Gambling Help in Australia: Key Services for Players

Gambling is a popular pastime in Australia, but for some, it can lead to financial stress, strained relationships, and emotional challenges. 

That’s why it’s important to know about the range of support services available nationwide. From professional counselling to financial guidance and even player rights advocacy, Australians have more options than ever before to seek help or protect themselves when gambling issues arise.

Below is an overview of the main gambling help resources in Australia — including a unique complaint resolution service designed specifically for Australian online casino players.

Australia’s Gambling Help Online is the primary national service for anyone concerned about their gambling habits. It provides:

• 24/7 live chat and email support.
• Self-assessment tools to help players understand their risk levels.
• Referrals to local counselling services.

This service is confidential and available to anyone, regardless of location or the type of gambling they take part in. It’s often the first port of call for people seeking guidance.

Each state and territory also operates its own dedicated gambling support service. These offer counselling, referrals, and, in many cases, face-to-face assistance.

Examples include:

• NSW Gambling Help – Counselling and community outreach programs.
• Gambler’s Help Victoria – Statewide network with professional counselling, financial advice, and culturally specific support.
• Gambling Help Queensland – Includes multilingual support and help for families.
• South Australian Gambling Help Service – Metro and regional services with tailored programs.
• ACT Gambling Counselling and Support Service – Confidential support and early intervention programs.

These services often work alongside the national Gambling Help Online platform to provide both immediate and long-term assistance.

For many people, problem gambling goes hand-in-hand with financial hardship. Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) offers free and confidential advice to help manage debts and create realistic repayment plans. Services include:

• Negotiating with creditors.
• Setting up affordable repayment schedules.
• Guidance on accessing hardship programs from banks and utility providers.

This type of support is crucial not only for resolving current financial stress but also for preventing future problems.

Self-exclusion programs allow players to voluntarily block themselves from gambling for a set period. In Australia, these include:

• BetStop – The National Self-Exclusion Register – A government-run program covering all licensed online wagering providers in Australia.
• Venue-Based Self-Exclusion – Available in pubs, clubs, and casinos in every state.
• Blocking Software – Tools like Gamban or BetBlocker that restrict access to gambling websites worldwide.

While not a solution on their own, these tools can be a valuable part of a broader plan to manage gambling behaviour.

Sometimes the best help comes from people who understand the experience firsthand. Gamblers Anonymous Australia offers regular meetings — both in-person and online — where members share their stories and strategies for recovery.

Peer support can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide encouragement during challenging times.

In addition to traditional problem gambling services, there’s also a growing need for player protection in the online casino space. Australian Gamblers offers the first dedicated complaint resolution service for Australian players.

Through this service, players who have signed up at one of the site’s recommended casinos can lodge a complaint if they encounter issues such as delayed withdrawals, bonus disputes, or account closures. The Australian Gamblers team then contacts the casino directly to negotiate a resolution.

The service focuses on fair play and accountability, giving players a voice in situations where they might otherwise feel powerless.

Even though gambling can be an enjoyable activity for many, it’s important to know what support is available if things take a negative turn. 

Whether it’s seeking professional counselling, blocking access to gambling sites, or challenging an unfair decision from an online casino, Australian players now have more options than ever.

Taking action early can make all the difference — and knowing these resources exist is the first step.

Article written in cooperation with Online Gambling Group Australia.