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"Gambling support services")
Gambling is no longer restricted to betting on races, using poker machines, or playing card games or roulette at a casino. The rising popularity of online sports betting and gambling apps exposes more people to gambling. It also means people are taking up gambling at a younger age.
Gambling harm can cause a breakdown or rift in family relationships as well as financial distress. It may lead to other issues, including:
- increased stress
- alcohol and drug use
- the use of violence against family members or partners.
If you feel that your gambling habit, or that of a loved one, is becoming harmful, we can help.
Call the LCHS Gambler’s Help team on 1800 242 696, Monday to Friday from 8.30am – 5pm. You can also call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858, for free support 24/7.
Counselling services
Acknowledging and talking about gambling harm is an effective way of managing it. Our counsellors can help you and your family set goals to overcome negative behaviours and give you strategies to cope.
Therapeutic counselling
Our therapeutic counsellors can help you understand gambling and develop strategies to reduce or stop gambling, or help you cope with someone else’s gambling. Counselling is available for:
- individuals experiencing gambling harm
- partners or family members of people who gamble.
You can get support at your own pace, and therapeutic counselling is free and confidential.
Financial counselling
Gambling can sometimes leave you in financial or legal difficulty. Our financial counsellors provide advice and information on how you can manage your situation. They can:
- advocate on your behalf
- negotiate debt payments with collectors
- give you advice to protect your assets.
All financial counselling sessions are free and confidential.
Self-exclusion support
Self-exclusion is an industry-operated program for people who want to ban themselves from playing electronic gaming machines (pokies). The Australian Hotels Association Victoria and Community Clubs Victoria work together to provide the program, which is free to join, in clubs and hotels with pokie machines across Victoria.
When you join, you agree you will not enter the restricted gaming area of the clubs or hotels you have nominated. These venues are listed in the self-exclusion deed that you sign.
Our therapeutic counsellors and financial counsellors can help you join the self-exclusion program.
Information and education
Latrobe Community Health Service can provide information and prevention programs about the potential harmful impacts of gambling. Our aim is to create healthy, safe and responsible environments for the wider community. Our programs are available to:
- schools
- sporting clubs and associations
- groups or organisations
- workplaces
- individuals
Over one or several sessions, attendees can find out more about gambling harm and the types of support available in their local area.
We also provide a Gambler’s Help Venue Support Program. Through this program, we work with managers and staff of venues with electronic gaming machines (pokies) and educate them about responsible gambling. This program includes the delivery of mandatory Responsible Service of Gaming training.
Find out the cost and eligibility criteria.
LCHS Gambler’s Help services are available across Gippsland to anyone looking for information or help. Call us on 1800 242 696, Monday to Friday from 8.30am – 5pm.
You can also call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858, for free support 24/7.
All Gambler’s Help services are free.
