Gambling Addiction Help: Hotlines, Treatment and Support for Families

Updated: 28 October 2026

Asking for help with gambling is a step many people delay for months, often because they are ashamed or because they do not know what help looks like. The good news is that free, confidential support exists in most countries, and it works for people who are still playing as well as for people who have stopped.

This guide explains where to call or chat, what treatment looks like, how support groups work, and how to help a family member who is gambling. For the signs to look for, read signs of gambling addiction: a self-check. For a plan to stop, read how to stop gambling: a practical plan.

If you need to talk to someone now

If you are in immediate danger, or you feel you may harm yourself, contact your local emergency number straight away.

For gambling problems that are not an emergency, these services are free and confidential:

• GamCare National Gambling Helpline (UK): 0808 8020 133, open 24 hours a day, every day. Live chat is available on gamcare.org.uk. If you are calling from outside the UK, use live chat.
• National Council on Problem Gambling (US): helpline 1-800-GAMBLER.
• Gambling Therapy: free online support and counselling at gamblingtherapy.org. It is available in many languages.
• BeGambleAware (UK): information and links to support at begambleaware.org.
• ResponsibleGambling.org: information and tools at responsiblegambling.org.

If you live in another country, search for the national gambling helpline or problem gambling service there. Many countries have one, and a helpline can point you to local services.

What happens when you call a helpline

Most helplines start with a conversation about what is happening. An adviser may ask about your gambling, your money, your mood and whether you feel safe. They can help you think through options, suggest strategies, and refer you to local treatment or support groups.

You do not have to be sure you have a problem to call. You do not have to have stopped gambling. A conversation can help you decide what to do next.

Treatment options

Treatment for gambling problems is available, and it is effective for many people. Common options include:

• Brief advice and self-help materials from a helpline, which may be enough for some people at an early stage.
• Individual counselling or therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the approaches used for gambling problems. A GP or doctor can refer you to a psychologist or therapist, or you can search for a specialist in gambling problems in your area.
• Group programmes. Structured courses run over several weeks, often in person or online.
• Residential treatment for people who need intensive support, usually for more serious problems.
• Support for related issues. If gambling is linked to depression, anxiety, alcohol use or debt, treating those at the same time is often important.

In the UK, the National Gambling Support Network brings together free treatment services, including those run by GamCare, across England, Scotland and Wales. Ask your local health service or the helpline which services are available where you live.

If cost is a worry, ask the helpline about free services first. Many people do not have to pay for their first conversations or for group support.

Support groups

Support groups let you talk to people who have been in a similar situation, which can reduce isolation and shame.

• Gamblers Anonymous runs meetings and online support. Find meetings and join an online group through gamblersanonymous.org. Use the meeting finder to locate a group near you.
• Gamblers Anonymous groups follow a 12-step approach, and many people find the shared experience helpful. You can go to a meeting without having decided to stop completely.
• Moderated online forums can offer peer support at any time of day, and some are run by treatment organisations.

Support groups work best alongside a plan, a helpline or treatment, not instead of them.

Helping someone who gambles

If you are worried about a partner, parent, child or friend, you may feel helpless. You are not alone, and there are things you can do.

Start with a calm, private conversation. Choose a time when neither of you is stressed or drinking. Describe specific things you have noticed, such as money going missing or changes in mood, rather than labelling the person as an addict. Say that you are worried and want to help.

Protect your own finances. Do not pay debts, cover losses, lend money or take on loans for them. Those actions often make the problem harder to face, because the person does not feel the consequences. If you share an account, consider separate accounts and a clear plan for bills.

Do not ask them to promise to stop. A promise made under pressure is hard to keep. Ask them what they would like to do next, and offer to help them find a helpline or a support group.

Look after yourself. Living with someone else’s gambling can be exhausting and isolating. Gam-Anon offers support groups for family and friends at gam-anon.org. Talking to a helpline for yourself is also a good option.

If the person is willing, you can call a helpline together. Many advisers also speak with family members directly, so you can get advice even if the person is not ready to talk.

Things that do not help

• Covering debts or losses, which removes the consequences.
• Threats or ultimatums that you do not follow through.
• Searching their phone or accounts without their knowledge, which can damage trust.
• Waiting until there is a crisis before you act.

Getting help from Wolfbet

If you have a Wolfbet account, you can ask our support team to set deposit, loss and time limits, to start a temporary exclusion for a period from 24 hours up to 6 months, or to close your account permanently. Email support@wolfbet.com with the subject line “Responsible Gambling Support”. We treat these requests as a priority and review each one within 24 hours.

Account tools are not a substitute for professional help, but they can give you time and distance while you get support.

Next steps

• If you are not sure whether gambling is a problem for you, take the self-check on the signs of gambling addiction.
• If you are ready to stop, read how to stop gambling: a practical plan.
• For budget and limits, read how much money can you afford to spend on casino entertainment?
• For the wider picture of responsible play at Wolfbet, read responsible gambling at Wolfbet.

Gambling involves financial risk. Only play with money you can afford to lose. 18+.