Gambler's Help
Gambler's Help is a network of agencies funded by the State Government in Victoria, Australia to provide a range of community services for gambling related issues. Gambler's Help is administered by the Department of Justice, but receives funding from the Community Support Fund which receives a portion of the profits from the operation of gaming machines (better known as poker machines) in Victoria.
History
Gambler's Help was established under the name Breakeven in 1994 with the first regional services commencing operation in 1995. The name was changed to Gambler's Help in November 2000.[1]
Network
The Gambler's Help network consists of:
- A range of projects and a communications campaign delivered and managed by the Office of Gaming and Racing's Problem Gambling Unit
- A statewide telephone counselling service
- Gambler's Help Line 1800 156 789- operated by Directline
- Regional services which provide counselling, financial counselling and community education as well as manage local projects.
- Gambler's Help City - operated by the Salvation Army
- Gambler's Help Southern - operated by Bentleigh Bayside Community Health Service
- Gambler's Help Eastern - operated by Eastern Access Community Health
- Gambler's Help Northern - operated by Banyule Community Health Service
- Gambler's Help Western - operated by Isis Primary Care
- Gambler's Help Gippsland - operated by Anglicare Victoria
- Gambler's Help Barwon - operated by Bethany Family Support
- Gambler's Help South West - operated by Community Connections (Victoria)
- Gambler's Help Grampians - operated by Relationships Australia
- Gambler's Help Central Highlands - operated by Child & Family Services Ballarat
- Gambler's Help East Hume - operated by Upper Hume Community Health Service
- Gambler's Help Hume - operated by Goulburn Valley Community Health Service
- Gambler's Help West Hume - operated by Mitchell Community Health Service
- Gambler's Help Loddon - operated by Bendigo Community Health Service
- Gambler's Help Mallee - operated by Mallee Family Care
Separately funded are a Gambler's Help indigenous service and multicultural service.