The service, an activity of Lifeline Central Est Inc., began operation in Bathurst in December 1997 and in May, 1998, extended its operation with an office in Dubbo.

The Service is highlighting its presence in the region during Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, which began on Monday .

Service co-ordinator Kevin Howard said 91 per cent of clients were problem gamblers and, of the problem gamblers seen, 92 per cent had presented with problems with poker machines.

“Our statistics show that the breakdown is almost 50:50 male and female,” he said.

“Throughout NSW, problem gambling counselling services are seeing similar trends, with poker machines creating the majority of problem gambling situations.

“We are a specialist service dealing in gambling and associated financial issues and we are available to gamblers and/or their families who are affected by their gambling.”

A 1999 Federal inquiry showed that, on average, a problem gambler loses $12,000 per year, while other gamblers lose, on average, $625 per year.

“During this Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, we are urging all gamblers to take time out, think about your gambling during the week, perhaps take a break and stay in control,” Mr Howard said.

“If gambling is, or is becoming, a problem, contact someone to talk about it.”

Contact G-Line 1800 633 635; Central West Gambling Counselling Service – Bathurst 6332 3456; Dubbo 6885 4596. The service is free and confidential.