Free assistance programs in Australia
1. National Gambling Help Online
24/7 free support: Phone 1800,858,858 and online chat are 24/7 available throughout Australia.
Services: confidential counseling, condition assessment, assistance plan and referral to local programs.
2. Self-Exclusion program
By law, all Australian operators are required to provide self-prohibition:
3. State and territorial aid services
All these services work free of charge and under a single number, but have their own local web resources for more detailed information.
4. Specialized treatment programs
Gambling Treatment Program, St Vincent’s Hospital (Сидней):
5. Additional free resources
Lifeline Australia (13 11 14): 24-hour phone crisis support and online chat.
Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636): help with concomitant depression and anxiety, online chat, email.
Head to Health: a portal to find local free mental health programs, including ludomania.
6. How to start using
1. Urgent help: for acute traction, call 1800 858 858 or Lifeline 13 11 14.
2. Register on the portal: go to gamblinghelponline. org. au, take a self-assessment and start chatting.
3. Self-lock: Apply for self-lock on your state's website or through a single portal.
4. Register for programs: contact the local service (see table) for consultation and participation in groups.
Use a combination of hotline, online chat, self-lockdown and local services for comprehensive, cost-free support - these are the first steps to addiction freedom.
24/7 free support: Phone 1800,858,858 and online chat are 24/7 available throughout Australia.
Services: confidential counseling, condition assessment, assistance plan and referral to local programs.
2. Self-Exclusion program
By law, all Australian operators are required to provide self-prohibition:
- Online self-lock: through the operator's website or a single self-lock portal.
- Offline self-ban: prohibition of entry into casinos, clubs, betting points.
- Legal framework: Self-Exclusion is governed by the laws of each state and territory, the goal is to protect vulnerable players.
3. State and territorial aid services
| State/Territory | Service | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Gambler's Help Victoria | 1800 858 858; gamblershelp. com. au/vic |
| New South Wales | NSW Gambling Help | 1800 858 858; gamblershelp. nsw\.gov. au |
| Queensland | QLD Gambling Help | 1800 858 858; gamblershelp. qld. gov. au |
| Western Australia | Gambler's Help WA | 1800 858 858; gamblerhelp. com. au/wa |
| South Australia | SA Gambling Help | 1800 858 858; gamblershelp. sa. gov. au |
| Tasmania | Tasmanian Gambling Helpline | 1800 858 858; gamblershelp. tas. gov. au |
| Northern Territory | NT Problem Gambling Help | 1800 858 858; gamblershelp. nt. gov. au |
| Australian Capital Territory | ACT Problem Gambling Counselling Service | 1800 858 858; gamblershelp. act. gov. au |
All these services work free of charge and under a single number, but have their own local web resources for more detailed information.
4. Specialized treatment programs
Gambling Treatment Program, St Vincent’s Hospital (Сидней):
- Free, confidential therapy for people and their families: individual consultations, groups, medical support.
- Government-funded clinics and addiction centers: Many states have specialized mental health units with free programs.
5. Additional free resources
Lifeline Australia (13 11 14): 24-hour phone crisis support and online chat.
Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636): help with concomitant depression and anxiety, online chat, email.
Head to Health: a portal to find local free mental health programs, including ludomania.
6. How to start using
1. Urgent help: for acute traction, call 1800 858 858 or Lifeline 13 11 14.
2. Register on the portal: go to gamblinghelponline. org. au, take a self-assessment and start chatting.
3. Self-lock: Apply for self-lock on your state's website or through a single portal.
4. Register for programs: contact the local service (see table) for consultation and participation in groups.
Use a combination of hotline, online chat, self-lockdown and local services for comprehensive, cost-free support - these are the first steps to addiction freedom.
