Gambling helpline to close in October

A problem gambling counselling service will close later this year due to lack of funding.

Gambling Helpline today announced its services will cease at the end of October after unsuccessful contract negotiations with the Ministry of Health.

Gambling Helpline chief executive Krista Ferguson said the contract offered by the ministry was too "onerous".

"We've considered all available alternatives, including pursuing other funding avenues, but services such as ours all around the world are reliant on public funding," she said.

Ms Ferguson said the organisation would contact existing clients to "work through what this means".

- NZPA