Getting help for gambling

Managing your gambling may include speaking to a professional or it may be possible to manage it on your own.

Reducing boredom

Some people gamble as a way of reducing boredom. It may be helpful to look at other things you can do instead. Finding other ways you can relax and have fun may help you to manage your gambling.

Some ideas may be listening to music, going fishing, bike riding, hanging out with friends or playing footie.

Keep a record

It may be helpful to keep a record of how much money you are gambling and whether you won or lost. Sometimes seeing it written down makes it easier to see how much you are spending. If you are telling yourself that this bet will be the winner you may find it helpful to check your record to see whether you have won or lost in the past.

Setting a limit

It may help if you are gambling to only use an amount you can afford to lose. That may mean only having $20 in your wallet when you go out to gamble.

Counsellor

If you are finding that your gambling behaviour is interfering with day to day life, it may be helpful for you to talk to a counsellor. Some counsellors specialise in gambling treatment, however all counsellors should be able to offer you help. A good counsellor can help you to work out how best to manage your gambling.

Check out the beyondblue Directory of Medical and Allied Health Practitioners to find a mental health professional near you.

Or, the yellow pages or Just Ask (1300 13 11 14 - Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) may help you find these services in your local area.

You may also want to ask friends, your local doctor, your local community health centre or a youth worker if they can recommend anyone.

Self help

This is another option to help people manage their gambling. Self help groups are made up of people affected by gambling. The group is run primarily by members of the group instead of a professional.

Gamblers Anonymous is an example of self help groups. For more information it may be helpful to talk with your local doctor or counsellor.

Useful numbers

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.

There are more than 40 free face to face counselling services available throughout NSW.

For details of the nearest service to you, call Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au

G-Line (NSW) - For confidential gambling help. A 24 hour telephone service. Ph. 1800-633-635.

The Multicultural Problem Gambling Service (NSW) that can be contacted on 1800 856 800.

Arab Council Australia - 02 9709 4333
Auburn Asian Welfare Centre (services the Chinese speaking community) - Phone 02 9646 3695
Vietnamese Community in Australia - 02 9727 5599
Greek Welfare Centre - 02 9516 2188

TTY 1800-633-649

Northern Rivers Gambling Service (NSW only) - designed to help those who may have a gambling problem, and those who are affected by someone with a gambling problem 02 6687 2520.

Gamblers Anonymous:

NSW - 02 9564 1574

VIC - 03 9696 6108

QLD - 1800 002 210

SA - 08 8212 6933

WA - 08 9487 0688

TAS - 03 6224 2786