New approach to help control problem gambling
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Gambling help services in NSW will get a new name and structure from next month with the word "help" being replaced by "aware" in the title.
This would reflect how the services available had "evolved" and the new name would better cover education services, government agencies say.
Gambling Help NSW services will be known as GambleAware from July 1, with new GambleAware service providers starting operations. In the Illawarra the services will be delivered by Mission Australia, in partnership with the Gambling Impact Society.
The NSW Office of Responsible Gambling said the redesigned GambleAware support and treatment model would encourage community awareness of services available and a higher reliance on digital tools to support clients in their recovery from gambling problems.
The GambleAware website contains a variety of different education and help resources, including information about the chances of winning, risks and impacts, how to talk about gambling with children, and the Reclaim the Game campaign to reduce the domination of sport by gambling ads and "get back to what sport is meant to be about".
Office of Responsible Gambling director Natalie Wright said gambling had evolved and GambleAware reflects this by aligning gambling education, support and counselling services.
"The name GambleAware unites all NSW gambling support services and is focused on supporting the entire community," she said.
"The services range from community engagement and education through to support and treatment, and now includes those who may not currently experience challenges around gambling but may be at risk.
"People who are currently accessing Gambling Help NSW services shouldn't experience any interruption to their service while the transition takes place."
The tender process for service providers had recently been completed and the next step will be online bookings which would become available later this year, Ms Wright said, as well as video chat, online chat, email and phone options.
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