A free mobile phone app that will help prevent frequent gamblers from becoming problem gamblers was launched last Thursday as part of the Gambling Help program.
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Cessnock Samaritans Gambling Help counsellor, Graeme Penney, said that the ‘Stay on Track’ app assists gamblers to have more control of their gambling.
“It is excellent for people who want some help to reduce their gambling,” he said.
“Many social gamblers slide into problem gambling by not paying attention to how much they are losing and that includes young people here in Cessnock who are mobile phone savvy.”
The Stay on Track app assists with the setting of and sticking to a budget and it helps users understand their own betting patterns.
“It’s like having a personal advisor in your pocket who can help you to reduce overspending and track your long-term financial position,” Mr. Penney said.
“The app is helpful for gambling at a racetrack, in a casino, on gaming machines, or through an online sports betting agency and it provides a holistic picture of whether or not the user is gambling responsibly compared to their chosen limits.”
Freely available for both iOS and Android devices, the app includes information to help gamblers identify an emerging problem and it has direct links to lead users to free Gambling Help services such as the service Samaritans provides.
“The app is a particularly useful addition to the face to face help we can provide when people are ready to make some changes,” Mr. Penney said.
The free app is available from Gambling Help at www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au.
Samaritans provides a free Gambling Help service in Cessnock, Maitland and Singleton.
Visit www.samaritans.org.au/ gambling for more information.
