Gambling counselling and support

Take control of your gambling

Our Gambling Help service provides counselling, support and information to individuals who are negatively affected by gambling. We offer free and confidential services in Far North Queensland and the Wide Bay-Burnett Region.

What is problem gambling?

You may have a problem with gambling if:

• You find it difficult to limit the amount of money spent on gambling
• You find it difficult to limit the amount of time spent on gambling
• You struggle to sleep because of your problems with gambling
• You lie about how much you gamble

Problem gambling may lead to adverse consequences for the gambler, significant others, families and for the wider community. If any of the above apply to you, ask for help now.

How our Gambling Help service can support you

1. Call us or enquire here to arrange an appointment.
2. Your first appointment will be 60 to 90 minutes and can be face to face or over the phone.
3. We use evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy to achieve your goals.
4. Appointments can be weekly or fortnightly and run for six to 10 sessions, but there is no minimum or maximum number of sessions.
5. When you are ready you can choose to space out appointments or stop them completely. You can restart at any time and all appointments are free.
6. We will call you a month after you cease appointments to make sure your goals are on track.

We also offer

• Assistance with self–exclusions. We can help you fill out and lodge the paperwork required for venues you wish to be excluded from
• Referrals to other support services
• Responsible Service of Gambling (RSG) refresher training and Customer Liaison Officer training to gaming venues
• Professional Development programs to service providers
• Education around gambling to various community groups
• Gambling awareness program to schools

Tips for safe gambling

• Leave key cards at home and take only the cash you are prepared to lose
• Keep a diary of wins and losses. Download our diary template here
• Challenge irrational thoughts about gambling. Download our worksheet here.
• Write a list of pros and cons of gambling. Download our Decisional Balance Sheet here.
• Do something different that you enjoy: take a walk, see a movie or visit a friend. Download our Coping With Urges fact sheet here.
• Talk to someone about your gambling.
• Seek support from a qualified Gambling Help counsellor. Enquire now.

Resources