National Gambling Helpline: How to seek support
1. What is National Gambling Helpline
National Gambling Helpline (NGH) is a free 24-hour support service for those who have difficulty controlling gambling. Works under the auspices of state programs of self-exclusion and responsible play.
2. Contacts and operating mode
Phone: 1800 858 858 (free from landline and mobile within Australia)
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, no breaks or days off
Online chat: on the gamblinghelponline website. org. au instant anonymous chat available
E-mail consultations: [support @ gamblinghelponline. org. au](mailto: support@gamblinghelponline. org. au) (response within 24 hours)
3. Hotline services
1. Anonymous counseling
- Psychological support and non-judgmental listening.
2. Information assistance
- Explanation of self-restraint mechanisms: deposits, bets, timeouts, self-exclusion.
3. Referral
- Selection of local support groups (GA, Smart Recovery), contacts of free clinics and private psychologists.
4. Family help
- Advice from loved ones and recommendations to support relatives affected by someone's addiction.
5. Action plan
- Making a step-by-step plan: limits, distracting strategies, safe alternatives to gambling.
4. How to prepare for a call or chat
1. Find a quiet place without distractions.
2. Prepare information about your gaming habits:
5. What happens during a conversation
You listen and talk - the consultant asks questions to understand your situation.
You get feedback - practical advice, quick steps to reduce risk.
Planning - setting up technical tools (limits, timeouts, self-exclusion) and recommending additional resources.
Agreement on further steps - if necessary, repeated calls are assigned, transfer to local face-to-face consultation services.
6. Further support opportunities
Face-to-face counseling is free through Gambler's Help in your state.
Self-help groups: Gamblers Anonymous (GA) and Smart Recovery.
Online courses and webinars on self-control skills and emotion management.
7. Practical advice
Call immediately at the first sign of loss of control - the sooner help, the less damage.
Record your 1800 858 858 number as a favorite on your phone.
Use chat if you are not comfortable talking on the phone.
Follow the plan: after the first contact, activate limits and timeouts, schedule regular calls.
The National Gambling Helpline appeal is the first and most important step towards controlling excitement. Quick, anonymous and free help is always available - use it to bring security, balance and peace of mind back to your life.
National Gambling Helpline (NGH) is a free 24-hour support service for those who have difficulty controlling gambling. Works under the auspices of state programs of self-exclusion and responsible play.
2. Contacts and operating mode
Phone: 1800 858 858 (free from landline and mobile within Australia)
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, no breaks or days off
Online chat: on the gamblinghelponline website. org. au instant anonymous chat available
E-mail consultations: [support @ gamblinghelponline. org. au](mailto: support@gamblinghelponline. org. au) (response within 24 hours)
3. Hotline services
1. Anonymous counseling
- Psychological support and non-judgmental listening.
2. Information assistance
- Explanation of self-restraint mechanisms: deposits, bets, timeouts, self-exclusion.
3. Referral
- Selection of local support groups (GA, Smart Recovery), contacts of free clinics and private psychologists.
4. Family help
- Advice from loved ones and recommendations to support relatives affected by someone's addiction.
5. Action plan
- Making a step-by-step plan: limits, distracting strategies, safe alternatives to gambling.
4. How to prepare for a call or chat
1. Find a quiet place without distractions.
2. Prepare information about your gaming habits:
- How much time and money a week you spend on betting.
- What self-control tools have already been tried.
- 3. Define goals: complete termination, reduce time, set limits - this will help the consultant give specific recommendations.
5. What happens during a conversation
You listen and talk - the consultant asks questions to understand your situation.
You get feedback - practical advice, quick steps to reduce risk.
Planning - setting up technical tools (limits, timeouts, self-exclusion) and recommending additional resources.
Agreement on further steps - if necessary, repeated calls are assigned, transfer to local face-to-face consultation services.
6. Further support opportunities
Face-to-face counseling is free through Gambler's Help in your state.
Self-help groups: Gamblers Anonymous (GA) and Smart Recovery.
Online courses and webinars on self-control skills and emotion management.
7. Practical advice
Call immediately at the first sign of loss of control - the sooner help, the less damage.
Record your 1800 858 858 number as a favorite on your phone.
Use chat if you are not comfortable talking on the phone.
Follow the plan: after the first contact, activate limits and timeouts, schedule regular calls.
The National Gambling Helpline appeal is the first and most important step towards controlling excitement. Quick, anonymous and free help is always available - use it to bring security, balance and peace of mind back to your life.
