Responsible Gambling
Get help, support, and information about gambling responsibly
Need Immediate Help?
If you or someone you know is in crisis due to gambling problems:
Samaritans - Free, 24/7 Support
Understanding Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction, also known as problem gambling or gambling disorder, is a serious condition that affects millions of people. It's characterized by an inability to control gambling behavior despite negative consequences.
Signs of Problem Gambling
Recognizing the signs early is crucial for getting help. Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.
Warning Signs - Do Any of These Apply to You?
- Spending more money or time gambling than you can afford
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable when not gambling
- Lying to family or friends about your gambling activities
- Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Trying unsuccessfully to cut down or stop gambling
- Chasing losses with bigger bets
- Neglecting work, family, or other responsibilities to gamble
- Feeling guilty or ashamed about your gambling
- Having thoughts of suicide related to gambling losses
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, it may be time to seek help.
The Impact of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling doesn't just affect the individual - it impacts families, relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life. Financial problems, legal issues, and mental health concerns are common consequences.
Getting Help
Recovery from gambling addiction is possible with the right support and treatment. Many people have successfully overcome gambling problems and rebuilt their lives.
National Gambling Helpline
Free, confidential advice and support
Available 24/7
Immediate Support
If you need someone to talk to right now, these services offer immediate support and crisis intervention.
National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
Samaritans: 116 123
Text Support: Text HELP to 80881
Professional Treatment
Professional treatment services offer counseling, therapy, and specialized programs for gambling addiction.
NHS Gambling Clinics: Contact your GP for referral
Private Counseling: Available through GamCare
Residential Treatment: For severe cases
Family Support
Gambling problems affect the whole family. Support is available for partners, children, and other family members.
GamAnon: Support groups for families
Family Counseling: Available through GamCare
Online Support: Forums and chat services
Self-Help Tools
There are many tools and resources available to help you take control of your gambling and make positive changes.
GAMSTOP: Self-exclusion from all UK online gambling
Deposit Limits: Set limits with individual operators
Time Limits: Control how long you can gamble
Responsible Gambling Tools
These tools can help you maintain control over your gambling and gamble more responsibly.
Self-Exclusion
Exclude yourself from gambling sites for a set period or permanently. GAMSTOP covers all UK licensed operators.
Deposit Limits
Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit with gambling operators.
Time Limits
Control how long you can spend gambling in a single session or over a period of time.
Reality Checks
Regular reminders about how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent.
Loss Limits
Set limits on how much you can lose in a single session or over a specific time period.
Cool-Off Periods
Take a break from gambling for 24 hours, a week, or longer when you need time to think.
Additional Resources
Financial Support
If gambling has caused financial problems, these organizations can help:
- Citizens Advice: Free debt advice and support
- StepChange: Free debt advice charity
- National Debtline: 0808 808 4000
- Money Advice Service: Free and impartial money advice
Mental Health Support
Gambling problems often occur alongside mental health issues:
- Mind: Mental health support and information
- CALM: Campaign Against Living Miserably - 0800 58 58 58
- NHS 111: For urgent mental health support
- Your GP: Can refer you to local mental health services
Legal Support
If gambling has led to legal problems:
- Citizens Advice: Free legal advice
- Law Centres: Free legal help in local communities
- Legal Aid: May be available for serious cases
Workplace Support
Many employers offer support for gambling problems:
- Employee Assistance Programs: Confidential counseling
- HR Departments: Can provide information about support
- Trade Unions: May offer advice and support
- ACAS: Workplace advice and support
Support for Families and Friends
Gambling problems don't just affect the individual - they impact everyone close to them. If someone you care about has a gambling problem, support is available for you too.
Signs a Loved One May Have a Gambling Problem
- Secretive behavior about money and activities
- Unexplained financial problems or missing money
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Neglecting work, family, or social responsibilities
- Lying about where they've been or what they've been doing
- Borrowing money frequently or asking for financial help
How to Help
- Listen without judgment: Let them know you care and are there to help
- Encourage professional help: Suggest they contact support services
- Set boundaries: Don't enable their gambling by lending money
- Take care of yourself: Get support for your own wellbeing
- Learn about the problem: Understanding gambling addiction helps
Support for Families
- GamAnon: Support groups for families and friends
- GamCare: Counseling and support for affected families
- Al-Anon: Support for families affected by addiction
- Relate: Relationship counseling and support
Gambling Safely
If you choose to gamble, here are some guidelines to help you do so safely and responsibly:
Set Limits Before You Start
- Money limits: Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
- Time limits: Set a specific time limit and stick to it
- Loss limits: Decide beforehand how much you're willing to lose
- Never chase losses: Accept losses as the cost of entertainment
Healthy Gambling Habits
- Treat gambling as entertainment, not as a way to make money
- Never gamble when you're upset, depressed, or under the influence
- Don't gamble to escape problems or negative emotions
- Take regular breaks and don't gamble for long periods
- Balance gambling with other activities and hobbies
- Never borrow money to gamble
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Spending more time or money than planned
- Thinking about gambling frequently when not playing
- Feeling the need to bet more to get the same excitement
- Getting irritable when trying to cut down on gambling
- Lying to others about gambling activities
Remember: Help is Always Available
If you're struggling with gambling problems, you're not alone. Recovery is possible with the right support. Reach out today - it's the first step towards getting your life back.
National Gambling Helpline
Free, confidential support - 24 hours a day
Get Help & Support
If you're struggling with gambling problems, you're not alone. These organizations provide free, confidential support and resources to help you regain control.
GamCare
Free support, information and advice for anyone affected by gambling problems
GambleAware
Leading charity promoting safer gambling and providing prevention, education and treatment
Gambling Therapy
Global service providing support and advice to anyone affected by gambling problems
GAMSTOP
Free service to help you restrict your online gambling across all UK licensed operators