Australian Online Gambling Counseling

October 09, 2009 | News Category: Online Casinos

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For those who have gambling problems, or suspect that they may be developing gambling problems, sometimes it is difficult to look for and find the help they need. The Australian government, being aware of this issue, have taken steps to make problem gambling counseling available to people all over Australia.

The government announced recently that an online service for gambling counseling has been developed. Twenty-four hour a day, seven days a week, those who feel they need assistance with a gambling problem, or a potential gambling problem, can seek help at the Gambling Help Online site.

Those wishing to make use of this service can either register themselves on the site, or they can use the services anonymously. Since the applicant makes this decision, they will not be turned away because they do not wish to disclose their names or any other personal details. The service is free, and is available to any Australians who have access to the Internet.

The Community Services Minister, Jenny Macklin, said “For the first time, Australians now have online access to qualified gambling counselors who can provide assistance through either live online counseling or e-mail.”

Minister Macklin also noted that because the service is available anonymously, and because it is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, it would be a very useful service for those using online betting.

Since much gambling is now done online, many of those seeking help could be problem gamblers that bet in online casinos and those that make use of other forms of online betting. With the changes in technology, since gambling is now both land-based and online, it makes sense to offer online help for those who are used to operating online. Of course, land-based gamblers can also make use of these kinds of services online.

For those who are not comfortable with online help, or need something more than can be provided online, the program is also integrated with services offered by the Break Even Network, with help available by telephone and in person.

It was also noted by some government officials that because of the nature of the anonymity of having a help line online, the gambling counselors can help problem gambling victims in an environment that feels both safe and confidential.

Although studies show that the incidence of problem gambling online is not greater than that of land-based problem gambling, the issue still exists, and can most certainly be helped by programs such as this one.