Get support
Gambling services funded by the Tasmanian Government are free, confidential, and non-judgemental.
These services can also support you if you have been affected by the gambling of others.
If there is immediate danger or a crime is happening now: Call Triple Zero (000)
For immediate gambling support
You can talk to trained counselling staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week by:
- Calling the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858
- Visiting www.gamblinghelponline.org.au and using the “talk to someone” live chat function.
Opt out of gambling with an exclusion
You might need to take a step back from gambling when it feels like it getting a bit much. A self-exclusion gives you the choice to opt out of gambling and give yourself some space.
We recommend that you still look into different actions or support options as they can help to identify and work on the things that trigger your gambling.
In Tasmanian venues
The Tasmanian Gambling Self Exclusion Scheme (TGES) allows you to exclude yourself from Tasmanian licensed gambling venues.
This can be:
- gambling activities in venues
- gaming areas in venues
- whole venues.
You can arrange a self-exclusion by contacting Anglicare Tasmania:
- by phone on 1800 243 232
- by email at connectsupport@anglicare-tas.org.au.
More information about exclusions is available on the Department of Treasury and Finance website.
From online and phone gambling providers
You can exclude yourself from all Australian online and phone gambling providers through BetStop - the National Self-Exclusion Register. More information is available at BetStop - the National Self-Exclusion Register.
For ongoing gambling support
Anglicare Tasmania
Gamblers Help
Anglicare Tasmania’s Gamblers Help program delivers specialist counselling to prevent and reduce harm from gambling.
In-person counselling is available during business hours at the following locations:
- Burnie
- Devonport
- Glenorchy
- Hobart
- Launceston
- Sorell.
After-hours sessions, video call options, and outreach services may also be available.
Anglicare Tasmania counsellors can also arrange a self-exclusion on your behalf.
SMART recovery group
Anglicare Tasmania’s SMART recovery program offers group support sessions.
Meetings are held weekly and led by a trained facilitator.
Contact
You can contact Anglicare Tasmania:
- by phone on 1800 243 232
- by email at connectsupport@anglicare-tas.org.au.
Visit the Anglicare Tasmania Gamblers Help webpage for more information.
Gambling Help Online
As well as providing 24 hours a day, seven days a week access to trained counselling staff, Gambling Help Online can also help you with ongoing support, including:
- a 28 day SMS support service with motivational messaging
- email support with trained counselling staff for less urgent advice and support
- a moderated online peer support forum to connect with others.
Other gambling support
The Hive Counselling also offers gambling support in Tasmania.
The Tasmanian Government does not fund this service.
Self-help
There are some steps you can take yourself to reduce your risk from gambling.
These steps can help if you have been affected by gambling or if you want to put some limits in place to avoid future impacts.
Advice about supporting yourself, including self-help modules, is available at Gambling Help Online.
To support someone else affected by gambling
Sometimes, someone else’s gambling can have a big impact on you. In this situation, it is important to look after yourself as well. The in-person, online and phone Gamblers Help services are also available to people that are affected by the gambling of other people.
Gambling Help Online has a guide for supporting others including:
- how to prepare yourself before you talk to them about their gambling
- how to have this discussion
- how to support them to make change.
You can also apply to have someone else excluded from gambling. This is called a third-party exclusion.
You must apply to the Tasmanian Liquor and Gaming Commission for this exclusion.
If it is safe to do so, we recommend that you explore other options before you consider this exclusion, including encouraging gamblers to seek a self-exclusion. Choosing to set up a self-exclusion can help people feel more in control and more motivated to change.
For further support
Gambling harm can be linked to other financial, relationship and health issues.
For financial help
Anglicare Tasmania provides free and confidential financial counselling support.
You can organise financial counselling by:
- calling the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007
- using the live chat on www.ndh.org.au
Through these services, you will be transferred to an Anglicare Tasmania financial counsellor.
For health and mental health support
If you think your gambling or someone else’s gambling has affected your physical or mental health, you can talk to your GP as a first step.
For other support
You can visit www.findhelptas.org.au to connect to other support, including support for:
- legal issues
- family violence
- alcohol and other drugs.