The New South Wales government has announced a large funding increase for GambleAware, the state’s key provider of gambling harm support services. The Minns Labor Government will inject an additional AU$1.3 million annually, which is about $927,000, to expand both peer support and front-line assistance. This move will see the number of service locations across the state jump by 44%, growing from 34 to 49 sites. The funding boost will also enable the hiring of five additional peer support workers, bringing the total number of staff to 16.
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Expansion of Services and Employment
GambleAware, widely known for its range of services, offers free counseling, financial advice, peer support, and a 24-hour crisis helpline for individuals struggling with gambling issues. In the 2024-25 period alone, they supported 4,170 clients through over 19,000 counseling sessions and managed more than 9,500 crisis calls. Still, as part of this expansion, six service providers have secured contracts to continue delivering services across 10 regions in New South Wales. These providers include Wesley Community Services, Regional Community Care, Armidale CentaCare New England North West, Mission Australia, Uniting, and St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney. Contracts are set for three years, with an option to extend for another two, although specific contract values weren’t disclosed.
Government Response and Rationale
David Harris, the minister for gaming and racing, cited a recent independent evaluation of GambleAware. The evaluation concluded that GambleAware offers “high-quality, safe, efficient, and effective services” but noted a need for more funding in community engagement and operational costs. “That’s why we have responded with a funding boost of $1.3 million for the coming year,” Harris stated. The government’s focus on peer support is notable, with figures like Dean Dries, a Proud Wiradjuri man and GambleAware peer support worker, sharing personal recovery experiences as evidence of the program’s impact.
New South Wales Reforms
This funding increase aligns with broader reform measures under Premier Chris Minns’ administration aimed at reducing gambling harm. The government has rolled out several initiatives since taking office, including raising the Responsible Gambling Fund to AU$20.7 million by 2025–26 and reducing gaming machine entitlements by more than 3,000. Still, other measures include mandatory incident registers, gaming management plans, relocating ATMs away from gaming floors, banning external gambling signage, and imposing mandatory shutdown periods for gaming machines between 4 AM and 10 AM.
Broader Regulatory Agenda
These state-level interventions resonate with Australia’s broader regulatory agenda. But the government outlined additional reforms in April, three years after the Murphy Report, targeting gambling advertisements with a watershed TV ban and prohibiting celebrity endorsements. Minister Anika Wells labeled these as the “strongest in Australia’s history.” Meanwhile, the UK arm of GambleAware has urged its government to implement similar restrictions, emphasizing control over marketing of high-harm gambling activities like casino games and slots. They also advocated for a ban on influencers, celebrities, and tipsters endorsing operators. The Minns government’s funding decision and broader regulatory measures are set to be discussed further before the next legislative session. The board is expected to review the progress and impacts of these initiatives in Q3.
Garry Sputnim is a seasoned journalist and storyteller with over a decade of experience in the trenches of global news. With a keen eye for uncovering stories that resonate, Alex has reported from over 30 countries, bringing light to untold narratives and the human faces behind the headlines. Specializing in investigative journalism, Garry has a knack for technology and social justice issues, weaving compelling narratives that bridge tech and humanity. Outside the newsroom, Garry is an avid rock climber and podcast host, exploring stories of resilience and innovation.
