Gambling Support Services

If professional help is needed, you can consult with the local GP practice or with the guidance teacher at the young person’s school.

For signposting to specialised services or further information, consider the following options:

General information and resources on gambling harm

GambleAware

Information, advice and online resources relating to gambling harms. Suitable for all ages.

Website

www.begambleaware.org

List of organisations that provide help directed at managing the consequences of gambling harms:

www.begambleaware.org/finding-the-right-support

BigDeal

Information and support on gambling designed for young people and families, run by GamCare. Suitable for anyone under 18.

Helpline

0203 092 6964, open Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, Friday 9am-5pm

Livechat via website

Open 24 hours, 7 days a week

Referral pathways for treatment and support

National Gambling Support Network

Operated by a network of local and national providers. This service uses a ‘no wrong door’ approach - no matter how people make contact, referral pathways are in place to deliver the most appropriate package of care. Designed for individuals experiencing difficulties with gambling, and for those impacted by someone else’s gambling. Suitable for all ages.

National Gambling Helpline

0808 8020 133, open 24 hours, 7 days a week

Livechat via website

Open 24 hours, 7 days a week

RCA Trust

Counselling service for young people experiencing problematic behaviours, including gambling, across Scotland. Suitable for ages 16+.

Tel

0141 887 0880

GamCare

Support, information and advice for anyone experiencing gambling harms. Suitable for all ages.

Young people’s support service (18 and under)
Forum and Chatroom
Free counselling service for anyone experiencing difficulties resulting from gambling harms (e.g. gamblers, partners and family members), across the UK:

Citizens Advice Scotland

Information and advice about support available for anyone experiencing gambling harms. Suitable for all ages.

Scotland’s Citizens Advice Helpline

0800 028 1456, open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm

Betknowmore UK

Set up by individuals who experienced gambling-related harms in their own lives to help others going through similar experiences. Offering peer support, community outreach, and women's service New Beginnings. Suitable for ages 18+.

Self-help groups and tools

Gamblers Anonymous Scotland

Provides help for people experiencing gambling harms and runs Gamblers Anonymous Meetings across Scotland. Suitable for adults.

Helpline

0370 050 8881, open 24 hours, 7 days a week

Gam-Anon Scotland

Support and encouragement for the families and friends of those experiencing disordered gambling, helping them to understand gambling harm and to help overcome it. Suitable for affected others.

Helpline

0370 050 8881, open 24 hours, 7 days a week

Gambling Therapy App and Website

Online service offering free practical advice and emotional support to anyone affected by gambling harms. Suitable for all ages.

Easy-to-use free app, providing a collection of tools and information to help you identify and overcome gambling harms, including live text support:

GamFam

GamFam provides a strong support network for those affected by someone else’s gambling. Suitable for families.

Website
Self-help peer support programme ‘GRA5P’

RecoverMe

RecoverMe is a mobile health application designed to support people experiencing harm as a result of their gambling. Suitable for all ages.

Website

www.recovermeapp.co.uk

The app is currently free for one year using the voucher code RECOVERME100.

Gambling blockers and self-exclusion tools

Gamban

Gamban blocks the device from accessing gambling websites and apps.

Website

TalkBanStop

TalkBanStop is a partnership that combines practical tools and support to help you to stop gambling and maintain a successful recovery journey.

GAMSTOP

A free online self-exclusion service. Once you register, you will be prevented from using gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in Great Britain, for a period of your choosing.

Gaming and gambling information and support

Online Gaming Advice Hub

Run by Internetmatters.org, the Online Gaming Advice Hub offers information and advice for young people and families on the risks of gaming, and its connections to online gambling.

YoungMinds

A guide for parents and caregivers on gaming and mental health, including guidance on how to have supportive conversations.

YGAM Parent Hub

The Parent Hub is designed to provide parents with the knowledge and resources to safeguard their families from risks around gaming and gambling.

BBC Newsround

BBC Newsround’s Gambling and Gaming page has information and resources on gambling-like risks within online games.