Gambling Addiction – Get Support
Gambling addiction (also known as problem gambling, compulsive gambling and pathological gambling) affects thousands of people and their families. It has a detrimental effect on the sufferer’s mental health, personal relationships and finances.
Recognising the signs is important – both for the individual and those close to them.
Support is available though – in the shape of a number of organisations. Let’s look at some options:
National support organisations
Gordon Moody Association
Offers unique and intensive residential treatment programmes across the United Kingdom for those suffering from serious gambling addiction.
Tel: 01384 241292
Email: [email protected]
GambleAware
Free and confidential support for anyone worried about their or someone else’s gambling. Services include 24/7 live chat.
Tel: 0808 8020 133
Email: [email protected]
Gamblers Anonymous
A global organisation, formed in 1957, GA holds weekly meetings in most major towns and cities around the UK for those fighting addiction and problem gambling.
Tel: 0330 094 0322 (National), 07771 427 429 (North-East), 07974 668 999 (North-West) and (028) 7135 1329 (Northern Ireland)
Email: [email protected]
https://gamblersanonymous.org.uk/
Gamcare
Offers 1-to-1, face-to-face, online and telephone therapeutic support and treatment for people experiencing gambling harm. Also supports family and friends impacted by gambling. Online treatment and group-based gambling recovery courses are also offered. Operates in five regions: South East, East Midlands, London, Scotland and Yorkshire Humber.
Tel: 0808 8020 133 / 020 7801 7000
Email: [email protected]
Big Deal
Helps young people, 18-25, to find information and gambling-related support – for themselves or friends or family. Services include 24/7 live chat.
Tel: 0808 8020 133
Gambling Therapy
Global service that provides free, practical advice and emotional support to those affected by gambling.
Email: [email protected]
NHS-operated regional support organisations:
National Gambling Clinic
Free, confidential service supporting people aged 13-18 from anywhere in England experiencing gambling harms and those 18 or over in London and the South East.
Tel: 020 7381 7722
Email: [email protected]
www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/addictions/national-gambling-clinic
Northern Gambling Service
Specialising in providing support and treatment for gambling-related harms. They take a holistic approach which may include addressing mental health issues.
Tel: 0300 300 1490
Email: [email protected]
https://www.northerngamblingservice.nhs.uk/
East Midlands Gambling Harms Service
For those experiencing problematic gambling impacting themselves and/or others. Must be over 18 and registered with a GP in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire or Rutland.
Tel: 0300 013 2330
Email: [email protected]
https://www.eastmidlandsgambling.nhs.uk/
East of England Gambling Service
Free, specialist service providing therapy and support to those experiencing gambling-related harms.
Tel: 01908 724287
Email: [email protected]
https://www.eofegamblingservice.nhs.uk/
Southern Gambling Service
Offers a specialist service providing evidence-based treatment to people with gambling-related harms. Three main treatment pathways are offered: Individual psychotherapy, group psychotherapy and medication for problematic gambling.
Phone: 023 8231 0786
Email: [email protected]
https://hiowhealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-list-of-services/gambling-service
The South West Gambling Service
Free confidential support for those struggling with gambling addiction. Must be registered with a GP in the South West.
Phone: 0300 131 9000
Email: [email protected]
https://www.awp.nhs.uk/our-services/az-services/south-west-gambling-service
West Midlands Gambling Harms Clinic
Delivers specialist psychological therapies, treatment and recovery to individuals harmed by gambling.
Phone: 0300 123 0996
Email: [email protected]
https://www.midlandsgamblingclinic.org/
Other things to consider to address problem gambling
If you don’t feel ready to contact one of the support organisations listed above there are other things you can do to help manage your gambling.
Self-exclusion – if you feel things getting out of control
If you feel your gambling is really getting on top of you it may be time to self-exclude altogether. You can self-exclude from a particular online casino or all UK-licensed online casinos. Exclusion periods range from 6 months to 5 years. GAMSTOP will prevent you from opening an account and playing at any UK-licensed online casino. See here for a full list of self-exclusion schemes – they’re all free to use.
But if you’re not at the stage of needing to self-exclude there are other options:
Set a deposit limit upon sign-up
All UK-licensed casinos will allow you to set a deposit limit meaning you specify a maximum amount of money you’re willing to deposit during a set period. Deposit limits can be decreased straight away, however, requests to increase deposit limits will only be actioned after 24 hours.
Set a session time limit
Most casinos will allow you to set a time limit, meaning you can only gamble for a set period of time. Setting a time limit will stop time (and money) from running away from you.
Reality check feature
This is often enabled automatically by casinos, however it may need activating manually. It will periodically pause any game you’re playing and remind you how long you’ve been playing. In some cases it will tell how much money you’ve won or lost – a good reminder of when to stop playing, take a break or cash out.
Marketing – opt out / don’t opt in
You’re not obliged to receive marketing from any online casino as part of signing up with them. Casinos like to send details of promotions, offers and such like via any number of methods. These can tempt players to play and deposit more than they originally planned to.
If you don’t want to receive these materials just unsubscribe / opt-out.
Have a short break by activating a cooling off period
Most casinos allow players to activate a cooling off period. If you’re gambling more than you think you should you can lock yourself out of your account for a period of between 24 hours and a week.
Longer break needed? Activate a temporary suspension
If you feel you need to go further than a cooling off period, a temporary suspension would see you locked out of your account for anywhere between 1 and 3 months.
Summary
Gambling is a bit of fun for the vast majority of people who take part. However, a small minority are in danger of developing unhealthy habits that can lead to addiction. Gambling addictions can then lead to all sorts of problems – impacting relationships, damaging an individual’s finances while also potentially having an effect on both mental and physical health.
Seeking help is the first step towards recovery and knowing where and how to seek that help will go a long way to addressing gambling problems.
This guide is part of our collection of responsible gambling guides. The others are:
