Problem gambling and how to get help

Gambling as a Leisure Activity

Gambling should be regarded as an entertaining and pleasurable recreational pursuit. If you understand the principles of safe gambling, you can maintain control over your casino activities. However, if it starts to overshadow the enjoyment, it’s essential to pause and evaluate your gambling habits.

gamcare website helps UK players with problem gambling

GamCare UK offers live chat services for individuals seeking assistance. Recognizing the early indicators of potential gambling problems is crucial, along with knowing how to address them. If you fail to act promptly, harmful gambling behavior can negatively impact your health, relationships, and may lead to significant financial troubles.

How to gamble safely and responsibly

By learning the principles of safe and responsible gambling from the outset, you position yourself well to monitor your gambling activities. This awareness can help prevent the development of harmful habits and ensure that gambling remains a source of fun. As the saying goes, prevention is the best medicine.
Here are several straightforward measures you can take to guarantee that your gambling remains safe and responsible at all times.

Know your financial responsibilities

Stay vigilant about your personal and household finances to confirm that you can genuinely afford to gamble. Always prioritize essential bills—like your mortgage and utilities—before allocating any money to gambling.

Set a budget

Creating a budget ensures that you do not exceed your financial limits when gambling each month. After meeting your essential financial obligations, assess your remaining funds and determine a reasonable amount to spend. This method helps eliminate erratic spending habits that can spiral out of control.

Stick to your budget

Once your budget is established, it is vital to adhere to it. There is no point in all your hard work if you disregard it later. Understand your daily, weekly, or monthly gambling limit, and refrain from playing once it is reached or even before that.

Deal with your debts first

Ignoring debt won’t make it disappear, so confront it directly. There’s no shame in having debt; formulating a plan to repay it can provide you with a clearer mindset.

Choose your friends wisely

If you associate with individuals who encourage excessive gambling or who have their own gambling problems, it may exacerbate your situation. Spending time with friends or family who do not gamble increases your chances of gambling responsibly.

Seek help anytime

You don’t have to be a gambling addict to ask for support and guidance. If you feel that gambling is becoming even a little detrimental, discuss it with friends or family. If you prefer confidential professional advice, check the organizations listed at the bottom of this page. A problem shared is a problem halved!

How to recognise a problem

It can be challenging to identify a problem that is so personal. Many individuals feel inclined to deny they have an issue and often avoid discussing it or seeking help until it significantly impacts their lives.
Early identification of gambling addiction symptoms can prevent larger issues later on. Here are some warning signs that you might have a gambling problem and should consider seeking assistance. If you occasionally recognize any of these behaviors, it’s time to pursue help, whether self-directed or professional.

You bet more than you can afford

As previously noted, establishing a budget and prioritizing essential expenses is crucial. If your gambling expenses begin to deplete funds needed for daily living, you can no longer afford to gamble and should seek guidance. Failure to address this may lead to serious debt and additional financial complications.

Your bets increase to achieve the same thrill

If you find yourself needing to wager progressively larger amounts to achieve the same excitement from casino games, you may have a gambling issue. Consider seeking advice or setting limits using the casino’s tools to control your spending.

You are trying to win back lost money

Chasing losses is a sign that gambling is becoming problematic. Accept that gambling is a game of chance where losses are a part of the experience. Remember, there’s no such thing as a consistent winning or losing streak since all casino games yield random results. Enjoying crypto casinos should be for fun, not as a means to earn or invest money.

You have borrowed or sold items to fund your gambling

Funds for gambling should come solely from disposable income. Accumulating debt or selling personal items to gamble signifies an emerging gambling issue.

You are questioning if you have a gambling problem

Your intuition is often accurate. If you suspect that your gambling is problematic, it likely is. Discuss your concerns with a professional contact listed at the bottom of this page for clarity.

You experience health problems or heightened stress and anxiety

Gambling issues can negatively impact both your physical and mental well-being. If you observe a decline in either aspect, seek professional help as soon as possible.

Comments from others

Others are often more perceptive regarding issues you might overlook. If friends or family express concern about your gambling habits, it’s time to address these concerns, regardless of your perspective. We are often the last to acknowledge there’s a problem, so have an open conversation with someone you trust for their insight.

Feelings of guilt

Engaging in online casino games should be enjoyable. If you begin to feel guilty about your gambling, it’s likely indicative of a deeper issue. Be honest with yourself about why you feel this way and seek help to resolve it.

