Funding for problem gamblers
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Funding for problem gamblers

The Coalition Government has provided $10,000 in extended funding to Bairnsdale Regional Health Service’s problem gambling primary care partnership in East Gippsland.

Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the funding was part of more than $800,000 provided by the government to support 28 initiatives across Victoria, and this funding will continue these successful partnerships in 2011-12.

“The Coalition has set aside $150 million to establish a new Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation to deliver its responsible gambling program and this commitment represents a 41 per cent increase over the former government’s program.

“Local Primary Care Partnerships (PCPs) are working together to support gambler’s help services and by connecting with a broader range of agencies enables them to extend the reach of their work across the region and better concentrate their service co-ordination,” said Mr Bull.

Prue Stone, of East Gippsland Primary Care Partnership, said, “each of the PCPs throughout Gippsland received $10,000 from the Department of Justice to support the Problem Gambling program.”

“The four PCPs in Gippsland have partnered to provide a regional approach with a focus on improving access to support programs for citizens with issues relating to gambling.”

Minister for Gaming, Michael O’Brien said “tackling problem gambling is high on the Government’s agenda, which is why we are making the largest financial commitment in Victoria's history to reducing problem gambling.”

"Problem gambling is a significant and complex social problem. Reducing levels of problem gambling and treating those who need support requires a coherent and integrated approach.

“Approximately 8,000 clients attend Gambler’s Help services each year for problem gambling counselling and problem gambling financial counselling services. In 2009-10, the Gambler’s Help Line received 13,237 calls,” said Mr O’Brien.

Sixteen agencies provide Gambler’s Help services from approximately 70 locations across Victoria. For more information please visit or call 1800 858 858.