Topic guide · Updated Aug 2026
Gambling Support in the UK: Free Help, Blocks and Charities
The United Kingdom has a well-developed network of free, confidential gambling support services. This page lists the main ones with a short description of what each does. All of them are free to use and none require you to be in crisis to reach out.
National Gambling Helpline
0808 8020 133 — free, confidential, 24 hours a day. Run by GamCare. Trained advisers handle everything from initial questions ("is what I'm doing normal?") through to acute crises, and can refer you on to counselling, peer support, and NHS treatment. Calls do not appear on itemised bills.
GamCare
GamCare is the leading UK charity dedicated to gambling-related harm. In addition to running the National Gambling Helpline, it provides free one-to-one counselling in person and online, live-chat support, an active peer-support forum, and structured recovery programmes. Website: gamcare.org.uk.
BeGambleAware
An independent charity that commissions and funds treatment services across England, Scotland and Wales. Its site is a useful starting point for anyone unsure where to look; it lists services by region and provides confidential referral. It also publishes plain-English information for family members and concerned others. Website: begambleaware.org.
GamStop
The national online self-exclusion scheme. Free registration takes about five minutes and blocks all UKGC-licensed online gambling sites for six months, one year, or five years. Detailed explainer on our GamStop page. Website: gamstop.co.uk.
NHS Gambling Clinics
The NHS operates specialist gambling clinics that provide free treatment on the NHS. As of 2026 there are 15 clinics across England (including the flagship National Problem Gambling Clinic in London), plus services in Scotland and Wales. Referral is typically via the National Gambling Helpline, via GamCare, or via your GP. Find your nearest clinic at the NHS clinic finder.
Gamblers Anonymous
A peer-support programme based on the twelve-step model. Meetings run in person across the UK and online. Free to attend; no formal registration required. Website: gamblersanonymous.org.uk.
GamAnon
Sister organisation to Gamblers Anonymous, providing support specifically for family members and close friends of people affected by gambling. Meetings run alongside GA meetings and online.
Blocking tools
These complement, rather than replace, the services above.
- Bank gambling blocks. Free. Monzo, Starling, HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds, NatWest and most other UK banks offer merchant-category blocks that prevent card transactions to gambling operators. Enable via your bank app or by calling.
- BetBlocker. Free device-level filter. Blocks known gambling domains at the browser or device level. Website: betblocker.org.
- Gamban. Paid subscription. Device-level blocking with wider coverage than free tools. Website: gamban.com.
Financial and debt help
Gambling harm is often financial harm as well. StepChange (stepchange.org) and Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk) provide free confidential debt advice. Both handle gambling-related debt without judgement and can help with negotiating with creditors.
Mental health support
The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day on 116 123. The service is free, confidential, and does not require you to be in crisis. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
Reaching out is the hardest part. Every service on this page is used to first-time callers who are not sure whether they should be calling. If you are on the fence, that itself is a good reason.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. 0808 8020 133 is free to call from UK landlines and mobiles. Calls do not appear on itemised bills. The service is confidential and open 24 hours a day, run by GamCare.
No. The helpline handles everything from early questions to acute crises. If you are wondering whether your gambling is a problem, that alone is a good reason to call. Advisers are trained to listen and, where useful, refer you on to further support.
Yes. The NHS operates specialist gambling clinics across England, Scotland and Wales — 15 clinics as of 2026, including the National Problem Gambling Clinic in London. Referral is often via the National Gambling Helpline or via your GP.