NSW Minister for Hospitality, Gaming and Racing, Troy Grant, today visited the St Vincent’s Hospital Gambling Treatment Program at Darlinghurst to congratulate its staff on 15 years of operation.

“Today I had the privilege to visit the St Vincent’s Hospital Gambling Treatment Program to meet dedicated staff and hear first-hand about the invaluable work they do to assist those affected by problem gambling and their families,” Mr Grant said.

“The NSW Government is proud to be supporting this excellent service through its Responsible Gambling Fund.

“In April last year, the Government announced contracts worth more than $48 million over four years for 56 high quality counselling and support services across NSW, including the service conducted through the Gambling Treatment Program at St Vincent’s Hospital.

“This year our financial support of the St Vincent’s Hospital Gambling Treatment Program totals $541,000 and further funding is guaranteed through to June 2017.”

Mr Grant said the St Vincent’s Hospital Gambling Treatment Program has helped nearly 2,000 people affected by problem gambling since it first opened.

“Today the program employs five clinical psychologists who apply the latest research to their treatment services and ensure that everything they do is strongly evidence-based,” Mr Grant said.

“I congratulate the program and its staff on 15 years of outstanding service to make a positive difference to many lives – not only those directly affected by problem gambling, but also their families and loved ones.”

The St Vincent’s Hospital Gambling Treatment Program is a free service for problem gamblers and those affected by gambling.