Need Help With Gambling Problems?
If you're struggling with gambling problems, you're not alone. Free, confidential help is available 24/7.
Gambling addiction is a serious condition that affects thousands of people across the United Kingdom. Recognizing you have a problem is the first step toward recovery. Professional assistance is readily accessible, and you don't have to face this challenge alone.
Immediate Support Services
📞 National Gambling Helpline
0808 8020 133
Free, confidential helpline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Trained counselors provide immediate support, guidance, and referrals to local services.
Website: begambleaware.org
ℹ️ GamCare Support
0808 8020 133
GamCare offers free information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling problems. They provide online chat, forums, and group meetings in addition to phone support.
Website: gamcare.org.uk
💬 Gordon Moody Association
01384 241 292
Specialized residential treatment for problem gamblers. Provides comprehensive recovery programs including accommodation and counseling.
Website: gordonmoody.org.uk
⚠️ Samaritans (Emotional Support)
116 123
Free 24/7 emotional support for anyone experiencing feelings of distress or despair. While not gambling-specific, Samaritans provide a listening ear during difficult times.
Website: samaritans.org
🚫 Self-Exclusion Tools
Self-exclusion enables you to voluntarily block your access to gambling websites and betting shops. These protective measures help you regain control.
GAMSTOP - National Self-Exclusion Scheme
GAMSTOP is a free service that allows you to put barriers in place to restrict your online gambling across all UK licensed sites.
- Block yourself from all UKGC licensed gambling websites
- Choose exclusion periods: 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years
- Prevents promotional marketing materials
- Cannot be reversed once applied
Register at: gamstop.co.uk
Individual Casino Self-Exclusion
All UKGC licensed casinos must provide self-exclusion options directly through their platform. Contact customer support or visit the responsible gambling section of any casino website to self-exclude from that specific operator.
GAMBAN Software Blocking
GAMBAN is software that blocks access to gambling websites and apps across all your devices including computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Learn more at: gamban.com
⚠️ Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
It's crucial to recognize when gambling stops being entertainment and becomes a problem. Answer these questions honestly:
- Do you spend more money gambling than you originally intended?
- Have you borrowed money or sold possessions to fund gambling?
- Do you feel guilty, anxious, or depressed about your gambling?
- Have you lied to friends or family about the extent of your gambling?
- Do you gamble to escape problems or feelings of depression?
- Have you tried unsuccessfully to cut down or stop gambling?
- Do you gamble until all your money is gone?
- Has gambling caused problems in your relationships or work?
- Do you feel restless or irritable when trying to reduce gambling?
- Have you committed illegal acts to finance gambling?
If you answered "yes" to three or more of these questions, it's time to seek professional help.
👨👩👧👦 Support for Family and Friends
Gambling addiction doesn't only affect the person gambling—it impacts entire families. If someone you care about has a gambling problem, support is available for you too.
GamAnon
GamAnon provides support for family and friends of problem gamblers through regular meetings and peer support groups.
Find a meeting: gamanon.org.uk
GamCare Family Support
Specialized counseling and support services for those affected by someone else's gambling.
💡 Steps Toward Recovery
Recovery from gambling addiction is possible. These practical steps can help you begin your journey:
- Acknowledge the problem: Admitting you have an issue is the most important first step.
- Reach out for help: Contact one of the support services listed above. Professional guidance significantly improves recovery outcomes.
- Self-exclude immediately: Register with GAMSTOP and self-exclude from all gambling sites you've used.
- Remove gambling triggers: Delete gambling apps, unsubscribe from promotional emails, and avoid gambling environments.
- Manage your finances: Consider giving someone you trust control of your finances temporarily. Many banks offer gambling blocking services.
- Fill the void: Gambling often fills time. Replace it with positive activities like exercise, hobbies, or social activities.
- Join support groups: Gamblers Anonymous provides peer support from others in recovery.
- Address underlying issues: Many people gamble to cope with stress, depression, or anxiety. Professional counseling can help address these root causes.
- Be patient with yourself: Recovery isn't linear. Setbacks may occur, but they don't mean failure. Keep moving forward.
- Celebrate progress: Acknowledge milestones, no matter how small. Every day without gambling is an achievement.
💰 Financial Advice and Debt Help
Gambling problems often lead to financial difficulties. Free, confidential debt advice is available from these organizations:
National Debtline
0808 808 4000
Free debt advice service providing practical help with debt problems.
Website: nationaldebtline.org
StepChange Debt Charity
0800 138 1111
Free debt advice and practical solutions for people dealing with financial difficulties.
Website: stepchange.org
Citizens Advice
Provides free, confidential advice on dealing with debt, legal rights, and benefits.
Website: citizensadvice.org.uk
📚 Additional Resources
Gamblers Anonymous UK
Peer support group following a 12-step recovery program.
gamblersanonymous.org.ukNHS Problem Gambling Clinic
Specialized NHS treatment service for problem gamblers.
cnwl.nhs.uk/gambling-clinicYGAM (Young Gamblers Education Trust)
Focuses on education and support for young people affected by gambling harms.
ygam.orgUK Gambling Commission
Report concerns about licensed gambling operators or find licensing information.
gamblingcommission.gov.uk