United Kingdom
GamCare
Runs the 24/7 National Gambling Helpline by phone, live chat and WhatsApp, plus treatment services.
Get help
Where can I get help with gambling?
Find gambling help in the UK and 5 other countries: free helplines, chat, NHS treatment, peer groups and what to expect when you get in touch.
Help by country
United Kingdom
GAMSTOP
Free self-exclusion from GB-licensed online gambling for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.
Sweden
Stödlinjen
National helpline for gamblers and relatives. Phone and chat counselling in Swedish and English, with interpreters on request.
Sweden
Spelberoendes Riksförbund
Federation of local associations running peer groups for gamblers and their families.
Sweden
1177
Healthcare advice line and guide to treatment for gambling problems in your region.
Sweden
Spelinspektionen
Swedish gambling regulator. Check whether a company holds a Swedish licence.
Norway
Hjelpelinjen for spilleavhengige
Anonymous national helpline for gamblers and relatives. Covers both gambling and gaming.
Norway
Spillavhengighet Norge
User organisation for gamblers and relatives, with a help phone (weekdays 10–15) and self-help groups in person and online.
Norway
Blå Kors spilleavhengighet
Outpatient clinics, a 12-week remote treatment programme with a dedicated therapist, and a talk service for relatives.
Norway
Lotteri- og stiftelsestilsynet
Norwegian gambling regulator.
Denmark
StopSpillet
Independent helpline run by Spillemyndigheden. Confidential phone and chat advice for players, relatives and professionals.
Denmark
Center for Ludomani
Free treatment for gambling problems across Denmark.
Denmark
ROFUS
National register of voluntarily excluded players. Sign up with MitID.
Denmark
Spillemyndigheden
Danish Gambling Authority. Check whether a provider holds a Danish licence.
Finland
Peluuri
National helpline (Mon–Fri 12–18), chat and OmaPeluuri peer support for gamblers and loved ones, plus the Peli poikki online programme.
Finland
Veikkaus
Set limits or a gambling break in your Veikkaus account.
Germany
Check dein Spiel (BIÖG)
Federal helpline and portal with a self-test, the Check Out online programme and addresses of local counselling centres.
Germany
OASIS Spielersperre
Nationwide self-exclusion via Regierungspräsidium Darmstadt, minimum three months.
Germany
Fachverband Glücksspielsucht
Professional association with information on counselling and treatment.
Germany
GGL
Joint gambling authority of the German states. Publishes the whitelist of licensed providers.
The quickest way to get gambling help in the UK is to call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. It is free, confidential and open 24/7. You can also use live chat or WhatsApp, speak to a GP, or refer yourself to an NHS gambling clinic in England.
What types of help are there?
| Type | What it is | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Helpline and chat | Someone to talk to and plan with | National Gambling Helpline (GamCare) |
| Treatment | Therapy and treatment from trained professionals | GamCare, NHS gambling clinics |
| Peer support | People with shared experience | Gamblers Anonymous, Gam-Anon, GamCare online community |
| Doctor | A first step to NHS services | Your GP |
| Tools | Barriers that make gambling harder | GAMSTOP, BetBlocker |
What happens when I get in touch?
On the National Gambling Helpline, advisers start with an open question and let you lead. GamCare says they usually pick up within about 30 seconds. You do not have to give your name. The call can last as long as you need, and you can call back later. If you want it, advisers can refer you to treatment and other services. GamCare says nothing is shared without your permission unless someone is in immediate risk.
The helpline, chat and WhatsApp are free, and so is GamCare’s treatment. You can contact them for yourself or for someone else.
How do I choose?
- Not sure where to start? Call the helpline. It is a good first call.
- Prefer writing? Use live chat or WhatsApp on the same number, or GamCare’s email support.
- Want therapy? Ask the helpline about treatment, or refer yourself to an NHS gambling clinic in England.
