online: live chat(opens in a new window), 9am – 8pm weekdays.
Reset app
Reset(opens in a new window) is a free, confidential app to help you better understand your gambling.
Whether you want to quit or cut back on gambling, the Reset app can help you.
Support for others
If you're worried someone you care about is having issues with gambling, help is available.
How to support someone you care about
- If you think their life is in danger, call 000(opens in a new window).
- If you or someone you care about are in crisis, Lifeline(opens in a new window) provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14(opens in a new window), text 0477 13 11 14(opens in a new window) or chat online(opens in a new window).
- If you want advice on how to help them, call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858(opens in a new window) or access their online chat counselling (opens in a new window).
- Encourage them to consider self-exclusion(opens in a new window).
- Contact the organisations listed above about their programs to support family and friends.
Worrying about or being close to someone experiencing gambling harm can affect you. Make sure you look after yourself too by seeking help if you need it. Contact Gambler’s Help on 1800 858 858 or Gambling Help Online chat counselling(opens in a new window).
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