Support resources
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Where to turn for support
National Gambling Helpline
0808 8020 133, free, twenty four hours a day.
GamCare
Confidential counselling, online forums and self help tools.
Gamblers Anonymous
Peer support meetings in person and online across the UK.
GamFam
Support for family and friends of someone affected by gambling.
Worrying about your gambling can feel isolating. The good news is that there are several well established organisations in the UK and Ireland that exist specifically to help people in your situation. The support they offer is free, confidential and delivered by people who understand the problem from the inside. The hardest part is usually the first step, picking up the phone or starting a chat. After that it gets easier.
The National Gambling Helpline is the right place to start if you want to talk to someone right now. The line is open twenty four hours a day, every day of the year, on 0808 8020 133. The call is free from any UK phone, including mobiles. The advisers are trained, they have heard everything before and they will help you think through what to do next. The helpline is run by GamCare and you can also reach it through live chat at gamcare.org.uk.
Counselling and online support
GamCare offers free counselling sessions both in person across the UK and over video call. The counsellors are trained specifically in gambling related issues and the sessions are confidential. GamCare also runs an active online forum where people in similar situations share their experiences, and a structured self help programme called the My GamCare workbook that you can work through at your own pace.
BeGambleAware funds much of the GamCare service and runs its own information hub at begambleaware.org. The hub has a self assessment tool that takes about five minutes to complete and gives you an honest read on whether your gambling is at a problematic level.
Peer support
Gamblers Anonymous runs peer support meetings in person across the UK and online for anyone who cannot reach a local meeting. The meetings follow the twelve step format and are completely free to attend. There is no requirement to speak at your first meeting, you can simply listen. Many people find that hearing other people share their experiences is what makes the difference. The full list of meetings sits at gamblersanonymous.org.uk.
Support for family and friends
If you are worried about a loved one's gambling, GamCare has a dedicated family and friends support service that you can reach on the same helpline number. There is also a charity called GamFam that focuses specifically on the family and friends side, with guidance, support groups and structured help for anyone affected by someone else's gambling. The GamFam website is at gamfam.co.uk.
NHS support
The NHS runs a network of National Gambling Clinics across England that offer free specialist treatment to anyone whose gambling has reached a clinical level. The clinics accept self referrals as well as GP referrals. Information on the clinic network and how to refer yourself is available through the NHS website. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland the equivalent services are run by the local health bodies, and your GP can point you in the right direction.
Who can I call if I am worried about my gambling?
Call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. The line is free from any UK phone, including mobiles, and is open twenty four hours a day, every day of the year. The advisers are trained specifically in gambling related issues and the call is confidential. If you would rather not call, the same service is available through live chat at gamcare.org.uk, which can sometimes feel like an easier first step.
Is gambling counselling free?
Yes. GamCare counselling is free at the point of use and is funded by the gambling industry through BeGambleAware. You can have sessions in person at one of the partner centres across the UK, over video call or by phone. The first session is a short assessment to work out what kind of support is going to be most helpful, and the sessions after that follow a structured programme that is shaped around your situation.
How do I help a friend or family member with a gambling problem?
Start by calling the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. The advisers can talk to you about the conversation you are planning to have with your loved one and help you think it through. GamFam at gamfam.co.uk specifically supports family and friends and runs support groups where you can talk to people who have been through the same thing. The most important thing is to look after yourself as well, the impact of someone else's gambling on the people around them is significant and you deserve support too.
Can the NHS help with gambling problems?
Yes. The NHS runs a network of National Gambling Clinics across England that offer free specialist treatment for people whose gambling has reached a clinical level. The clinics accept self referrals, which means you do not need to see your GP first if you would rather not. The treatment combines counselling with structured support and, where appropriate, work on the wider mental health picture. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland the equivalent services are run locally and your GP can refer you on.