Gambling counselling and treatment programs in NSW
Thu Apr 21 2016The NSW Government, though the Responsible Gambling Fund (RGF), funds more than 50 face-to-face treatment services for problem gambling, available throughout NSW. Services include gambling counselling, financial counselling, a 24/7 Gambling Helpline and Gambling Help Online. Specialist services offer counselling in many community languages. The RGF also funds Wesley Community Legal Service to provide a specialist legal service for problem gamblers and those affected by problem gambling.
The availability of these services at no cost makes them easily accessible to offenders. The Productivity Commission (2010) found that this type of treatment results in significant decreases in clients’ involvement in gambling and gambling-related problems .
Locations and contact details of free, local RGF Gambling Help services, including Wesley Legal Service can be obtained from the RGF Gambling Help NSW website, gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au/ and from the Gambling Helpline, 1800 858 858.