Where to look for help with gaming addiction
1. Emergency hotlines
Gamblers Help Online: free 24/7 chat and phone 1800 858 858. Experts give advice on limiting the game and emotional support.
Lifeline: emergency psychological assistance by phone 13 11 14 - works around the clock.
Beyond Blue: for cases of depression and anxiety 1300 224 636.
2. State and regional programs
State-based Services
NSW: Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or via local health district.
VIC: Gambler's Help 1800 858 858 + face-to-face consultation.
QLD: Gambling Help Queensland 1800 848 484.
WA: Gambler’s Help 1800 858 858.
SA/NT/TAS/ACT: A single 1800 858 858 number serves all states.
Central Self-Exclusion Register
Register through the ACMA site to block all licensed operators.
3. Self-help groups and offline meetings
Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
Anonymous meetings on the 12-step program. The schedule is on the ga website. org. au.
Smart Recovery
GA alternative: focus on self-control skills and cognitive behavioral therapy. Online and offline groups.
4. Online resources and forums
gambleaware. org. au
Information articles, risk level tests, budget planning tools.
Gambling Help Online (gamblinghelponline. org. au)
Psychological tests, webinars, the possibility of an online chat with a consultant.
Reddit r/problemgambling
International community, sharing experiences and strategies for not playing the game.
5. Occupational therapy and psychological assistance
Specialist gambling psychologists
Search the APS (Australian Psychological Society) website for problem gambling.
Addiction clinics
Public alcohol and drug services provide free consultations.
Private doctors
Consultations of psychiatrists and psychotherapists; possible Medicare-rebated therapy (Better Access).
6. Self-limiting tools
Self-Exclusion
Apply through a casino or centralized ACMA registry; blocking period from a month to a year or indefinitely.
Deposit and rate limits
Setting up in the operator's personal account: maximum amounts and period (day/week/month).
Reality Checks and Timeouts
Notifications about the duration of the game and breaks on the "timeout" button.
7. What to do right now
1. Take a self-test at gamblinghelponline. org. au to assess the degree of risk.
2. Call the Gamblers Help Online 1800 858 858 hotline - anonymously and for free.
3. Sign up to the Self-Exclusion Register if you feel you have no control.
4. Make an appointment to see a psychologist through APS or your local addiction clinic.
5. Join the GA or Smart Recovery group - like-minded support helps you avoid relapse.
If you or your loved one is faced with signs of gambling addiction, do not postpone seeking help: timely actions and support from specialists will preserve your health, relationships and financial well-being.
Gamblers Help Online: free 24/7 chat and phone 1800 858 858. Experts give advice on limiting the game and emotional support.
Lifeline: emergency psychological assistance by phone 13 11 14 - works around the clock.
Beyond Blue: for cases of depression and anxiety 1300 224 636.
2. State and regional programs
State-based Services
NSW: Gambling Help on 1800 858 858 or via local health district.
VIC: Gambler's Help 1800 858 858 + face-to-face consultation.
QLD: Gambling Help Queensland 1800 848 484.
WA: Gambler’s Help 1800 858 858.
SA/NT/TAS/ACT: A single 1800 858 858 number serves all states.
Central Self-Exclusion Register
Register through the ACMA site to block all licensed operators.
3. Self-help groups and offline meetings
Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
Anonymous meetings on the 12-step program. The schedule is on the ga website. org. au.
Smart Recovery
GA alternative: focus on self-control skills and cognitive behavioral therapy. Online and offline groups.
4. Online resources and forums
gambleaware. org. au
Information articles, risk level tests, budget planning tools.
Gambling Help Online (gamblinghelponline. org. au)
Psychological tests, webinars, the possibility of an online chat with a consultant.
Reddit r/problemgambling
International community, sharing experiences and strategies for not playing the game.
5. Occupational therapy and psychological assistance
Specialist gambling psychologists
Search the APS (Australian Psychological Society) website for problem gambling.
Addiction clinics
Public alcohol and drug services provide free consultations.
Private doctors
Consultations of psychiatrists and psychotherapists; possible Medicare-rebated therapy (Better Access).
6. Self-limiting tools
Self-Exclusion
Apply through a casino or centralized ACMA registry; blocking period from a month to a year or indefinitely.
Deposit and rate limits
Setting up in the operator's personal account: maximum amounts and period (day/week/month).
Reality Checks and Timeouts
Notifications about the duration of the game and breaks on the "timeout" button.
7. What to do right now
1. Take a self-test at gamblinghelponline. org. au to assess the degree of risk.
2. Call the Gamblers Help Online 1800 858 858 hotline - anonymously and for free.
3. Sign up to the Self-Exclusion Register if you feel you have no control.
4. Make an appointment to see a psychologist through APS or your local addiction clinic.
5. Join the GA or Smart Recovery group - like-minded support helps you avoid relapse.
If you or your loved one is faced with signs of gambling addiction, do not postpone seeking help: timely actions and support from specialists will preserve your health, relationships and financial well-being.
