New South Wales announces new GambleAware funding
Additional funding will increase the number of GambleAware locations across the state.
Australia.- The New South Wales government has announced an additional AU$1.3m (US$845,000) in annual funding for GambleAware. The funding will be used to increase gambling harm support services across the state, including access to peer support programmes.
According to the government, the funding increase will enable GambleAware to expand its service network from 34 to 49 locations and recruit five additional peer support workers, bringing the number to 16.
GambleAware provides free and confidential support services, including gambling counselling, financial counselling, peer support and community outreach programmes. It says that during the 2024-25 financial year, it supported 4,170 people through more than 19,000 counselling sessions, while its helpline assisted more than 9,500 individuals.
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said the government remains focused on reducing gambling-related harm and strengthening support mechanisms across the state. “The Minns Labor Government is laser-focused on preventing and responding to gambling harm, which can have a devastating impact on the relatively small number of people it impacts, along with their loved ones,” Harris said.
He added that an independent evaluation found GambleAware services were delivering “high-quality, safe, efficient and effective services” but identified a need for additional investment in community engagement, peer support and operational capacity.
The announcement follows a competitive tender process. New contracts were awarded to Wesley Community Services, Regional Community Care, Armidale CentaCare New England North West, Mission Australia, Uniting and St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney.
Other measures implemented in New South Wales include reducing the statewide cap on gaming machine entitlements by more than 3,000, lowering cash input limits on new gaming machines to AU$500, introducing Responsible Gambling Officers in larger venues, banning external gambling advertising at venues, strengthening self-exclusion measures and prohibiting gambling advertising on Transport for NSW assets.
