St David's Care Gambling and Financial counselling experiences influx of people seeking help

That's the trend worrying St David's Care Gambling and Financial counselling team leader Kaily Goodsell, who said one man had spent $8000 in a single night through a betting apps and didn't realise what he'd lost until it was all gone.

"[Apps] means that gambling venues are accessible 24 hours a day and because money is not changing hands... you can spend so much more without realising what you are doing," she said.

"People don't realise what harm is being done until they receive a [bank] statement, at the time, it doesn't seem real."

Mrs Goodsell said more people were seeking help to deal with problem gambling, with young people particularly affected by betting apps.

Last financial year St David's helped 317 clients over 1290 counselling session.

Already this financial year, 479 people have sought help over 2103 sessions.

And the year isn't over.

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Mrs Goodsell said the service helps people financially by negotiating payment plans on their behalf or helping to assess and plan their finances - as well as emotionally.

She said problem gambling doesn't just hurt people economically, but can have negative employment, psychological and physical consequences.

"You see people contemplating self-harm or suicide because of what's happening and when it's not addressed it snowballs out and becomes a problem that seems unmanageable," she said.

"There is a ripple effect as well on people close to the person.

"It really can destroy lives."

Ms Goodsell said there needs to be more awareness and education about the risk of gambling.

She said St David's is not anti-gambling but supports harm minimisation.

"For 18 to 24 years olds... it's so enticing and seen as quick money," she said of sports bets.

"It is seen as a normal pastime for Australians... and when you don't have a problem with gambling it's difficult to understand how people can."

Mrs Goodsell said she is often asked why her clients don't just stop gambling, but said for those with a gambling problem it is just not that easy. She said problem gambling was often symptomatic of a bigger issue.

Mrs Goodsell said the accessibility of payday loans could exacerbate gambling and financial problems, but help was always available.

She said St David's offered both face-to-face and over-the-phone services.

If you or someone you know needs help contact St David's on 02 6021 7099 or Gambling Help (24 hours) on 1800 858 858.