How to overcome a gambling addiction

Recognizing that you have a gambling problem is a significant first step, but the next phase involves finding ways to overcome it. Numerous strategies exist for tackling this issue, whether independently or with the support of professional organizations.
We will explore both options in detail to help you determine which approach may work best for you.

Overcoming a gambling problem on your own

Many tools and techniques are available to help regain control over your gambling or eliminate it entirely from your life. Here are several primary options for individuals who believe they have a gambling problem.

Self-exclusion

Reputable online casinos typically provide players with self-exclusion options. While specific details may vary among casinos, the fundamental concept allows players to block themselves from accessing the casino for a predetermined period—ranging from weeks to years—making it harder to log into their casino account.

GAMSTOP

For those gambling at licensed UK casinos, the GAMSTOP scheme enables self-exclusion across multiple brands simultaneously. While not all online casinos are currently registered, and it is limited to UK players, it remains a valuable tool.

Casino blocking software

Using blocking software can assist in restricting access to gambling websites on your devices. Some applications are designed to block any adult content, while others focus specifically on casino sites.
Programs like Gamblock can identify casino websites and prevent access on smartphones, tablets, or desktop computers. Employing Gamblock should help reduce the temptation to log in and gamble whenever you usually would.

Managing your finances

As discussed earlier, gaining control over your finances can significantly assist with gambling expenditures. Start by listing your monthly income and expenses on paper or in a spreadsheet.
You can then set a budget for your essential costs, revealing what remains available each month. Enlisting the help of a trusted friend or family member may enhance your chances of staying on track.

Take an online course

The UK charity Gamcare offers a complimentary online course designed to address gambling problems. The GameChange Course spans eight weeks and employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques to assist problem gamblers. You’ll also receive a 20-minute weekly call from a Gamcare professional to support your progress.

Overcoming a gaming problem with professional help

Seeking professional assistance can be a significant step forward in addressing a gambling addiction and its associated challenges. Consulting with trained experts who specialize in helping individuals recover from gambling issues is often the most effective way to receive timely support.
The country-specific charities and organizations listed below can help you confront problem gambling directly. Each provides guidance and support to assist you in managing any gambling-related difficulties.

Australia

Gambling Help Online offers 24/7 assistance via phone at 1800 858 858 or through live chat on their website at gamblinghelponline.org.au.

Austria

Assistance for players in Austria is available at spielsuchthilfe.at.

Belgium

SOS SPELEN can be reached by phone at 0800 35 777 or online at gokhulp.be.

Canada

National gambling support is available at 613-739-1535, or local support groups can be found at canadasafetycouncil.org.

Denmark

Visit the Danish Gambling Authority at spillemyndigheden.dk.

France

Adictel Prevention Addiction offers help 24/7 via email at contact@adictel.com or online at adictel.com/en/.

Germany

Contact the Gluecksspielsucht Problem Gambling Hotline at 0800 0776611 or visit glücksspielsucht.de.

Ireland

GambleAware Ireland provides a National Gambling Helpline at 1800 753 753 and advice at gambleaware.ie.

Korea

The Korea Center for Gambling Problems is available at kcgp.or.kr.

Malta

The Responsible Gambling Foundation offers guidance and assistance at rgf.org.mt.

Netherlands

AGOG Foundation operates a national information hotline at 0900-2177721, with additional resources at agog.nl.

New Zealand

Support and advice can be accessed at 0800 654 655 or online at gamblinghelpline.co.nz.

Norway

Call the Hjelpelinjen Helpline at 800 800 40 for further information on gambling help at hjelpelinjen.no.

Singapore

The National Council on Problem Gambling can be reached at ncpg.org.sg or by calling the national helpline at 800 6 66866.

South Africa

For National Responsible Gambling Problem Gambling Counseling, call 0800 006 008, or visit responsiblegambling.co.za for more information and a self-help quiz.

Sweden

You can receive guidance and support via phone, chat, SMS, and email, with details available at stodlinjen.se.

Switzerland

Careplay offers assistance at 041 367 48 47 or online at careplay.ch.

United Kingdom

Gamcare operates the UK National Gambling Helpline and provides extensive advice on their website to assist individuals in recognizing and addressing gambling issues. Advisors are available 24/7 at Freephone 0808 8020 133 or via live webchat at gamcare.org.uk.
Gamblers Anonymous also facilitates local support groups throughout the UK. You can find your nearest group on their site at gamblersanonymous.org.uk.