Help for problem gamblers
Gambling Help services
The Gambling Help brand encompasses all free services for problem gamblers and their families funded by the Responsible Gambling Fund.
Gambling Help incorporates the Gambling Helpline, the 40+ counselling services throughout NSW, an online counselling service, and a range of self-help materials and tools. By rolling all services under one brand, we can provide a ‘one stop shop’ where problem gamblers can choose the type of help they need more easily.
The Gambling Help phone number is 1800 858 858. This number will be used by all Australian jurisdictions for their helpline functions. However, the old G-line number will remain active indefinitely in NSW.
More information
Contact the Responsible Gambling Fund (RGF) for further information.
Gambling Help brochure (810kb)
Help for Problem Gambling
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. 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.
Gambling Help services are funded by the Responsible Gambling Fund on behalf of the NSW Government. All services are free of charge and completely confidential.
Our services
Gambling Help Line 1800 858 858
Gambling Help runs a 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're there to listen and, when you're ready, they're there to 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 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. The service is free and completely confidential.
It is operated by qualified and experienced experts who are ready to listen and provide assistance. You can remain anonymous if you wish, and return as many times as you need to. The service includes:
- 24/7 availability of live and email counselling and support services
- professional counsellors with expertise in problem gambling and online services, and
- the provision of extensive website content, information and weblinks for additional help and information.
You can access the service here www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au.
Gambling Help face to face services
There are more than 40 free face to face counselling services available throughout NSW. 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 visit our interactive directory online at www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au 
Gambling Help self-help
www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au
Some problem gamblers and their families prefer not to seek counselling but still need assistance in working through their gambling issues on their own. Many self-help resources can be found on the Gambling Help website. For example you can listen to the stories of others, or try the interactive tools such as the quiz or the gambling calculator. There is also a section especially for friends and family.
Also available is a free workbook that provides practical, sensible advice, and also shows how you can keep a gambling diary.
Gambling help in other languages
Multicultural Problem Gambling Service (statewide service)
Phone 02 9840 3329 or 1800 856 800Arab Council Australia
Phone 02 9709 4333Auburn Asian Welfare Centre (services the Chinese speaking community)
Phone 02 9646 3695
Co - As - It (services the Italian speaking community)
Phone: 02 9564 0744
Vietnamese Community in Australia
Phone 02 9727 5599Greek Welfare Centre
Phone 02 9516 2188The Gambling Help phone counselling service can also arrange for an interpreter in any language. Just call 1800 858 858 and tell them which language you prefer. Print materials in many different languages are available through the Gambling Help website.
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