Gambling Help NSW services will be known as GambleAware from 1 July with 10 GambleAware service providers commencing operations across NSW.

Director of the Office of Responsible Gambling Natalie Wright says gambling services have evolved in NSW and GambleAware reflects this by aligning gambling education, support and counselling services for the community under the one banner.

“The name GambleAware unites all NSW gambling support services and is focused on supporting the entire community. The services range from community engagement and education through to support and treatment, and now includes those who may not currently experience challenges around gambling but may be at risk,” Ms Wright said.

“People who are currently accessing Gambling Help NSW services shouldn’t experience any interruption to their service while the transition takes place.

“The Office of Responsible Gambling recently completed the tender process to establish the GambleAware providers across NSW, the first major stage of the implementation of the redesign of gambling support and treatment services in NSW.

“The new approach will see an innovative stepped care model of service delivery for gambling support and treatment services across ten regions aligned to NSW health districts.

“This streamlined approach will ensure easy recognition for the community about the gambling support services on offer,” Ms Wright said.

Stage two will include online bookings with additional self-help options to be added.

“Later this year people in the community will be able to book appointments directly online, and access more services in different ways – by video chat, online chat, email and over the phone, as well as in person.

“We are committed to providing high quality support and treatment services as well as developing new ways to reach more people in the community who are experiencing or at risk of gambling harm,” Ms Wright said.

Further information can be found at www.gambleaware.nsw.gov.au

Crown Resorts is reopening its hotel and food & beverage facilities at Crown Melbourne on June 11 (today), but its casino will remain closed until further notice.

The announcement comes in accordance with temporary restrictions imposed by the Victorian Government, and arrives two weeks after the venue was required to suspend the majority of its activities as Melbourne went into another Covid-19 lockdown.

Victoria entered an initial week-long lockdown on May 27 due to a rise in cases, but this was extended by another week as further cases were confirmed.

“Crown Melbourne will continue to financially support staff who remain stood down, including the majority of gaming operational staff, by paying an additional discretionary payment. This includes eligible casual staff,” a statement from Crown read.

“Crown Melbourne will continue to work closely with the Government and health authorities in Victoria and will respond to measures taken in relation to Covid-19.”