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If you're worried that gambling might be causing harm to you or your loved ones, there are many ways to get help:

  • self-exclusion programs(opens in a new window)
  • counselling
  • financial counselling
  • peer support
  • support for family and friends affected by gambling
  • meditation, exercise, breathing or just doing fun activities 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 immediately.

BetStop

BetStop is the National Self-Exclusion Register™. It's a free Australian government initiative to block yourself from all licensed Australian online and phone gambling providers.

You can self-exclude by registering with BetStop at any time. Once you register, online and phone gambling providers won't be able to:

  • let you place a bet
  • let you open new betting accounts
  • send you marketing messages.

BetStop also has other gambling support available. Contact them via:

Gambler's Help

Gambler’s Help services(opens in a new window) are provided by a range of community organisations across:

  • metropolitan
  • regional
  • rural Victoria.

Services include:

  • counselling
  • advice
  • information.

There are also services tailored for:

  • First Nations communities
  • peer support
  • gaming venue staff
  • at-risk culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Call them on 1800 858 858, or their Youthline on 1800 262 376.

Gambling Help Online

Gambling Help Online is a government service that adds to the other services available to reduce and prevent gambling harm. Gambling Help Online provides:

National Debt Helpline

The National Debt Hotline is a free government service that can help you if you're in financial trouble due to gambling.

Trained financial counsellors can provide you with advice to help you get your life back on track. They’ll also put you in touch with other services that can help you, such as:

  • legal services
  • crisis food and accommodation services
  • health services.

Contact them via:

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 that someone you care about may be having issues with their gambling, help is available.

How to support someone you care about

  1. If you think their life is in danger, call 000.
  2. If either of you are in crisis, Lifeline(opens in a new window) is available 24/7 by calling 13 11 14 or text(opens in a new window) or chat online(opens in a new window).
  3. If you want to get advice on how to help them, call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or via their chat counselling(opens in a new window).
  4. Encourage them to consider self-exclusion(opens in a new window).
  5. Contact the organisations listed above to find out more about their support programs for family and friends.

People at risk of gambling harm may not realise they have a problem. They may also hide their behaviour. Look for these warning signs that gambling has become harmful to them:

  • borrowing money regularly
  • lying about what the money is for
  • having lots of loans
  • unpaid bills
  • lack of food and household essentials
  • missing money or household valuables
  • changes in personality and mood
  • conflict with others
  • an increase in alcohol or drug use
  • withdrawing from family or at work
  • taking more sick days
  • feelings of helplessness, depression or feeling suicidal.

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 Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or via chat counselling.

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