Responsible gambling: free, confidential help in the UK

Two chairs and a telephone in a warm room — free, confidential help

If gambling is causing you or someone close to you harm, help is free, confidential and available today. You do not need to have "hit rock bottom" to use any of these services.

Talk to someone now

National Gambling Helpline — 0808 8020 133. Free to call from UK landlines and mobiles, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Run by GamCare, which also offers live chat at gamcare.org.uk.
GambleAware — gambleaware.org. Information, self-assessment tools and a route into free treatment across England, Scotland and Wales. The GambleAware website and prevention programme transferred to the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities as part of the new statutory system in 2025–26; the site continues to work as the "front door" to support.

Block yourself from gambling sites

GAMSTOP — gamstop.co.uk. Free self-exclusion from all online gambling sites and apps licensed in Great Britain. You choose a period from six months up to five years. The exclusion stays in place after that period ends unless you ask for it to be removed, and it cannot be cancelled during the period you chose. Since 31 March 2020 every online operator licensed by the Gambling Commission has been required to take part.
Blocking software such as Gamban can be installed on phones and computers, and many UK banks let you switch off gambling transactions on your card in the app.

Warning signs worth taking seriously

Spending more time or money than you planned, more than once.
Chasing losses — betting again to win back what has gone.
Hiding gambling from people close to you.
Borrowing, or using money set aside for bills, to gamble.
Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut down.

If two or more of these sound familiar, call the helpline. The call is free and nobody will tell you what to do.

For family and friends

GamCare's helpline and chat are open to people affected by someone else's gambling, not only to the person gambling. You do not have to name them.

18+. This site does not operate gambling services and does not carry affiliate links. Last reviewed: 21 September 2026.