Gambling should only be treated as a form of entertainment. For some people, gambling can become difficult to control and may begin to affect finances, relationships, work, education, or mental wellbeing. Support is available in the United Kingdom for people who are concerned about their own gambling, as well as for family members, partners, and others affected by someone else’s gambling.
When gambling may be becoming a problem
Warning signs can include spending more time or money than intended, trying to recover losses, borrowing money to gamble, hiding gambling activity, or finding that gambling is affecting sleep, mood, work, or relationships. NHS guidance also advises against viewing gambling as a way to make money and recommends practical steps such as self-exclusion, blocking tools, bank gambling blocks, and debt support where needed.
Immediate support in the UK
National Gambling Helpline
The National Gambling Helpline provides free support for anyone affected by gambling harms in Great Britain. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0808 8020 133. GamCare states that support is available by phone and online, and GambleAware also lists GamCare’s helpline and digital support services.
Link: GamCare / National Gambling Helpline
Phone: 0808 8020 133
GambleAware
GambleAware provides free, confidential information, tools, and support for anyone worried about their own gambling or someone else’s. It also offers guidance for families and friends, and helps users find support services in their area.
Link: GambleAware
NHS support and treatment
The NHS provides information on gambling-related harm and links to treatment clinics and support options. NHS guidance also points people toward practical harm-reduction tools such as self-exclusion, gambling blocking software, bank gambling blocks, and debt support.
Link: NHS gambling support
Treatment and counselling
NHS gambling treatment clinics
NHS services provide specialist treatment for gambling-related harm. NHS information pages direct people to treatment clinics and support groups, and recent NHS reporting states that England now has 15 specialist gambling services.
Link: NHS gambling support and treatment information
Gambling Therapy
Gambling Therapy is a free support service offering practical advice and emotional support to people affected by gambling-related harm. It provides online help and multilingual support.
Link: Gambling Therapy
Self-exclusion and blocking tools
GAMSTOP
GAMSTOP is the UK’s online multi-operator self-exclusion scheme. The Gambling Commission states that gambling businesses must participate in this scheme, and GAMSTOP explains that it can be used to block access to participating online gambling services for selected exclusion periods.
Link: GAMSTOP
Gamban
Gamban is blocking software designed to help prevent access to gambling websites and apps on devices. NHS guidance lists Gamban as one of the practical tools people can use when trying to limit gambling access.
Link: Gamban
Bank gambling blocks
NHS guidance also recommends asking a bank to block gambling transactions where this option is available. This can be an additional practical step alongside self-exclusion and device blocking tools.
Support for family, friends, and affected others
Gam-Anon UK and Ireland
Gam-Anon offers meetings for people affected by someone else’s gambling problem. Its service is intended for family members, partners, and others impacted by a loved one’s gambling.
Link: Gam-Anon UK and Ireland
GamFam
GamFam provides support for families and friends affected by gambling harms, including peer support and structured support programmes. GAMSTOP also signposts users to GamFam for support for affected others.
Link: GamFam
Family and friends guidance
GambleAware also provides information specifically for people affected by another person’s gambling, including practical guidance and support options.
Link: GambleAware – for family and friends
Debt and money support
Gambling-related harm can also create debt and financial pressure. NHS guidance recommends dealing with debts rather than ignoring them and points people to National Debtline for help. GOV.UK also maintains a page signposting free debt advice services.
Link: National Debtline
Link: GOV.UK debt advice
Urgent mental health support
If gambling-related harm is affecting mental health and urgent support is needed, the NHS advises seeking immediate help in a crisis. NHS guidance says people in England can call 111 and select the mental health option, and in an emergency or where there is an immediate risk to life, 999 or A&E should be used.
Samaritans
Samaritans provides emotional support day and night. Its main UK helpline is 116 123.
Link: Samaritans
Phone: 116 123
Additional official information
The U.K. Gambling Commission provides safer gambling information and help-and-support guidance for members of the public, including signposting to the National Gambling Helpline.
Link: U.K. Gambling Commission – Safer Gambling
Important note
This page is provided for general information only. It does not replace professional medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice. Anyone who feels that gambling is becoming harmful, difficult to control, or is causing distress should consider using the support services listed above. In an emergency or where there is an immediate risk to life, call 999.