Do you need support?
Gambling does not only affect the person who gambles. It can impact the people around them, including partners, family members and friends. You may be finding things challenging, especially if you are offering your help and support. That’s why support is available for everyone affected by gambling, not just for people who gamble. .
It can help to find support for yourself and talk to someone you trust. Family members and friends can offer understanding, comfort and a different perspective. You can also speak with a professional counsellor who can draw on their experience, research and knowledge.
Our counselling and support services are free, confidential and available to anyone affected by gambling harm, including people like you. You do not need to wait until things feel serious. The earlier you get help, the better.
Why is seeking support important?
Reaching out for help can feel like a big step. Many people who are affected by someone else’s gambling feel unsure about seeking support. Some feel ashamed, and others want to try to manage things on their own.
But looking after yourself is important. Support can help you understand what is happening and how to manage the harms caused by someone else’s gambling. With the right support, you can make decisions that are right for you and be in a stronger position to support your family member or friend.
Getting help for yourself matters. Everybody needs support at different points in their lives. We get help for many reasons, and coping with another person’s gambling is no different. Talking to someone is often easier than you think.
How can family members or friends help?
Family and friends can be a good place to start. They can listen, offer a sympathetic ear and provide practical support. At the same time, well‑intentioned advice from people close to you may not always be the best fit for your situation.
If you’re thinking about sharing what’s happening, consider who you feel comfortable talking to. It can be hard to decide what to share. You may want to be open about your situation while also considering your family member or friend’s privacy. It is best to speak with people you trust and who will not judge you or the person who gambles.
How can counselling help?
Coping on your own can be difficult. It can be helpfully to talk confidentially with a trained counsellor. You might feel more comfortable being open and honest with a counsellor because they do not know them personally. Counselling gives you a safe, non‑judgemental space to talk about your concerns and explore what is happening.
Gambling counsellors are trained professionals who understand the experiences of people affected by someone else’s gambling. They will listen to you, support you and help you make sense of what you are going through. Around 30% of people who seek professional help are family members and friends affected by another person’s gambling.
Counsellors can help you work out what to do next and explore the best options for you. They can offer information, encouragement and support, and work with you to set goals and develop a plan that feels right for you.
Every one’s situation is different, so counselling will look a little different for everyone. It can help you:
- work out what changes you want to make
- understand what might be getting in the way of making these changes
- understand your family member or friend’s gambling
- think about how their gambling affects your life
- manage the harms from gambling
- learn effective strategies to cope with their gambling
- learn to avoid strategies that are not helpful
- communicate better with your family member or friend
- manage conflict
- focus on your health and wellbeing
- manage your emotions
- understand the nature of relapse
- improve your quality of life and wellbeing
- work on your relationship with your family member or friend
- brainstorm solutions to problems
- build a support network
Gambling counsellors can also connect you with other services if you need more specialised support. This may include relationship counselling, support for depression or anxiety, alcohol or substance use services, or legal advice.
How can different types of support help?
There are many ways to get help, and everyone is different, so it is important to find the support that feels right for you. Different approaches work for different people, and we are here to help you choose the support that suits you best.
If you are seeking help for the first time, it can feel confusing to sort through the different options. We can help you work out which type of support might be the best fit for your situation.
Take a look at the different types of support and counselling that are available:
- Gambling Helpline
- Ongoing counselling, including telehealth
- Financial counselling
- Online chat
- Email support
- Online forums
If getting help has not worked in the past, it might just mean you haven’t found the approach that works for you. It’s common for people to try a few different types of support before something feels helpful. It’s worth trying again.
If you are seeking help for a medical emergency or a crisis involving personal safety, such as suicidal feelings or domestic violence, you can contact any of the below services for urgent help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 – a nationwide service for people affected by suicide
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 – support and advice for anyone experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide
- Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 – mental health support
- Mensline: 1300 789 978 – support for men
- Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800 – support for young people between 5 and 25 years’ old
- 13 YARN: 13 92 76 – national crisis support line for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping
Call 000 in an emergency.
To find out more about how support or counselling can help you, chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 – free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Do you want more help?
If you’d like to know more about how seeking help can support you, you can start an online chat with us or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858. It’s free, available 24/7, and open to anyone affected by gambling harm.
Support isn’t just for people who gamble. It’s also here for family and friends like you, to help you cope and look after yourself.
If you’d also like to learn more about ways you can support your loved one to make changes to their gambling, visit our section on Taking Action.
