Gambling is entertainment. Like any activity that carries financial risk, it can become harmful if it stops being enjoyable and starts feeling compulsive, stressful, or difficult to control. The information on this page is here to help you recognise the signs of problem gambling and find support.
Recognising Problem Gambling
Problem gambling does not always look the same in every person, but there are common warning signs worth knowing. Ask yourself honestly whether any of the following apply to you:
- Spending more money or time gambling than you intended
- Chasing losses by placing further bets to recover what you have lost
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, family, or social commitments because of gambling
- Gambling as a way to cope with stress, depression, or other difficult feelings
- Lying to people close to you about how much you gamble or spend
If you recognise several of these patterns in your own behaviour, it is worth seeking support. Problem gambling is treatable, and speaking to a specialist is a practical first step rather than a last resort.
Setting Personal Limits
Responsible gambling starts with decisions you make before you begin. Decide in advance how much money and time you are willing to spend, and treat those figures as firm limits rather than targets.
Taking regular breaks, avoiding gambling when you are tired or emotionally low, and never viewing gambling as a source of income are all practical habits that reduce the risk of harm over time.
Free Support and Self-Assessment
Several independent organisations offer confidential help, including counselling, self-assessment tools, and self-exclusion schemes. The resources below are free to use and do not require you to disclose your identity to a gambling operator.
- GamCare – Provides a national helpline and online chat for anyone affected by gambling harm in Great Britain. Website: gamcare.org.uk
- Gamblers Anonymous – Peer-support meetings based on a twelve-step programme, available in many countries. Website: gamblersanonymous.org
- BeGambleAware – Offers information, self-assessment quizzes, and a directory of treatment services in Great Britain. Website: begambleaware.org
- Gordon Moody – Provides residential treatment and online support for people with severe gambling problems in Great Britain. Website: gordonmoody.org.uk
If you are outside Great Britain, the National Council on Problem Gambling (United States) and the Gambling Therapy platform offer resources with broader international reach.
Protecting Young People
Gambling products are intended for adults. If you share a device with younger people, consider using parental control or internet filtering software to restrict access to gambling websites. Tools such as Gamban and BetBlocker can block gambling sites across multiple devices and are available free of charge.
Talking to Someone
Reaching out is often the hardest part. Friends and family can be a source of support, but trained counsellors understand gambling harm in ways that people without that experience may not. All contact is confidential.
If gambling is causing you financial difficulty, organisations such as StepChange (Great Britain) offer free debt advice that is independent of any gambling operator.