Mission Australia Gambling Counselling and Support Services (NSW & ACT)

Mission Australia offers free face-to-face gambling and financial counselling in New South Wales and the ACT for anyone affected by problem gambling, including family, partners and friends.

Appointments can be made over the phone and no referral is necessary.

While many people gamble for entertainment, a large number of Australians develop gambling habits that impact negatively on themselves, their families and their communities.

According to the Productivity Commission’s Report on Gambling, roughly 115,000 Australian adults experience problem gambling at any one time.

A further 280,000 are considered to be at “moderate risk” of developing a problem.

Some of the difficulties that come with gambling at problematic levels include:

• Having no money for bills, food or rent
• Health problems, such as stress, depression, loss of sleep and anxiety
• Being at a high risk of losing family, friends, your house or job.

Common reasons people gamble to such lengths include:

• To make quick money
• To relax or get away from life’s stresses or problems
• To fill in time when there’s nothing else to do.

Whatever the reason for gambling problematically, the one thing that’s guaranteed is that the longer you continue, the harder it will be
to stop.

Where to get help

In NSW

Find your nearest Gambling Counselling and Support Services office in New South Wales. Appointments can be made over the phone or by email, and no referral is necessary. 

The Gambling Help website also contains advice, gambling calculators, assistance for non-English speakers and a support service locater.

In the ACT

Funded through the Problem Gambling Assistance Fund, Mission Australia’s Gambling Counselling and Support Services ACT offers free face-to-face gambling and financial counselling for anyone in the ACT affected by problem gambling, including family, partners and friends of problem gamblers.

The service also links people to family guidance services, alcohol and drug assistance, and housing and employment support. In addition to helping people already struggling with gambling, it also provides proactive support for people at risk of developing an addiction.

Support can be accessed either face-to-face or by telephone. To contact our free, professional and confidential counselling service call or email:

P: 1800 858 858 (24 hours a day)
P: (02) 6129 6100 (Monday to Friday office hours)
E: actgss@missionaustralia.com.au

Mission Australia’s ACT Gambling Counselling and Support Services are located at:

Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT)
Block E, South Campus
160 Ainsworth Street
Phillip ACT 2026

The Problem Gambling ACT website also contains advice, gambling calculators, assistance for non-English speakers and other support services. You can also visit our ACT website for more information.

How to access our services in NSW and ACT
If you or someone you know needs help, call the Gambling Help hotline on 1800 858 858 24 hours a day; seven days a week.  It’s a free, professional and confidential service. It’s never too late to get your life back on track.