Frequently Asked Questions
Seeking help for gambling – whether it’s your own or someone else’s – is a brave step towards a brighter future. There are a lot of feelings that you may have about seeking help and talking to a counsellor. We’re here to empower you and support you without judgement.
Below are some answers to common questions – so you can feel more prepared about seeking support from Gambling Help Queensland.
We are here to empower and support you without judgement
I need to talk to someone right now. What do I do?
If it is an emergency, or if someone is in danger, call emergency services at 000.
If you would like to speak to a Gambling Help counsellor right now, please call the Gambling Helpline at 1800 858 858.
Call the Gambling Helpline (button)
How much does the Gambling Help service cost?
It’s entirely free.
You can receive ongoing counselling (link to counselling page) sessions for as long as you and your counsellor agree it is helpful.
If you need support right now, you can talk to a counsellor right now by calling the Gambling Helpline at 1800 858 858.
Call the Gambling Helpline (button)
What services do you offer?
We offer confidential support for anyone who is experiencing the impact of gambling harm, either directly or through a family member, friend, partner, or other loved one.
Our services help individuals and families recognise, work through, and resolve harm.
Gambling Help services include:
Gambling Helpline
The Gambling Helpline is available 24/7. Talk to a trained counsellor anytime — day or night. Get confidential support, crisis help, or book a counselling session.
Counselling
Our counselling offers free, ongoing support for you or your loved ones — in person, by phone, or online.
We can also provide referrals to other services like legal aid and wellbeing resources.
Does gambling counselling work?
Counselling is a brave, powerful, and healthy step towards a brighter future.
Counselling can help you identify and address the harm that gambling harm is causing you and your loved ones.
Through counselling, we support you to overcome gambling harm. We also help you rebuild the important relationships in your life that may have been impacted by gambling or other challenges.
We also provide financial counselling.
So far in 2025, over 90% of Gambling Help clients reported positive outcomes in gambling, finances, emotional wellbeing, and relationships. Over 97% of clients reported satisfaction with the support they received.
Clients reported improvement in their feelings about:
- Gambling
- Family and close relationships
- Connection and community
- How they’re using their time
- Money
- Physical health
- Emotional wellbeing
- Sense of identity
Who will find out about me contacting Gambling Help?
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 anonymous and de-identified data to review client demographics, outcomes and satisfaction of the services to evaluate program effectiveness.
What happens when I call Gambling Help?
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.
What if I don’t want to stop gambling?
If you’re not ready to stop gambling, that’s completely okay.
Your counsellor will never tell you to just stop gambling.
We can work with you to explore safer gambling strategies tailored to your goals and needs.
Will I be reported to anyone for seeking help for my gambling or for someone else’s gambling?
No.
You will not be reported or get into trouble.
If you want to talk about someone else’s gambling, they will not get into any trouble, either. They will not be informed that you have contacted us.
Your conversations and sessions with Gambling Help counsellors are completely confidential.
Do you offer help in other languages?
Yes.
Translation and interpreter services are available for Gambling Help. Call 131 450 and ask to be connected to the Interpreter Gambling Helpline.
Do I have to be a permanent resident or citizen of Australia to seek help with Gambling Help?
No.
You do not have to be a permanent resident or citizen of Australia to use Gambling Help services. Anyone living in Australia can access Gambling Help.
Will seeking help with Gambling Help affect my visa status?
No.
Your conversations and sessions with Gambling Help are completely confidential. We do not report to or share your information with anyone.
Can my family member or a friend translate for me?
No.
Family and relatives or family members can’t be interpreters. Mental health services require professional interpreters.
Translation and interpreter services are available:
Call 131 450 and ask to be connected to the Interpreter Gambling Helpline to speak in your preferred language.
Can I attend the service with my family?
Yes.
All relatives, family members, and friends are able to access counselling for free.
At the beginning of help, each person has a separate consultation with the Gambling Help counsellor. The counsellor will then work with you on how you would like to have your family involved in your counselling.
Each family is different. The counsellor will tailor your counselling sessions to meet your family’s needs.
