Where to get help
Free and confidential support exists, and reaching out is a real first step. Here is where to find it, and how to start the conversation.
Find help in your country
Start with a directory
Find a Helpline
findahelpline.com
A directory of helplines by country and topic, covering mental health and crisis support.
Gamblers Anonymous: find a meeting
gamblersanonymous.org
Use the Gamblers Anonymous website to find a meeting near you or online.
Support for gambling problems
Organisations that can help
Gamblers Anonymous
gamblersanonymous.org
A fellowship of people who share experience and support each other. Meetings in many countries; the website helps you find one.
Gambling Therapy
gamblingtherapy.org
Free, text-based online support for people anywhere in the world: live chat, forums and self-help tools. Help is offered in more than 200 languages through native-speaking advisers and translation tools; check the site for current hours.
GamCare
gamcare.org.uk
UK charity offering a 24/7 helpline, live chat, WhatsApp, an online peer community and self-help tools. Its guides are useful even if you live elsewhere.
GambleAware
gambleaware.org
UK information and advice, including a self-assessment and guidance on getting support. Formerly known as BeGambleAware.
Gambling Help Online
gamblinghelponline.org.au
Australia's free national online gambling counselling service, with live chat, email and self-assessment tools.
Joueurs Info Service
joueurs-info-service.fr
France's national remote help service for people affected by gambling and their families, with phone, chat and forums. In French.
For families and friends
If you are worried about someone else
Gam-Anon
gam-anon.org
A fellowship for family members and friends of people with a gambling problem, with meetings in many countries.
GamCare
gamcare.org.uk
Its helpline and live chat are open to family and friends as well as to people who gamble.
Our guide for families and friends covers how to raise it without a fight.
Tools
Block gambling on your devices
BetBlocker
betblocker.org
A free app that blocks gambling websites and apps on your devices.
Gamban
gamban.com
Blocking software for phones, tablets and computers that stops access to gambling sites and apps.
These tools block websites and apps on your own devices. They do not stop cash paid to an agent, so for that you need a person: someone you trust who knows your limit and holds your spare cash.
Starting the conversation
What to say, and what to expect
To a friend or family member
"I need to tell you something and I am not looking for a lecture. Betting has been getting out of hand, and I would like your help sticking to a limit."
To a doctor or counsellor
"I am worried about how much I bet. It is affecting my money and my mood, and I would like to talk about options."
To a support line
"I am not sure if I have a problem, but I want to talk it through." You do not need to be sure first, and you do not need a crisis.
What usually happens
Most services are free and confidential. They listen, ask about your situation, and help you choose a next step. You stay in control of what you share.