Where to get help if faced with addiction


Gambling addiction is a serious problem that can lead to financial difficulties, psychological disorders and a deterioration in the quality of life. Australia has a strong network of organisations providing support to players and their families. These services offer anonymous help, counseling, therapy and tools to regain control of your life.

1. National aid resources

Gambling Help Online - 24-hour online support with anonymous chats and helplines.
Lifeline Australia is a crisis line that helps with emotional breakdowns and game-related stress.
Beyond Blue is an organization specializing in psychological support, including cases of gambling addiction.

2. Hotlines by state and territory

New South Wales - Gambling Help NSW (1800 858 858) - free advice and assistance in finding specialists.
Victoria - Gambler's Help is a network of centers with free sessions with psychologists.
Queensland - Gambling Help Queensland - online and phone support and financial recovery programmes.
Western Australia - Problem Gambling Support Services - consultations and mutual assistance groups.

3. Casino Support Programs

Many licensed online and offline casinos in Australia are required to provide responsible gaming tools:
  • Self-exclusion - temporary or permanent restriction of access to the account.
  • Deposit and rate limits - help in budget control.
  • Game time reminders - protecting against excessive sessions.

4. Additional forms of assistance

Mutual assistance groups - meetings of people with similar experience (analogue of Anonymous Players).
Financial advice - assistance in debt restructuring.
Psychotherapy - individual or group sessions to work out the causes of addiction.

5. Tips for players and their loved ones

Seek help as early as possible, even at the first sign of a problem.
Use anonymous online chats and forums to gain moral support.
Not trying to "recoup" on your own only exacerbates the situation.
Involve loved ones in the recovery process to get emotional and practical help.

Result

Australia has a wealth of resources capable of providing quick and effective assistance to players facing addiction. The main thing is to recognize the problem and take the first step using the available support channels. The sooner the recovery begins, the higher the chances of regaining control of your life and finances.