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Having a problem with gambling can make you feel isolated, as though no-one understands what you're going through. But you don't have to cope alone. There are many people and services ready and able to provide help and support whenever you're ready to take action. Want to know more about what counseling will be like? Listen to Dr Clive Allcock talk about the process.

Gambling Help: phone, face to face, online

Gambling Help is a service that assists problem gamblers and their families in NSW. It includes a range of counselling and self-help options that can be accessed by phone, online and face to face from most parts of the state. All Gambling Help services have a common goal: to help people understand and overcome problem gambling, and to provide support, advice and encouragement as they do so. Remember, our counsellors have helped many other people just like you. They won't judge you or make you feel bad.

Gambling Help services are funded by the Responsible Gambling Fund on behalf of the NSW Government. All services are free of charge.

• Gambling Help by phone: call 1800 858 858
• Gambling Help face to face services
• Gambling Help online
• Gambling Help self-help
• Gambling Help in other languages

Gambling Help by phone: call 1800 858 858

Gambling Help runs a confidential phone service that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is staffed by people who really understand how difficult it can be to try to get your gambling under control. They're not there to judge you or tell you that what you're doing is wrong. They'll listen when you're ready, they will provide helpful, practical tips and information. The service is:

• Completely confidential. You won't have to give your name if you don't want to and the call won't even show up on your landline bill (though it will appear on mobile phone accounts).
• Free of charge for landlines and available as many times as you want to use it.
• A source of useful free print information, such as a practical workbook.
• A service that can advise you about the process of excluding yourself from your usual gambling venues.
• A service that can refer you to face to face support services near you, and tell you what to expect if you decide to try them out.
  

Gambling help free face to face services

There are more than 40 free face to face Gambling Help services available throughout NSW. Many of those services operate within other organisations – for example, Lifeline or Wesley Mission. However, they are all part of the overall Gambling Help family, providing the same level of help and support. They can assist problem gamblers and also those affected by the problem gambling of a friend or family member. Several also offer specialist financial counselling.

Gambling Help counsellors are specially trained and have a wealth of experience in helping people find their way out of gambling-related difficulties. They understand just what you're going through, and offer exactly the kind of support and assistance that you need most. They also understand the importance of privacy and confidentiality.

For details of the nearest service to you, call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or look up our interactive directory in the Help Near You section of this website. The map allows you to select from all sources of assistance in NSW, or just to select Gambling Help services. It's important to note that other counselling services may charge a fee, but all Gambling Help services are completely free of charge.

Gambling Help online

Gambling Help is also available online for people who prefer to use a live text or email-based service to talk about their gambling issues. Just like our phone-based service, it provides 24-hour real-time counselling and support. It is operated by qualified and experienced experts who are ready to listen and provide assistance. The service is free and completely confidential. You can remain anonymous if you wish, and return as many times as you need to.

Talk to a counsellor online now.

Gambling Help self-help

Many problem gamblers and their families prefer not to seek counseling but still need assistance in working through gambling issues on their own. Many self-help resources can be found on this site. For example you can listen to the stories of others; get some tips from Dr Clive Allcock in his video; or try the interactive tools such as the quiz or the gambling calculator.

Also available is a free workbook that provides practical, sensible advice, and shows how you can keep a gambling diary. You can either download the contents here or order it here. The booklet has a plain blue cover.

If you have issues with gaming machines then view or download our 11-minute video Gaming Machines: Facts and Myths.

Gambling Help in other languages

Gambling Help provides a number of face to face and telephone counseling services in other languages. These are also free of charge and available to affected family and friends as well as problem gamblers.

The Gambling Help phone counseling service (1800 858 858) can arrange for an interpreter to assist people with limited English. Just call the service, and tell them you need an interpreter in your language.

Gaming information brochures are available in several community languages here. They include information on the actual chances of winning on various forms of gambling. There is also information about problem gambling and information especially for friends and family of those affected by problem gambling.

Face to face Gambling Help counseling services are available through the following organisations: