Frequently Asked Questions
Reaching out for help with gambling can bring up many emotions, including anxiety, shame, or fear, but seeking help is a courageous first step toward a brighter future.
Gambling Help counselling is here to improve your health and wellbeing and provide you with strategies to reduce the harm gambling is causing.
We are here to empower and support you without judgement.
Below are answers to some common questions to help you feel more prepared about seeking support from Gambling Help Queensland.
FAQs
Gambling Help counselling is entirely free for anyone seeking support.
You can access ongoing counselling sessions for as long as you and your counsellor agree it is helpful.
Gambling Help provides 24/7 crisis support, counselling for gambling-related challenges, and support for those affected by someone else’s gambling.
We also offer referrals to services like financial counselling, legal aid, and wellbeing resources, alongside guidance for managing money and relationships.
Our services are available over the phone, virtually, or face-to-face by appointment, ensuring flexibility to suit your needs.
Counselling can help you change gambling behaviours, address related challenges, and understand the triggers and origins of gambling habits.
Interventions may include money management, self-exclusion, and strategies for managing urges, while also exploring alternative ways to spend your time, energy, and money.
Data shows 85.5% of Gambling Help clients reported positive outcomes in 2024, including improved emotional wellbeing, healthier relationships, better financial management, and a stronger sense of identity.
Clients reported improvement in their feelings about:
- Gambling
- Family and close relationships
- Connection and community
- How you use your time
- Money
- Physical health
- Emotional wellbeing
- Sense of identity
Gambling Help services are completely confidential, and your privacy is strictly protected. Gambling Help counsellors are qualified professionals and are there to support your recovery.
All conversations in counselling sessions or calls remain private. You can request a copy of your service’s privacy statement at any time.
The Queensland Government collects deidentified data to review client demographics, outcomes and satisfaction of the services to evaluate program effectiveness.
When you call the Gambling Helpline, a trained counsellor will listen to your concerns and offer support, no matter where you are in your journey.
Counsellors can help with a range of topics, including financial difficulties, emotional struggles, and any other gambling-related issues, while providing tools to help you cope and connect with ongoing support.
Every call is confidential.
If you’re not ready to stop gambling, that’s completely okay.
We can work with you to explore safer gambling strategies tailored to your goals and needs without pressuring you to stop entirely.
Gambling harm doesn’t just affect the person gambling.
We’re here to support family members, partners, friends, and others impacted by someone else’s gambling.
You can access counselling, resources, and advice to help you navigate this challenging situation and protect your wellbeing.
Visit our page on supporting yourself when someone else’s gambling affects you for more detailed guidance.
