Today is the start of GambleAware Week and this year the NSW Government wants to open up the conversation on gambling harm to encourage more people to seek advice or support when needed.
GambleAware provides free and confidential support to people experiencing gambling harm, whether from their own or someone else's gambling, and GambleAware Week is a chance to highlight the ongoing work to reduce the impact of gambling harm across NSW.
The 2026 campaign will help to reduce the stigma of gambling harm by allowing people to share their own, lived experience and encourage more open conversations with the tagline, 'Now we see it, let's talk about it'.
The campaign features a visual artistic representation based on the lived experiences of people affected by gambling harm, to encourage conversations to reduce the stigma.
The government has boosted funding for GambleAware services by an extra $1.3 million this year to expand the GambleAware network to more locations and support the recruitment of more peer support workers.
In addition, the government announced in August a major gaming reform package to give people and families stronger protections against gambling harm and introduce tougher rules around the way gambling is promoted and marketed.
The reforms include:
- a $20 million boost to the Responsible Gambling Fund over the next two years to support delivery of its array of services and programs to prevent and address gambling harm
- development of a statewide exclusion register covering every hotel and club with gaming machines with mandatory facial recognition at the entry of gaming rooms
- a third‑party exclusion scheme in hotels and clubs
- putting in place the necessary infrastructure to facilitate future account-based play, including upgrading the Centralised Monitoring System over the next two years to allow for a transition to this technology
- an increased forfeiture rate when gaming machine entitlements are traded from one in three to one in two - meaning for every two entitlements traded, one will be permanently removed
- Banning VIP programs to strengthen protections against gambling harm
- Increased regulatory oversight on gaming machine and online gaming to increase enforcement powers and remove legal loopholes.
GambleAware Week will run from 19 to 25 October. Information about the week's activities, resources and support is available at gambleaware.nsw.gov.au.
More information on the government's gaming reform package is available here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/liquor-and-gaming/gaming/gaming-reform-package
Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:
"GambleAware Week is an opportunity to not only recognise the impact of gambling harm, but to highlight the ongoing work and support options available.
"This week serves as a chance to remind the people and families impacted by gambling harm that there is support out there and encourage more people to share their stories to remove the stigma.
"The Minns Labor Government is committed to reducing gambling harm across NSW which is why through or latest round of reforms we have boosted funding to GambleAware services.
"Our latest package of reforms is evidence-based and also designed to reduce gambling harm. These reforms are significant and will be delivered over time."
GambleAware Peer Support Worker Tim Gray said:
"I think it's very important that we talk openly about gambling harm, otherwise the message won't get out to people experiencing it.
"The great thing about GambleAware Week raising awareness is that gambling harm can be invisible. Reducing stigma will allow more and more people to seek out support and make it easier for people to talk to each other about it."
If anyone is concerned about their gambling or the gambling of someone they know, the NSW Government's GambleAware provides free and confidential advice and support 24/7. For information go to gambleaware.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 858 858.
Bio -GambleAware Peer Support Worker Tim Gray
Tim Gray, 49 is a proud Gumbayngirr/Wiradjuri/Bidjigal man and St Vincent's Hospital's first Aboriginal Gambling Peer Support Worker. Mr Gray dedicates his time and care to helping people experiencing gambling harm through his own lived experience.
Mr Gray's experience with gambling started at 14 when asked by uncles to put bets on at the TAB.
Initially it was gambling on horses, which led to Keno, poker then poker machines.
In 2022, Mr Gray decided to seek help and found support services including GambleAware, counselling and group counselling where he could share his experience with others.
Mr Gray said this year's GambleAware Week theme of reducing the stigma, highlighted the importance of opening conversations on gambling harm.
Mr Gray helped to design the visual representation of gambling harm as a whirlpool used in the 2026 GambleAware campaign. He said his money, spirit and happiness were sucked into the whirlpool - the only things left were depression, anxiety and feelings of isolation.
As someone with lived experience, Mr Gray can support people to overcome any shame they might be feeling, and to accept the help they need.
Mr Gray said his role as a GambleAware Peer Support Worker allowed him to reach out to people experiencing gambling harm and provide direct support.
