This week, Relationships Australia will become the new operator of the problem gambling helpline in the Australian Capital Territory. The organisation will take over for Mission Australia, providing telephone counselling for residents across the ACT for the next three years. Relationships Australia is a renowned organised that provides a wide range of counselling services in the ACT.

In addition to family relationship courses, Relationships Australia also offers workplace services. As such, the organisation makes a great partner for providing problem gambling counselling in the state. As part of its contract, Relationships Australia will team up with Care Financial Counselling Service to help individuals across the state deal with issue relating to problem gambling.

By calling in, they will receive professional specialised counselling. The lines are open 24 hours a day, and residents can also receive assistance online. Telephone and online counselling are important for problem gamblers. Studies have shown that compulsive players are concerned about the stigma that comes with their hardship. As such, they may be reluctant to seek in-person counselling or admit to loved one that they need help.

"The 24-hour access was important, phone and online counselling was certainly important as some people don't want to come in in the first instance for a face-to-face session,” says Racing and Gaming Minister Joy Burch. “Having the link with Care Financial was quite significant because those with gambling problems may have financial concerns and we want to deal with that in one whole session."

The poker machine market will help to fund the counselling program. All gaming machine owners across the ACT will make contributions, as well as the ACTTAB. The funding will also be used for problem gambling research and education programs across the state.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.