In this episode of Bets to Better, Markus is joined by Jodie from the Canberra Recovery Service.

Markus and Jodie speak on the co-occurrence of challenges such as gambling, alcohol and other drugs, trauma, and mental health concerns. They reflect on how far the rehabilitation sector has come, as well as expressing ideas on how to continue to improve services.

Both share their lived experience of recovery and their passion for using their experiences to help others. 

For more information on Canberra Recovery Services, you can contact them on 02 6295 1256 or via email at [email protected]. If you are impacted by gambling harm, please contact the National Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.

 If you’re in the ACT and looking for support, visit actgamblingsupport.org.au.


If you are outside the ACT, visit gamblinghelponline.org.au to find support in your local area.

In this episode of Bets to Better, Markus is joined by Annie, one of our Counsellors at the ACT Gambling Support Service and Relationships Australia.  

Markus and Annie got together to talk about those who might not necessarily engage in gambling, but are impacted by gambling harm – friends, families and other loved ones.

Annie announces the launch of a new drop-in support group available in the ACT for this group. They discuss the power of peer support and how coming together with others who share your experience can be beneficial.

For more information on our family & friends drop in support group visit https://actgamblingsupport.org.au/support/family-friends-drop-in-group/.

They also talk about some of the tricky conversations that family and friends may need to navigate with the person engaging in gambling, offering some helpful suggestions on where to start. 

 If you are impacted by gambling harm, please contact the National Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support. If you’re in the ACT and looking for support, visit actgamblingsupport.org.au.

If you are outside the ACT, visit gamblinghelponline.org.au to find support in your local area.

In this episode of Bets to Better, Markus is joined by Kathleen, a Financial Counsellor from Care Financial, one of the ACT Gambling Support Service’s partner providers.  

Markus and Kathleen talk about one of the most evident forms of gambling harm – financial harm. Kathleen speaks on how gambling impacts finances, the role of a financial counsellor and the road to financial recovery. 

Financial counselling is a free service providing support, information and advocacy allowing their clients to make informed decisions regarding their finances. 

If you are experiencing financial harm, you can call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or visit ndh.org.au for a financial counsellor in your local area. 

 If you are impacted by gambling harm, please contact the National Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.

 If you’re in the ACT and looking for support, visit actgamblingsupport.org.au

If you are outside the ACT, visit gamblinghelponline.org.au to find support in your local area.

In this bonus episode of Bets to Better, Markus is joined by Meher, one of the counsellors from the ACT Gambling Support Service.

The holiday season can be a challenging time, particularly for those who may be experiencing gambling harm. The holidays might present increased temptations, pressures and stress. 
 Meher provides some helpful hints and strategies to help you stay on track through the silly season!

If you are impacted by gambling harm, please contact the National Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.  This number is available 24/7 including over the holidays.

If you’re in the ACT and looking for support, visit actgamblingsupport.org.au

If you are outside the ACT, visit gamblinghelponline.org.au to find support in your local area.

In this episode of Bets to Better, Markus is joined by Sue Anne, one of Lifeline Canberra’s corporate trainers.

Markus and Sue Anne talk about the the complexities of mental illness, how gambling fits into the mental health picture and the importance of education.

Sue Anne also speaks about the training offered by Lifeline available for community members and those working in the gambling industry. The training provides individuals with the skills and confidence have difficult conversations with those who may be experiencing gambling harm. To learn more visit Lifeline Canberra's Website.

If you are impacted by gambling harm, please contact the National Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.  If you’re in the ACT and looking for support, visit actgamblingsupport.org.au If you are outside the ACT, visit gamblinghelponline.org.au to find support in your local area.

If you’re in crisis or experiencing emotional distress, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. You can also text on 0477 13 11 14 or chat online at lifeline.org.au

In this episode of Bets to Better, Markus is joined by Dr Aino Suomi, an Associate Professor and the Director of the Australian National University Centre for Gambling Research.

Aino offers some great insights into gambling participation in Australia, the impact of COVID on participation, and the emerging risks presented as online gambling grows. 

Together, Markus and Aino dive into trends across various means of gambling and the harms associated. 

If you are impacted by gambling harm, please contact the National Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.  

If you’re in the ACT and looking for support, visit actgamblingsupport.org.au  

If you are outside the ACT, visit gamblinghelponline.org.au to find support in your local area.  

To read or learn more from Aino’s research visit Aino Suomi — The Australian National University

In this episode, Markus is joined by Taylem, a young local tradie from Canberra. 

Taylem talks about the escalation of his gambling and the harmful impacts it has had on his life.

He shares his journey of recovery, ongoing challenges and how he protects his recovery today.

If you are impacted by gambling harm, please contact the National Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.

If you’re in the ACT and looking for support, visit actgamblingsupport.org.au

If you are outside the ACT, visit gamblinghelponline.org.au to find support in your local area.

Welcome to the pilot!

Hear a brief introduction from our host, Markus Fischer, including what you can expect from each episode.

Markus has worked in the mental health and alcohol and other drug sectors for over seven years, spending the last four years focused on gambling harm minimisation. Markus’ passion stems from his personal lived experience.  

If you are impacted by gambling harm, please contact the National Helpline on 1800 858 858 for free and confidential support.

If you’re in the ACT and looking for support, visit actgamblingsupport.org.au

If you are outside the ACT, visit gamblinghelponline.org.au to find support in your local area.