Responsible Gambling & UK Support Resources
Everyone who writes about gambling has a responsible-gambling page. Ours lists the specific UK organisations that provide genuine free help and how to reach them, without spin.
If you need help now
The National Gambling Helpline is free, confidential, and open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week: 0808 8020 133. Live chat is available at gamcare.org.uk. You do not need a referral, an assessment, or a specific reason to call. The people who answer are trained to help.
Free UK support services
GamCare
The largest UK provider of free treatment, advice, and support for people affected by problem gambling. GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133), runs group therapy and one-to-one counselling programmes, offers structured online CBT, and administers the free Gamban licence scheme. Support is available for gamblers themselves and for anyone affected — partners, parents, children, employers. gamcare.org.uk
NHS Gambling Harms Clinics
The NHS operates specialist gambling clinics in London (National Problem Gambling Clinic and NHS Northern Gambling Service), Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Southampton, Stoke, and elsewhere, with the network expanding. Treatment is free at the point of use. Self-referral is available; no GP referral required. Contact via the NHS gambling service finder.
GordonMoody
Provides free residential treatment for men and women with the most severe gambling addictions, plus non-residential Retreat & Counselling programmes. Fully funded through GambleAware. gordonmoody.org.uk
Gamblers Anonymous UK
Peer-led fellowship running in-person meetings across the UK and online meetings for those unable to attend physically. Free, anonymous, no fees or dues. gamblersanonymous.org.uk
GamAnon
Peer support specifically for family members and close friends of problem gamblers. Meets in-person and online. gamanon.org.uk
BeGambleAware
Independent charity that commissions gambling harms research, education, and treatment. Publishes accessible information on how gambling affects mental and physical health, and hosts referral routes to treatment. begambleaware.org
Blocking tools
- GAMSTOP — national self-exclusion register for UKGC-licensed operators. Free. See our GamStop explainer.
- Gamban — device-level blocking, free through GamCare and NHS clinics.
- BetBlocker — free non-profit device-level blocker.
- Bank gambling blocks — enable MCC 7995 blocks in your mobile banking app. See our exclusion tools guide for setup.
Screening tools
The two most widely used self-screening instruments are freely accessible online:
- PGSI (Problem Gambling Severity Index) — nine-question screener, five-minute completion. Available through the GamCare website.
- DSM-5 Gambling Disorder criteria — the diagnostic criteria used in clinical assessment. Self-screening version available through the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Self-screening is not diagnosis. If a screener indicates concern, follow up with a helpline call or a healthcare professional.
Support for people affected by someone else's gambling
Gambling harm rarely affects only the gambler. Partners, children, parents, and close friends often carry substantial emotional and financial impact. GamCare's helpline supports affected others as well as gamblers themselves. GamAnon (linked above) is specifically for family and close friends. Financial support and debt counselling for those affected by gambling debts is available free from StepChange and National Debtline.
18+ notice
All commercial gambling in the UK is restricted to those aged 18 and over (with the exception of certain low-value amusement categories). This site is intended for adult UK residents researching the gambling market and its regulatory framework. Gambling can be harmful. Please gamble responsibly, if at all.