Gambling harm and support

Recognise harm early

Gambling means risking money or something valuable on an uncertain result. Warning signs include missing bills, borrowing to gamble, hiding gambling or feeling anxious about it. Chasing losses means gambling again to try to win back money already lost. This can lead to further losses. Gambling is not a reliable way to earn money or solve debt. You can ask for help before things become a crisis.

Treatment should fit you

You deserve respectful support without blame. Assessment should consider your health, circumstances and what matters to you. NICE recommends cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, for gambling that causes harm. It helps people work on thoughts and actions connected to gambling. Individual therapy is an option when a group is unsuitable or unwanted. Ask for plain language, pictures, extra time or support with communication.

Find gambling support

GamCare runs the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, free, 24 hours every day. It offers confidential support, including for family and friends, and has online chat. Ask staff to explain confidentiality and when information may need to be shared. In England, you can contact an NHS gambling clinic yourself or ask a GP about local services. Each service assesses needs and has its own referral arrangements; check which covers your area.

Choose barriers that help

Self-exclusion means asking gambling businesses to stop you using their services. GAMSTOP Online is a free scheme covering online gambling businesses licensed in Great Britain. Do not assume it blocks every gambling website. It does not cover gambling in person; separate schemes cover places such as betting shops. Read the terms before registering: you cannot cancel during your chosen exclusion period. Blocking software and bank gambling blocks can add protection. Ask what each tool covers and what it cannot block.

Get help with money and debt

Ask your bank about optional gambling payment blocks and other support. Features vary between banks. Plan for food, housing and important bills, with help if you want it. StepChange provides free, impartial debt advice and can discuss options for your circumstances. MoneyHelper also explains gambling and debt support. You do not need to win money back before seeking advice. Avoid borrowing more money to gamble.

Make a support plan

Notice situations that make gambling harder to resist, such as advertising or difficult feelings. Agree useful alternatives and someone to contact. A treatment team can help you prepare for urges and review what works. If gambling starts again after stopping, ask for help promptly. This does not mean you have failed. Support can be reviewed and continued.

Respect choices and protect against abuse

A learning disability, gambling or an unwise choice does not by itself show that someone cannot make a decision. Explain options accessibly and support the person to decide. Supporters must not take over money simply because they disagree with spending. Any arrangement to manage someone’s money needs their valid agreement or appropriate legal authority. If capacity is in doubt, it must be considered for the particular decision at that time. Family and friends can seek their own support too.

Get urgent help when needed

Gambling harm can lead to severe distress. Tell someone if you feel unsafe or have thoughts of harming yourself. For urgent mental health help, ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 111 and select the mental health option. Call 999 or go to A&E if life is at risk or you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe. Do not wait for a gambling service appointment in an emergency.

Gambling can cause harm

Trying to win money back

You deserve support

Treatment can help

Choose tools that help

Help with money

Your choices matter

Plan your support

Urgent help

What you can do next

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