The Queensland Government has launched a new three-year Gambling Harm Action Plan to strengthen support services and reduce gambling-related harm across the state.
The new Gambling Harm Action Plan 2026-28 focuses on prevention and early intervention, increasing community understanding and awareness of gambling risks and potential harm, with a focus on protecting vulnerable Queenslanders. It also encourages people experiencing, or at risk of, gambling harm to access support and enhances the services currently available.
The plan will be backed by more than $17 million in State Government funding per year. $3.4 million will fund 11 positions for specialist gambling financial counsellors across the state’s Gambling Help service regions. Uniting Care Queensland provides services in 10 regions, with Lifeline Darling Downs and South-West Queensland servicing the Toowoomba region.
The Government has also invested in expanding counselling and support channels for vulnerable Queenslanders, including multicultural communities, with $1.35 million over three years allocated for a new multicultural Gambling Help counselling and support service, which commenced in March this year.
A further $1.5 million over three years will fund new services to deliver culturally responsive gambling harm prevention, referral and counselling for First Nations communities. The services, which will commence later this month, will be provided by the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health and will complement existing support services offered through the Gambling Help Service System.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity, Deb Frecklington said the Government was committed to minimising gambling harm, supporting vulnerable Queenslanders and creating a more responsible and sustainable gambling industry.
“Many Queenslanders enjoy betting on their favourite sport but unfortunately, some people experience or are vulnerable to gambling-related harm, which can have significant impacts on their relationships, health, finances and employment,” the Attorney-General said.
“The Crisafulli Government’s new Gambling Harm Action Plan 2026-28 will guide Queensland’s investment and approach to preventing and minimising gambling-related harm in our communities.
“We’re committed to engaging with industry and community stakeholders to reduce the stigma of ’problem gambling’, encourage people to seek help, improve access to services and provide support to Queenslanders when they need it.”
For more information, visit: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/hospitality-tourism-sport/liquor-gaming/gaming/harm-minimisation.