- Want people who understand? Try Gamblers Anonymous or the GamCare online community. Family and friends can try Gam-Anon.
- Need a barrier now? See GAMSTOP and how to stop gambling.
What if I am in crisis?
If your life is at risk, or you do not feel you can keep yourself or someone else safe, call 999 or go to A&E. For other urgent mental health needs, the NHS says you can call 111 and select the mental health option. Samaritans are on 116 123, free.
UK services in more detail
National Gambling Helpline (GamCare)
0808 8020 133, free, 24/7, with live chat and WhatsApp. GamCare also provides free treatment and an online community. See gamcare.org.uk.
GambleAware
Free, confidential advice, a self-assessment, a spending calculator and a service finder by postcode. GambleAware says its helpline and chat services are for Great Britain residents. See gambleaware.org.
NHS gambling clinics (England)
The NHS says you can refer yourself to a gambling clinic or ask a GP. The National Problem Gambling Clinic takes young people aged 13 to 18 from anywhere in England and adults living in Greater London, and needs the person’s consent. There are other clinics for other regions of England. For Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, ask your GP or the helpline what is available.
Peer groups
Gamblers Anonymous holds in-person meetings in England, Wales and Ulster, and says there are no counsellors or professionals at its main meetings. Gam-Anon holds meetings for family and friends. Details are at gamblersanonymous.org.uk and gamanon.org.uk.
Blocking tools
GAMSTOP blocks GB-licensed online gambling for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years. BetBlocker is a free charity-run blocker for phones and computers. See how GAMSTOP works.
Help in other countries
If you live outside the UK, these are the national helplines.
- Sweden: Stödlinjen, 020-81 91 00.
- Norway: Hjelpelinjen for spilleavhengige, 800 800 40.
- Denmark: StopSpillet, 70 22 28 25. Center for Ludomani offers treatment on 70 11 18 10.
- Finland: Peluuri, 0800 100 101, Monday to Friday 12 to 18.
- Germany: BIÖG-Beratungstelefon, 0800 1 37 27 00.
Find A Helpline is a free directory of helplines in many countries. For the other services in each country, see the directory on the home page.
Next steps
Not sure whether you need help? Try the self-check. Worried about someone else? Read our guide for families.
Keep reading
- Self-test
Am I gambling too much? A two-minute self-check
Take a free two-minute gambling addiction test. See what each result means, what a self-check can and cannot tell you, and what to do next.
- How to stop
How do I stop gambling, or cut down?
How to stop gambling or cut down: block access, protect your money, deal with urges, find treatment and support groups, and what to do after a slip.
- For families
How can I help someone with a gambling problem?
Worried about someone's gambling? Learn how to spot the signs, how to talk, how to protect your money, and where families can get free support.
- Self-exclusion
How does GAMSTOP work?
GAMSTOP explained: how to join, 6-month, 1-year and 5-year options, what it does not cover, whether you can end it early, and other barriers to add.
Sources
- GamCare: talk to us now – 0808 8020 133, 24/7, phone, live chat and WhatsApp, free, confidential, for yourself or someone else · checked 9 October 2026
- GamCare: what happens when I call the National Gambling Helpline? – what a call involves · checked 9 October 2026
- NHS: help for problems with gambling – NHS clinics in England, self-referral, GP, other services, Gamblers Anonymous, GamAnon · checked 9 October 2026
- NHS Central and North West London: National Problem Gambling Clinic – who can be referred, self-referral, treatment · checked 9 October 2026
- GambleAware – free advice, helpline and chat for Great Britain residents; service finder · checked 9 October 2026
- NHS: get urgent help for mental health – when to call 999, NHS 111, Samaritans 116 123 · checked 9 October 2026
- Gamblers Anonymous England, Wales & Ulster – in-person meetings, no professionals · checked 9 October 2026
- BetBlocker – free blocker charity · checked 9 October 2026
Last checked: . This page is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. For advice about your own situation, call a helpline or speak to a doctor.