Responsible gambling support and where to get help in the UK
If gambling has stopped being fun, or if you are worried about someone else, free confidential help is available across the United Kingdom. This page lists the services we trust and use as primary sources throughout the site, so you do not have to search the rest of the internet for them. None of the organisations below charges for support, and none of them needs to know which operator you have played with.
Call the National Gambling Helpline first
The fastest way to talk to someone is the National Gambling Helpline operated by GamCare. The line is freephone, confidential and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. Trained advisers can talk through options, refer you to local treatment and help you make an immediate safety plan. Call 0808 8020 133. Live chat and WhatsApp options are available at gamcare.org.uk. Calls are free from UK landlines and mobiles and do not appear on itemised bills.
Register with GamStop to self-exclude
GamStop is the national online self-exclusion scheme run by The National Online Self-Exclusion Scheme Limited (NOSES) and connected to every operator licensed by the UK Gambling Commission since 31 March 2020 under LCCP Social Responsibility Code 3.5.5. Registration is free at gamstop.co.uk and lets you choose an exclusion period of 6 months, 1 year or 5 years (with an auto-renewal option for the 5-year period since December 2024). GamStop covers UK-licensed sites and apps; it does not cover offshore operators, which is why we recommend pairing it with Gamban below.
For the steps to end a self-exclusion the legitimate way after the chosen period expires, see end your GamStop self-exclusion legitimately.
Add device-level and bank-level blocks
To cover sites that sit outside GamStop, the TalkBanStop programme bundles three tools: the National Gambling Helpline, GamStop registration and a free licence for Gamban, device-level blocking software that works across browsers and apps regardless of the operator’s licence. The programme is funded by the UK Gambling Commission and delivered jointly by GamCare, GamStop and Gamban. Alongside this, most UK banks – including Monzo, Starling, Lloyds, NatWest, HSBC and Halifax – offer an in-app gambling block by merchant category code with a 24-48 hour cool-down. The combined picture is covered in detail at TalkBanStop, Gamban and bank-level gambling blocks.
Access clinical treatment through the NHS
The NHS National Gambling Treatment Service runs specialist clinics across England, Scotland and Wales offering free assessment, cognitive behavioural therapy and family support. You can self-refer or be referred via the GamCare helpline. Information and a clinic locator are at nhs.uk. There is no waiting list at point of referral for the gambling clinics in most regions, although capacity varies.
Find peer support and treatment directories
GambleAware at gambleaware.org funds research, education and a national directory of treatment services. Gamblers Anonymous holds free local meetings across the UK and welcomes new members at any meeting. For those affected by someone else’s gambling, Gam-Anon runs a parallel programme for family members. The GamCare forum and live chat at gamcare.org.uk offer moderated peer support online if you do not feel ready to phone.
Help someone else who is affected
The National Gambling Helpline, GamCare’s Live Chat and the NHS treatment service are all open to people calling on behalf of a family member or friend. You do not need to bring the gambler with you to ask for advice. Practical first steps that often help: separate finances where possible, install Gamban on shared devices, ask the bank to apply a gambling block, and avoid lending money. The helpline can talk you through these steps without judgement.
Recognise the warning signs
The recognised indicators include gambling for longer or with more money than planned, chasing losses, hiding gambling from family, borrowing money to gamble, feeling restless or irritable when not gambling, and persistent low mood or anxiety connected to gambling. None of these on its own is a diagnosis – they are reasons to call the helpline and talk to someone trained to assess what is going on. The line is on 0808 8020 133.