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:- 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
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.
