Problem Gambling

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There is recreational gambling, and there is problem gambling. Would you know the difference?

Someone who experiences problem gambling spends more time and money than they can afford, always believing they will make up their losses if they continue to gamble. They become preoccupied with gambling above all; feeling desperate, depressed and isolated.

High schoolers, men and women are now active customers of the gaming and racing industry as they consume this new form of entertainment – online gaming, sports betting, a day at the races and poker machines in pubs and clubs.

The accessibility and availability of gambling as entertainment has reached new highs; it’s pervasive and the entertaining nature makes you feel like a winner.

You can be out for dinner with friends and have no idea they’re placing bets and gambling on their mobile phone.

Once you’re caught up in problem gambling, physical and emotional health suffers, relationships breakdown and work or study are all impacted. Mental health becomes a serious issue.

Counselling for problem gamblers

Our Gambling Help service provides free counselling and treatment for problem gamblers and their families who are experiencing social, financial and emotional difficulties. We aim to provide positive lifestyle choices for people who are experiencing the effects of problem gambling.

We ensure that people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD), Homeless and Disadvantaged and Deaf communities are welcomed and have access to our service.

We also provide referrals for support services including mental health, legal, housing, and employment and training services.

Counselling for family and friends

We work with the family and friends of people experiencing problem gambling to support them by providing information and understanding as to how they can support their loved one, as well as effective strategies for their own self-care.

Financial counselling

Our Gambling Help service provides free financial counselling for people experiencing financial problems due to the their gambling, including managing their financial crisis, budgeting and moving towards financial stability.

Bondi Junction & East Sydney (Darlinghurst)

Bondi Junction

Eventually, No One Wins

At HopeStreet Gambling Help, we meet people whose problem gambling has them feeling desperate. They carry shame and guilt. Some of the clients we see are experiencing homelessness and their problem gambling is another layer of complexity they live with.

Our professional and qualified counsellors come alongside people and work with them to change their gambling behaviours and make positive lifestyle choices, through evidence-based and best practice counselling and treatment.

This free and confidential counselling service, funded by the NSW Government Responsible Gambling Fund, also supports families and loved ones impacted by problem gambling, as well as Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD), Homeless and Disadvantaged and Deaf communities.

Because we care, we also provide additional support to our clients including financial counselling, referrals and assistance with housing, legal and court issues, employment and training, as well as mental health support.

We want to invite people to make healthy choices in their lives, finding a way out of problem gambling so they can reconnect with their life and relationships. We believe in them.