Safer gambling behaviour is the focus of this year's GambleAware Week campaign, an annual NSW Government initiative run by the Office of Responsible Gambling to raise awareness about the risks of gambling which starts today.
GambleAware's new peer support service connects people seeking help with those who have experience of gambling harm and have been trained to offer relatable perspectives and advice.
The service will see seven peer support workers operating across the state, with another four expected to come on board by early 2025.
The service is just one of the support options available through GambleAware, which supports and educates not only individuals, but their families, friends and the wider community on how to identify gambling harm and gamble safely.
GambleAware Week 2024's theme of 'Safer gambling. Are you on board?' aims to raise awareness of how people who choose to gamble can do so more safely.
Activities are being held across the state during GambleAware Week, which runs until Sunday 27 October.
Resources and support information are available at www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au.
Call the 24-hour GambleAware Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.
In-language support is also available for those from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Information about the Office of Responsible Gambling's new Strategic Plan for 2024-2027 is available here.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:
"Embedding peer support workers into our gambling support services is a great step in our efforts to reduce gambling harm across NSW.
"We know that people with first-hand experience of gambling harm can offer a unique perspective and empathy to those seeking help.
"GambleAware Week focuses on preventing harm before it occurs, and we want people to understand how they can lower their risk of gambling harm.
"Strategies like sticking to limits, not chasing losses, only gambling while sober, and balancing gambling with other activities, are all simple but important ways that people who choose to gamble can do so more safely."
