Gambling Help Online Chat
If you would like to speak to someone on the telephone about your gambling you can call 1800 858 858 – this service is open to anyone in Australia and you will speak to someone in your state.
CHAT Welcome to chat. Our chat rooms are safe spaces for you to engage in real time chat with other members of the GamTalk community. Remember, you need to join the GamTalk community (green button top right) and to be logged in to post on the community support wall. We run regular sessions in the GamCare online chatroom, where users can use live text chat to talk about issues related to problem gambling with other people in similar situations, supported by a GamCare Adviser. Our Chatroom is a safe and supportive environment. Some sessions might be fairly busy and intense; others will be quieter and more relaxed. Gambling Addiction & Recovery Support Group Compulsive gambling is an urge or addiction to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. A preferred term among many professionals is problem gambling, as few people described by the term experience true compulsions in the clinical sense of the word. With the Life Process Gambling Program we can help you stop gambling and show you how to overcome your gambling addiction on your own, from the privacy of your own computer. Gambling addiction has been debated for decades. Peele first identified gambling as an addiction in 1975 and has written and lectured on the topic ever since. CHAT Welcome to chat. Our chat rooms are safe spaces for you to engage in real time chat with other members of the GamTalk community. Remember, you need to join the GamTalk community (green button top right) and to be logged in to post on the community support wall.
You may prefer to speak to someone on the telephone if you are concerned about typing fast or that you could be misinterpreted through a chat conversation.
Like the online service this helpline provides support 24/7. It is free, professional and confidential. The Helpline counsellors are there to help you deal with any of your gambling related issues.
Telephone counselling and support is available for all people affected by gambling, including family and friends.
Just like with the online service the telephone service will provide you with:
- Confidential and free support
- Someone who will understand and listen to your concerns
- A qualified professional who will answer your questions
- Referral to face-to-face gambling help services
- Written information posted upon request
- Crisis management and referral
- Someone who can provide you with strategies to help you achieve your goals
- Access to interpreter services for those from non-English speaking backgrounds.
The Helpline in each state offers immediate access to a counsellor who can provide counselling, information and referral to a range of support services.
Financial Counselling Helpline
There is also a free Financial Counselling Hotline which operates from 9:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. 1800 007 007.
Emergency help
The online environment may not be suitable for you if you are currently in a crisis situation.
If you are seeking help for a medical emergency or crisis involving personal safety (e.g. suicidal feelings, domestic violence or homicide), please contact one of the Emergency support services listed at the top of every page on this website.
If you or someone you care about is running into trouble with gambling, you’ve come to the right place for support and help. Choose from our range of free confidential services:
Talk over the phone
Our counsellors are on hand 24/7 to offer help now or connect you with a face to face counsellor near you.
Call 1800 858 858.
Find support near you
There are over 55 free face to face counselling services throughout NSW. You can search for the nearest to you on our Find support near you page.
Online chat
If you prefer typing to talking, you can chat with a counsellor via live online chat or email 24/7. Visit the Gambling Help Online website here.
Aboriginal support
Chase Chat Online Help
Aboriginal people in NSW can access free advice and help on 1800 752 948. Support is also available from Warruwi Gambling Help and Aboriginal counsellors. For more information visit our Warruwi Gambling Help page here.
In your language
Counselling is available in more than 40 languages. To find help in your preferred language visit our Help in other languages page.
Help for women
Gambling Help Online Chat
Sydney Women’s Counselling Centre provides a gambling help counselling program for women. Call (02) 9718 1955 to find out more and make an appointment.
Practical support
If you’re currently facing financial or legal challenges due to gambling, you can get practical free support from:
Self-exclusion
You can self-exclude yourself from any gaming venue in New South Wales if you want to cut down, have a break or quit gambling.