Support for family and friends affected by gambling
If gambling is harming someone close to you, you may be feeling the impacts too. Help is available for anyone who needs it.
Looking after yourself
If you’re concerned about the impacts of gambling on someone you know, support is available. But it’s important you look after yourself, too.
A person's gambling behaviour can have serious social, physical, emotional and financial impacts on those who are close to them.
You might be a partner, child, parent, workmate or friend. If you’re affected by someone else’s gambling, you may be feeling sadness, anxiety, stress or anger.
Getting advice and support
You can get free advice and support by calling 1800 858 858.
You can also get support from the ACT Gambling Support Service.
If you need to protect your finances
You can get free financial counselling from Care.
Supporting someone else
For help to understand the signs of gambling harm and starting a conversation with someone close to you, read Helping others.
If the person gambles at licensed venues like clubs or casinos, you can talk with the venue’s gambling contact officer (GCO). The GCO should decide if the venue needs to exclude the person because their gambling is a serious risk to their welfare.
For more details, visit Exclusion from gambling.
Supporting young people
Young people are vulnerable to gambling harm. They tend to start gambling socially with friends or partners, and then continue alone.
It can be hard to recognise when gambling is causing them harm.
Young people, parents and carers can learn more about gambling and its impact on young people at At Odds.
Parents and carers can get help to:
- talk to kids about gambling
- understand the issues with video gaming and gambling.
Educators, parents and carers can use the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission’s high school education program, Getting Played.
Help in other languages
You can get free gambling advice and support in your language.
Find support in a crisis
For support and advice in a personal crisis, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any type of abuse and need support now:
- visit 1800 RESPECT
- call 1800 737 732 (national sexual assault, domestic, family violence helpline).
This page is managed by the ACT Gambling and Racing Commission