What to do if calling is inconvenient: alternative ways to communicate
Introduction
If there is no way or desire to call the hotline, there are many other ways to get urgent and anonymous help for problems with excitement. Below is an exhaustive list of communication channels and a brief instruction on each of them.
1. Online chat Gambling Help Online
Where: [https ://www. gamblinghelponline. org. au](https: //www. gamblinghelponline. org. au) → "Chat now" button
How it works: instant text dialogue with a consultant 24/7, without registration and verification.
Benefits: anonymity, saving chat history, the ability to return to recommendations.
2. Email and feedback forms
Gambling Help Online: form on the website or direct email to [support @ gamblinghelponline. org. au](mailto: support@gamblinghelponline. org. au)
Where to find: section "Email us"
What to specify: a pseudonym, a brief description of the problem, a specific question (for example, how to set a limit), if necessary, attach screenshots.
Response time: usually within 24-48 hours.
3. SMS services and text lines
Lifeline SMS: send "HELLO" to the 0477 13 11 14 - the consultant will answer in text.
Advantages: suitable for poor voice coverage, convenient for people with hearing impairments.
4. Video consultations
Record: via [https ://www. gamblinghelponline. org. au](https: //www. gamblinghelponline. org. au) → section "One-on-one video support"
Platforms: Zoom or Teams, link comes to e-mail
Format: 45-60 minutes of personal session with a consultant, discussion of underlying causes and development of a plan.
5. Messengers and mobile applications
Telegram/WhatsApp bots: Some regular Gamblers Help centers offer chatbots for primary self-diagnosis and advice.
Gambling Help App: if available in your state - install the app for limit management and quick support requests.
6. Local centers and face-to-face consultations
ACCHS and Gamblers Help Centers: Find your nearest office via [https ://www. gamblershelp. com. au](https: //www. gamblershelp. com. au) → «Find help»
Format: individual and group meetings, family sessions, materials in native languages.
7. Online Forums and Support Groups
Gambling Help Online Forum: anonymous discussion with other players, exchange of experience and proven advice.
Social networks: closed groups on Facebook and Telegram on RG topics, where you can ask a question and get a link to resources.
8. Preparing for communication
1. Summarize the problem: amounts, frequency and patterns of bets.
2. Describe the emotional state: anxiety, guilt, obsession of thoughts.
3. Specify whether you prefer chat, email, SMS, or video.
4. Have data on limits and past attempts at self-control at hand.
Conclusion
Calling is not the only way to help. Online chat, email and forms, SMS services, video consultations, face-to-face centers and even messenger bots guarantee you round-the-clock, free and anonymous support. Choose any convenient channel and take the first step towards controlling excitement.
If there is no way or desire to call the hotline, there are many other ways to get urgent and anonymous help for problems with excitement. Below is an exhaustive list of communication channels and a brief instruction on each of them.
1. Online chat Gambling Help Online
Where: [https ://www. gamblinghelponline. org. au](https: //www. gamblinghelponline. org. au) → "Chat now" button
How it works: instant text dialogue with a consultant 24/7, without registration and verification.
Benefits: anonymity, saving chat history, the ability to return to recommendations.
2. Email and feedback forms
Gambling Help Online: form on the website or direct email to [support @ gamblinghelponline. org. au](mailto: support@gamblinghelponline. org. au)
Where to find: section "Email us"
What to specify: a pseudonym, a brief description of the problem, a specific question (for example, how to set a limit), if necessary, attach screenshots.
Response time: usually within 24-48 hours.
3. SMS services and text lines
Lifeline SMS: send "HELLO" to the 0477 13 11 14 - the consultant will answer in text.
Advantages: suitable for poor voice coverage, convenient for people with hearing impairments.
4. Video consultations
Record: via [https ://www. gamblinghelponline. org. au](https: //www. gamblinghelponline. org. au) → section "One-on-one video support"
Platforms: Zoom or Teams, link comes to e-mail
Format: 45-60 minutes of personal session with a consultant, discussion of underlying causes and development of a plan.
5. Messengers and mobile applications
Telegram/WhatsApp bots: Some regular Gamblers Help centers offer chatbots for primary self-diagnosis and advice.
Gambling Help App: if available in your state - install the app for limit management and quick support requests.
6. Local centers and face-to-face consultations
ACCHS and Gamblers Help Centers: Find your nearest office via [https ://www. gamblershelp. com. au](https: //www. gamblershelp. com. au) → «Find help»
Format: individual and group meetings, family sessions, materials in native languages.
7. Online Forums and Support Groups
Gambling Help Online Forum: anonymous discussion with other players, exchange of experience and proven advice.
Social networks: closed groups on Facebook and Telegram on RG topics, where you can ask a question and get a link to resources.
8. Preparing for communication
1. Summarize the problem: amounts, frequency and patterns of bets.
2. Describe the emotional state: anxiety, guilt, obsession of thoughts.
3. Specify whether you prefer chat, email, SMS, or video.
4. Have data on limits and past attempts at self-control at hand.
Conclusion
Calling is not the only way to help. Online chat, email and forms, SMS services, video consultations, face-to-face centers and even messenger bots guarantee you round-the-clock, free and anonymous support. Choose any convenient channel and take the first step towards controlling excitement.
