Free aid resources in Australia
Introduction
Australia has an extensive network of free services for people facing problematic gambling. Below is a detailed overview of each resource type, access methods and contact information.
1. Hotlines and phone support
1. Gambler's Help (full-time services)
Room: 1800 858 858 (free, 24 hours).
Services: psychological counseling, financial counseling, assistance to loved ones.
How to contact: By phone or through your state's service website (e.g. VRGF in Victoria, OLGR in Queensland).
2. Lifeline
Number: 13 11 14 (24/7).
Services: crisis psychological support, referral to specialized organizations.
3. MensLine Australia
Number: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7).
Services: support for men experiencing stress and addiction, family counseling.
2. Online chats and web support
1. GambleAware Australia
Service: online chat on gambleaware. org. au.
Opening hours: 24/7.
Functions: anonymous consultations, information materials, links to local groups.
2. eheadspace
Service: chat and video consultations for young people (under 25 years old).
How to find it: eheadspace. org. au, registration via email or mobile application.
3. QLife
Chat number: qlife. org. au/chat (online chat, up to 3 hours of support).
Audience: LGBTQ + people, but help is available to everyone.
3. Self-help groups
1. Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
Format: 12-step anonymous appointments.
Where to find it: schedule on the website gaaustralia. org. au, over 200 groups statewide.
Online meetings: available through Zoom channels, links are published on regional pages.
2. Gambler’s Help Peer Support
Service: free group sessions led by VRGF specialists.
How to connect: Via your state's Gambler's Help website or hotline.
4. Information portals and online resources
1. Gambler's Help (states)
Content: articles, tests (PGSI), checklists, videos on self-control strategies.
Examples:
2. BeGambleAware Learning
Service: free online courses on responsible play (modules, tests, certificate).
Access: through the BeGambleAware website.
3. Financial Counselling Australia
Сайт: financialcounsellingaustralia. org. au
Services: free advice on debt management, preparation of a budget plan.
5. Mobile apps
1. Gamban
Handle blocking gambling sites and applications.
Cost: Free for Australian residents (download via Gambler's Help).
2. BetBlocker
Description of blocking by category (Gambling, Social Media, etc.), cross-platform.
Access: free, open source.
3. Smiling Mind
A descriptive application for meditation and mindfulnes practices, reduces anxiety and impulsivity.
Access: Free on App Store and Google Play.
6. How to choose the right resource
1. According to the intensity of needs:
Australia has an extensive network of free services for people facing problematic gambling. Below is a detailed overview of each resource type, access methods and contact information.
1. Hotlines and phone support
1. Gambler's Help (full-time services)
Room: 1800 858 858 (free, 24 hours).
Services: psychological counseling, financial counseling, assistance to loved ones.
How to contact: By phone or through your state's service website (e.g. VRGF in Victoria, OLGR in Queensland).
2. Lifeline
Number: 13 11 14 (24/7).
Services: crisis psychological support, referral to specialized organizations.
3. MensLine Australia
Number: 1300 78 99 78 (24/7).
Services: support for men experiencing stress and addiction, family counseling.
2. Online chats and web support
1. GambleAware Australia
Service: online chat on gambleaware. org. au.
Opening hours: 24/7.
Functions: anonymous consultations, information materials, links to local groups.
2. eheadspace
Service: chat and video consultations for young people (under 25 years old).
How to find it: eheadspace. org. au, registration via email or mobile application.
3. QLife
Chat number: qlife. org. au/chat (online chat, up to 3 hours of support).
Audience: LGBTQ + people, but help is available to everyone.
3. Self-help groups
1. Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
Format: 12-step anonymous appointments.
Where to find it: schedule on the website gaaustralia. org. au, over 200 groups statewide.
Online meetings: available through Zoom channels, links are published on regional pages.
2. Gambler’s Help Peer Support
Service: free group sessions led by VRGF specialists.
How to connect: Via your state's Gambler's Help website or hotline.
4. Information portals and online resources
1. Gambler's Help (states)
Content: articles, tests (PGSI), checklists, videos on self-control strategies.
Examples:
- foundation. vic. gov. au (Victoria)
- responsiblegambling. qld. gov. au (Queensland)
2. BeGambleAware Learning
Service: free online courses on responsible play (modules, tests, certificate).
Access: through the BeGambleAware website.
3. Financial Counselling Australia
Сайт: financialcounsellingaustralia. org. au
Services: free advice on debt management, preparation of a budget plan.
5. Mobile apps
1. Gamban
Handle blocking gambling sites and applications.
Cost: Free for Australian residents (download via Gambler's Help).
2. BetBlocker
Description of blocking by category (Gambling, Social Media, etc.), cross-platform.
Access: free, open source.
3. Smiling Mind
A descriptive application for meditation and mindfulnes practices, reduces anxiety and impulsivity.
Access: Free on App Store and Google Play.
6. How to choose the right resource
1. According to the intensity of needs:
- Urgent support - hotlines (1800 858 858, 13 11 14).
- Long-term support - GA groups and BeGambleAware courses. 2. By format:
- Phone - if Internet access is difficult.
- Online chat - for anonymity and quick response.
- Meetings live - for social support and exchange of experience. 3. By specialization:
- Men - MensLine.
- Youth - eheadspace.
- Financial Affairs - Financial Counseling Australia.
Conclusion
Australian free resources cover all aspects of support for problem gambling: emergency help, group sessions, psychological support, financial advice and technical self-management tools. Choose several suitable services and combine them - this will increase the chances of successful recovery and preservation of health, both psychological and financial.
