Where should you or someone you know go, if there’s a problem?
First of all, it might seem like a big deal to admit that there’s a problem – and it is. Problem gambling can destroy lives. But people admit they have a problem every day, and nobody thinks any less of them. In fact, it’s a sign of greater strength to admit there’s a problem, and even greater again to seek out help.
Below is a list of organisations who deal with people who have gambling problems every day. They’re the best people to contact first.
SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS
BeGambleAware
https://www.begambleaware.org/
BeGambleAware provide information, advice and direct people to support to help keep people safe from gambling harms.
You can find out more about the National Gambling Treatment Service, a network of organisations working together to provide confidential treatment and support for anyone experiencing gambling-related harms, free to access across England, Scotland and Wales.
BeGambleAware also offer information on how to limit exposure to gambling advertising across social media platforms.
Gordon Moody
Gordon Moody are a charity dedicated to helping people reclaim and rebuild their lives free from Gambling addiction through recovery in a safe supported environment.
Their services include a global Gambling Therapy service, providing free practical advice and emotional support in multiple languages to anyone affected by gambling.
For more information on the additional tools and services Gordon Moody provide for UK based residents, please visit www.gamblingtherapy.org
Gamblers Anonymous
https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/
Gamblers Anonymous is a support group for people who wish to do something about their gambling problem and help others do the same through attending meetings.
Samaritans
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. Whoever you are and whatever you’re facing, they won’t judge you or tell you what to do. They’re here to listen so you don’t have to face it alone.
GamCare
GamCare provide advice, support and free counselling for problem gambling. Its services and tools include:
- GamCare operate the National Gambling Helpline and offer confidential information, advice and support for anyone harmed by gambling in Great Britain. The Helpline is open 24 hours every day on Freephone 0808 8020 133 or via Live Chat. Advisers will listen to you, they won’t judge and your conversation is confidential.
- GamCare offer a moderated online forum and daily online group chatrooms to enable those affected by gambling harms to connect with others in similar situations, share their experience and support one another.
- A simple self-assessment tool which allows you to consider your gambling behaviour.
- A list of financial services organisations in the UK that currently offer gambling blocks on debit cards.
BLOCKING GAMBLING SITES
Gamban
If you are looking to take a break from gambling online, consider installing Gamban. Gamban is a software product that blocks all types of online gambling sites and apps on all personal devices. Gamban is easy to use and provides an effective barrier to online gambling. Gamban can be simply installed on Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices.
DIBZ, through our parent company Flutter, are offering a free 6 month subscription to download this on an unlimited number of devices. To avail of this free software visit the website here.
Gamstop
Gamstop lets you put controls in place to restrict your online gambling activities.
It’s a free service that enables you to self exclude from gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in Great Britain, for a period of your choosing.
You can find information on other multi-operator self-exclusion schemes here.
DEBT AND FINANCIAL ADVICE
Often gambling can lead to problems with unpaid loans or credit card debt, which can mean there’s an urge to gamble to fund these. Do not do this.
There are organisations that can help with making a plan to address your debt. It’s never as bad as you think it is, so these organisations really can help.
National Debtline
National Debtline offers free, confidential, and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems. Phone 0808 808 4000
Money Advice Service
The Money Advice Service helps people manage their money. They do this directly through their free and impartial advice service. They also work in partnership with other organisations to help people make the most of their money. They are an independent service, setup by the government.
