About the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation
The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation (VRGF) is an independent statutory authority established by the Victorian Government in 2012. Operating under the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation Act 2011, VRGF is tasked with reducing the prevalence and severity of gambling harm across Victoria.
Unlike regulatory bodies that oversee gambling operators, VRGF focuses entirely on the prevention, education, and treatment side of gambling harm. Their work is funded by contributions from the gambling industry but operates independently to serve the public interest.
Mission and Vision
VRGF's mission is clear: to reduce gambling harm and foster healthier communities. Their strategic objectives include:
- Reducing the stigma associated with seeking help for gambling problems
- Increasing community awareness of gambling risks
- Providing accessible, high-quality treatment and support services
- Building the evidence base through research and evaluation
- Influencing policy and practice to minimise gambling harm
Gambler's Help Services
The cornerstone of VRGF's work is the Gambler's Help program — a comprehensive network of free support services available to anyone affected by gambling in Victoria.
Counselling Services
Gambler's Help provides free, confidential counselling for:
- People who gamble: Individual counselling to understand gambling behaviour and develop strategies for change
- Family and friends: Support for those affected by someone else's gambling
- Financial counselling: Help managing debt and financial issues caused by gambling
Counselling is available face-to-face at locations across Victoria, by phone, or via online video sessions.
24/7 Helpline
The Gambler's Help helpline operates around the clock, every day of the year. Trained counsellors provide:
- Immediate crisis support
- Information about gambling and its effects
- Referrals to local counselling services
- Support for family members and friends
- Interpreter services for non-English speakers
Online Support
For those who prefer digital communication, VRGF offers:
- Live chat: Real-time text-based counselling via the Gambler's Help website
- Email support: Non-urgent enquiries and ongoing support
- Self-help resources: Tools, worksheets, and information available 24/7
- Online programs: Structured self-guided programs for changing gambling behaviour
Key Programs and Initiatives
Venue Support Program
Gambler's Help counsellors work directly in Victorian gaming venues to provide on-the-spot support. The Venue Support Program places trained staff in high-traffic gambling venues where they can:
- Approach patrons showing signs of distress
- Provide immediate support and information
- Connect people with ongoing counselling services
- Train venue staff to recognise and respond to problem gambling
Self-Exclusion Programs
VRGF supports Victoria's gambling self-exclusion programs, helping people ban themselves from gaming venues:
- Venue self-exclusion: Banning yourself from specific pokies venues or the Crown Casino
- YourPlay: Victoria's pre-commitment scheme for setting time and spending limits on pokies
- BetStop: The national self-exclusion register for online wagering operators
Gambler's Help counsellors can assist with the self-exclusion process and provide ongoing support.
Community Education
VRGF runs extensive community education campaigns to raise awareness about gambling harm:
- "Love the Game, Not the Odds": Campaigns targeting sports betting normalisation
- School programs: Education for young people about gambling risks
- Community workshops: Sessions for community groups, workplaces, and organisations
- Cultural programs: Tailored resources for culturally diverse communities
Research and Advocacy
VRGF invests in research to better understand gambling harm and effective interventions. Their research program covers:
- Prevalence studies on gambling behaviour in Victoria
- Evaluation of treatment programs and their effectiveness
- Investigation of new gambling products and their risks
- Economic and social impact studies
| Service | Availability | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Counselling | 24/7 | Gamblers, family, friends |
| Face-to-Face Counselling | Business hours | Victorians affected by gambling |
| Online Chat | 8am–midnight daily | Anyone seeking support |
| Financial Counselling | By appointment | Those with gambling debts |
| Venue Support | Varies by venue | Pokies venue patrons |
| Peer Support Groups | Weekly sessions | People in recovery |
Who Can Access VRGF Services?
Gambler's Help services are available to anyone in Victoria affected by gambling, including:
- People who gamble — whether occasionally or frequently
- Family members concerned about a loved one's gambling
- Partners and spouses of people who gamble
- Friends who want to help someone
- Employers dealing with gambling-related workplace issues
- Health professionals seeking advice on supporting clients
All services are free, confidential, and non-judgmental. You don't need a referral — you can contact Gambler's Help directly.
Understanding Gambling Harm
VRGF takes a public health approach to gambling, recognising that harm exists on a spectrum. You don't need to be a "problem gambler" to experience harm or seek help.
Signs of Gambling Harm
- Spending more money or time gambling than intended
- Chasing losses — gambling more to try to win back money
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- Neglecting work, family, or other responsibilities
- Lying to others about gambling behaviour
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down
- Using gambling to escape problems or relieve negative emotions
- Relationship conflicts caused by gambling
The Ripple Effect
Research shows that for every person experiencing gambling harm, an average of six other people are affected. This includes partners, children, parents, friends, and colleagues. VRGF's services recognise this broader impact and support everyone affected.
VRGF and the Victorian Gambling Landscape
Victoria has one of Australia's highest concentrations of poker machines outside casinos. Understanding the local context helps explain VRGF's focus:
How VRGF Works with Other Organisations
VRGF collaborates with a range of partners to deliver services and advocate for change:
Government Partners
- Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC): The regulator responsible for licensing and compliance
- Department of Justice and Community Safety: Policy development and legislation
- Department of Health: Integration with broader health and mental health services
Service Delivery Partners
Gambler's Help services are delivered through a network of community health organisations and agencies across Victoria, including:
- Anglicare Victoria
- Uniting
- Relationships Australia Victoria
- EACH
- Odyssey House Victoria
- Local community health centres
National Collaboration
VRGF works with national bodies including:
- Gambling Help Online (national online service)
- Financial Counselling Australia
- Gambling Research Australia
- State and territory gambling help services
Resources and Tools
VRGF provides a range of free resources:
Self-Assessment Tools
- Gambling quiz: Quick assessment to understand your gambling behaviour
- Spending tracker: Tools to monitor gambling expenditure
- Risk calculator: Understanding the odds and house edge
Information Sheets
- Understanding pokies and how they work
- Sports betting risks and tactics
- How to talk to someone about their gambling
- Supporting a family member who gambles
- Managing gambling-related debt
- Resources in community languages
For Professionals
- Training for health professionals
- Resources for financial counsellors
- Workplace gambling policies
- Research publications and reports
Contact the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation
Reach out for support or more information: