Need immediate help? The National Gambling Helpline is free, confidential and available right now.
1800 858 858Free support available now
Gambling Help Services
in Australia
If gambling is causing you stress, draining your finances, or affecting your relationships, you are not alone. Free, confidential help is available right now.
National Gambling Helpline: free, confidential, open 24/7.
Recognising gambling harm
Gambling harm is not just about losing money. It can affect every part of your life. You do not have to be at “rock bottom” to seek help. If any of these feel familiar, support is available now.
- Chasing losses: trying to win back money you have already lost
- Secrecy: hiding gambling activity or lying about where money has gone
- Sleep disruption: anxiety or poor sleep because of gambling
- Work impact: missing work or losing concentration due to thinking about gambling
- Borrowing money: using credit cards, loans or money from others to fund gambling
- Failed attempts: tried to cut back but found it difficult to stick to limits
Three steps you can take right now
These actions can protect you and begin the recovery process today.
Call the National Gambling Helpline
The helpline (1800 858 858) is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can talk to a trained counsellor immediately. No appointment needed.
Use BetStop to block yourself from online gambling
BetStop is the National Self-Exclusion Register. It blocks you from all Australian licensed online and phone wagering services in one step. You can choose the length of exclusion from months to lifetime. It is free and takes minutes to register.
Talk to a free financial counsellor
Unlike a bank manager, a financial counsellor is a free service. They help you organise your budget, understand your rights regarding debts, and can negotiate with lenders on your behalf without judgement.
Types of gambling support in Australia
Multiple pathways are available, many at no cost. Recovery often uses a combination.
Free telephone counselling
The National Gambling Helpline (1800 858 858) provides immediate counselling 24/7. Online webchat is also available at gamblinghelponline.org.au for those who prefer to type.
Face-to-face counselling
Many organisations including Relationships Australia offer free face-to-face gambling counselling sessions funded by state governments. You can access these without a referral.
Medicare-subsidised therapy
You can see a private psychologist for gambling-related distress. Ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan to access a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions per year.
Financial counselling
Free financial counselling (1800 007 007) helps you address debts, budgets and creditor negotiations. Specialist gambling financial counsellors understand the patterns behind gambling debt.
Find a gambling counsellor near you
Search our directory for psychologists and counsellors who specialise in gambling, addiction and compulsive behaviours. Medicare rebates available with a GP referral.
Search for gambling supportFree to browse. No account required.
How therapy helps with gambling
For many people, gambling is a way to escape stress, loneliness, anxiety or boredom. Professional support helps you understand the underlying patterns and build healthier ways to meet those needs.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is highly effective for gambling harm. It teaches you to recognise the thoughts and triggers that lead to gambling and gives you strategies to ride out the urge until it passes.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I use BetStop?
Visit betstop.com.au and create a free account. You can choose to exclude yourself from all licensed online and phone wagering services in Australia for a period ranging from 3 months to the rest of your life. Once registered, all covered providers are legally required to prevent you from placing bets.
Can I get Medicare-funded therapy for gambling issues?
Yes. Gambling-related distress is a recognised mental health concern. Ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan and they can refer you to a psychologist who specialises in addictive behaviours. You can claim a Medicare rebate for up to 10 individual sessions per year.
What does a financial counsellor do?
A financial counsellor helps you understand your debts, negotiate with creditors on your behalf, and create a realistic plan to manage your finances. This is a free service funded by the government. They are different from financial advisers (who charge fees) or bank staff.
Do I have to stop gambling entirely to get help?
No. Gambling support in Australia takes a harm reduction approach. Your counsellor will help you set goals that feel achievable, whether that is full abstinence, setting firm limits, or reducing gambling to safer levels. You do not have to have hit "rock bottom" to seek help.
Is gambling counselling confidential?
Yes. All gambling counselling services operate under strict confidentiality. Your information cannot be shared with your employer, family or the government without your explicit written consent, except in cases of serious risk of harm.
Where can I find gambling support near me?
The National Gambling Helpline (1800 858 858) can connect you with local services anywhere in Australia. Most states also have dedicated gambling support services. You can also search our directory for mental health professionals who specialise in addiction and compulsive behaviours.
Does gambling harm affect families?
Yes. Family members, partners and children of people with gambling problems can experience significant distress. Most state gambling helplines also offer counselling for family members. You do not need to be the person with the gambling problem to access free support.
What is the difference between recreational gambling and problem gambling?
Recreational gambling has clear, pre-set limits and does not cause lasting distress. Problem gambling involves an inability to control gambling despite negative consequences, and often comes with secrecy, escalating bets, debt, and emotional distress. If gambling is taking up more time or money than you intend, free support is available.
State and territory gambling support services
In addition to the national helpline, each state and territory has dedicated free services.
Victoria
Gambler's Help
New South Wales
GambleAware NSW
Queensland
Gambling Help Queensland
Western Australia
Problem Gambling Support Services
South Australia
Gambling Help SA
ACT, TAS and NT
National Helpline (covers all areas)
Related guides
Find a counsellor
No referral needed. Access talk therapy for addiction and mental health without Medicare.
Mental Health Care Plan
Get a GP referral to see a psychologist with a Medicare rebate for up to 10 sessions.
Crisis resources
Lifeline, Beyond Blue, and other immediate support services across Australia.
Mental Health Directory is a directory service, not a healthcare provider. This page provides general information only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are in crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or call 000.
Find support today
Search our directory for psychologists and counsellors who specialise in gambling and addictive behaviours, or call the free helpline right now.