If you are struggling now. The National Gambling Helpline is 0808 8020 133. It is free, confidential and open 24 hours. There is nothing you can tell them they have not heard before, and calling costs nothing. If speaking on the phone feels too much, GamCare live chat is open the same hours.
Free UK support services
- GamCare — 0808 8020 133 helpline, live chat, group and one-to-one support across the UK.
- GambleAware — information, self-assessment, and the National Gambling Support Network.
- NHS Gambling Clinics — specialist NHS clinics accepting self-referrals across most of England.
- Gordon Moody — residential and online treatment programmes, free at the point of use.
- Gamblers Anonymous — twelve-step peer-support meetings across the UK, in person and online.
- Gam-Anon — support for family and friends of people affected by gambling.
- Samaritans — 116 123, free from any phone, 24/7. Not gambling-specific but always available if things feel unmanageable.
Practical tools
- GamStop — free UK-wide self-exclusion from all UKGC-licensed online gambling.
- Gamban — device-level blocking software covering more than 47,000 gambling sites, including offshore. Free through GambleAware for eligible users.
- BetBlocker — free UK charity providing device-level blocking software.
- Bank gambling blocks — every major UK bank now offers a customer-toggleable gambling block in its app. See our safer gambling alternatives chapter for the full list.
Signs to take seriously
Problem gambling develops gradually. Common signs, in yourself or someone close to you: spending more than intended more often; chasing losses; borrowing to gamble or to hide the consequences; lying about it; irritability or low mood when unable to gamble; skipping work, sleep or family commitments because of it; and the feeling that gambling is the only route to solve a financial or emotional problem. Any of these is a reason to talk to one of the services above.
Our editorial position
This site publishes reference material on the offshore casino market. That does not mean we are neutral on harm. If any content on this site was useful to you in reducing your gambling — or in helping someone you care about reduce theirs — we consider that a good outcome, and probably the best use of the material.