Where to get help for gambling problems in the UK

If you’re in crisis

If you’re thinking about harming yourself, call Samaritans free on 116 123, at any time. In an emergency, call 999.

The National Gambling Helpline

The helpline offers free information, support and counselling, and can point you to local treatment. In Northern Ireland, the government’s nidirect site lists the same number alongside local services such as Dunlewey Addiction Services (08000 886 725).

Blocking yourself from gambling: GAMSTOP

GAMSTOP is the free national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling:

• What it blocks: every online gambling company licensed in Great Britain. Since March 31, 2020, all of them must take part.
• How long: 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or 5 years with automatic renewal.
• Can you stop it early? No: you can’t cancel during the period you chose, and the block stays in place afterwards until you contact GAMSTOP to remove it.
• Who can use it: anyone living in the UK, including Northern Ireland.

When you self-exclude, licensed operators must close your accounts and return your money, and take you off their marketing lists within two days. GAMSTOP doesn’t reach sites without a British licence, which are illegal for people in Great Britain anyway.

Treatment

In England, you can refer yourself to a specialist NHS gambling clinic, or ask your GP. The NHS lists the National Problem Gambling Clinic and regional services in the north, south, Midlands, east and south-west of England. Since April 2025, operators pay a statutory levy, and half of it funds treatment and support through NHS England and the Scottish and Welsh governments.

Gamblers Anonymous runs peer support groups, and GamFam supports families.

Tools every licensed site must give you

• Deposit limits: you’re prompted to set one when you sign up, and lowering a limit takes effect straight away.
• Time-outs and self-exclusion at each operator, on top of GAMSTOP.
• Spend and time information: online slots and casino games show your net spend and time played.
• Financial vulnerability checks once your deposits minus withdrawals pass £150 in 30 days.

Warning signs

Consider getting help if you:

• chase losses or bet money meant for bills;
• feel restless or irritable when you try to cut down;
• hide your gambling from people close to you;
• borrow money or sell things to keep gambling.

Helping someone else

You can call the National Gambling Helpline about someone else’s gambling too. GamFam and Gamblers Anonymous’s family groups support partners and relatives.