I'm having financial problems

If you or someone you know is struggling with their gambling, it’s likely that you or they are also facing a difficult time financially.

If you are facing problems with money, it’s wise to first speak to a financial counsellor. Financial counsellors are trained professionals who can provide you with advice and help you to get your finances back on track.

If you have already received a court document related to your financial situation it is still wise to speak to a financial counsellor first. If you have been charged with a financial crime, you should also seek legal advice.

Financial counselling

Financial counselling is a great way to help you regain control. Financial counsellors are trained professionals who can help you work your way out of money difficulties as a result of gambling.

GambleAware offers free and confidential financial counselling. Learn how to access our free financial counselling or call GambleAware on 1800 858 858.

There are also some other options that can assist you with your financial difficulties.

Banning yourself from gambling can help

If you are having financial problems due to gambling, a good way to take control is to block, ban or bar yourself (also called self-exclusion) from places you know gambling is an issue for you.

What should I do if I have unpaid fines?

If you have an unpaid fine and are experiencing financial difficulty, a GambleAware financial counsellor can help you by setting up a payment plan or by potentially negotiating a fine reduction.

What if I owe money and can’t pay right away?

Debts are difficult to manage, especially when you are trying to reduce your gambling at the same time. Debts can come from any number of organisations, like banks, household utility providers, and even Centrelink.

It’s important that you try to arrange a payment plan as soon as possible with any creditors, or try to consolidate your debts. A GambleAware financial counsellor can support you with these discussions, help you reduce your gambling and give you a clear path towards clearing your debts.

You can also write to your creditors directly and request documents related to your debt or set up a payment plan. The Financial Rights Legal Centre offers template letters for a variety of situations including dealing with debt collection.

If you don’t pay your debts, your creditor will try and force you to pay them by issuing a Statement of Claim, which is the first step in the debt collection process. If you receive a Statement of Claim and don’t respond to it, the creditor can apply for judgment against you (an order of a Court or Tribunal requiring you to repay money).

If you owe the debt but can’t afford to pay it, you should speak to a financial counsellor as soon as possible. If you dispute the debt, you should consider seeking legal advice about your options.

I owe Centrelink money, what do I do?

Centrelink will start an action to recover overpayments by sending you a letter outlining what your debt is and when it needs to be paid by. This letter is a legal document and needs to be responded to as soon as possible in order to avoid further debt recovery processes.

You should contact a financial counsellor if you need assistance repaying your Centrelink debt. To help you understand why Centrelink has made this decision, you can also request your Centrelink documents online.

You have the right to appeal against a Centrelink decision, but before you do, it’s a good idea to get legal advice and check the time limits that may apply to the appeal process.

I can’t pay my debts. Should I go bankrupt?

Bankruptcy is a legal status you can apply for if you are unable to pay your debts. While it can release you from most debts, provide relief and allow you to make a fresh start, there are also some serious disadvantages.

A GambleAware financial counsellor can explain the advantages and disadvantages of bankruptcy to help you consider your options. To speak to a GambleAware financial counsellor, call us on 1800 858 858.