Gambling problems can affect anyone, and help works. Support is free, confidential and available at any time of day.
Key points
- Warning signs include chasing losses, gambling more than you can afford and hiding gambling from others.
- The National Gambling Helpline, 0808 8020 133, is free and open 24 hours a day.
- The National Gambling Support Network and NHS gambling clinics offer free treatment.
- Free debt advice is available if gambling has led to money problems.
- Support is also available for family and friends affected by someone’s gambling.
Gambling harm can affect anyone, and it often develops gradually. If gambling is affecting your money, relationships, work or wellbeing, free and confidential help is available.
Warning signs
- Chasing losses: gambling more to win back money you’ve lost.
- Spending more than you can afford, or more than you planned, regularly.
- Borrowing money or using money meant for bills to gamble.
- Hiding gambling from family or friends.
- Feeling anxious, low or irritable about gambling, or when trying to cut down.
- Thinking about gambling much of the time.
Free, confidential help
- National Gambling Helpline: call free on 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day. The helpline is run by GamCare, which also offers online chat.
- National Gambling Support Network: free treatment and support across Great Britain, from brief advice to longer-term counselling.
- NHS gambling clinics: specialist treatment for people with more severe problems.
- Gamblers Anonymous: peer support meetings, in person and online.
Note
If you’re in immediate danger or feel unable to keep yourself safe, call 999. You can also call Samaritans free on 116 123, at any time.
If gambling has caused money problems
Free, independent debt advice is available from organisations such as StepChange and National Debtline. They can help you deal with creditors and plan a way forward. Avoid paid debt services that charge high fees.
Practical steps today
- Block access: use GAMSTOP, bank gambling blocks and blocking software; see our self-exclusion guide.
- Hand over control of finances to someone you trust for a while, if that helps.
- Talk to someone, whether a friend, your GP or a helpline.
Help for family and friends
Gambling harm affects the people around the gambler too. Support services, including the National Gambling Helpline, offer help for family members, and GamAnon runs support groups for those affected by someone else’s gambling.
Taking the first step is often the hardest part. For tools to stay in control in future, see our guide to setting limits.
Questions answered
Do I have to be in crisis to call the helpline?
No. You can call if you’re worried about your own gambling or someone else’s, whatever the situation.
Is support confidential?
Yes. Helplines and treatment services are confidential, and you don’t have to give your full name to talk to someone.
Can I get help if I’ve already self-excluded?
Yes. Self-exclusion and support work well together, and services can help you stick with your decision.
What if I’m worried about someone else?
Support services help family members and friends too. Talk to them about how to raise the subject and how to look after yourself.
18+ only. This guide is general information for adults in Great Britain, not encouragement to gamble. Gambling involves risk; only gamble with money you can afford to lose. For free, confidential support, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day.