National Gambling Helpline: What It Offers and How to Reach It
SaveThe National Gambling Helpline is a free, confidential telephone service run by GamCare for anyone affected by gambling problems in Great Britain. Available every hour of every day, the helpline connects callers with trained advisers who listen without judgement and help work out next steps. You can reach it on 0808 8020 133, and the call will not appear on your phone bill. IRIS explains who the service is for, what happens when you ring and how the helpline fits into the wider network of support.
Who runs the service
GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline under a contract with GambleAware, the charity responsible for commissioning treatment and prevention services across Britain. The organisation has provided support for gambling-related harm since the late nineteen-eighties and employs advisers trained in problem gambling, mental health and debt counselling. Every person who answers the phone has completed specialist training in listening skills, risk assessment and signposting to further help.
The helpline is independent of gambling operators and regulators. Advisers do not promote any particular treatment provider or approach, and conversations remain confidential unless there is immediate risk of serious harm.
When you can call
The line operates around the clock, meaning you can ring at three in the morning or during a lunch break. There are no closing times, bank holidays or weekends when the service is unavailable. Wait times vary depending on demand, but most callers reach an adviser within a few minutes.
If you prefer not to speak on the phone, GamCare also runs a live chat service through its website and offers one-to-one online counselling sessions. The chat operates during daytime and evening hours, with the schedule published on the site.
What happens during a call
When you ring, an adviser will ask what has prompted you to get in touch. You do not have to give your name or any identifying details. The conversation is led by what you want to talk about, whether that is your own gambling, someone else's behaviour or practical questions about how to set limits or self-exclude.
The adviser may ask about recent gambling patterns, how you are feeling and whether you have concerns about money, relationships or mental health. These questions help them understand your situation and suggest relevant support. There is no script, and you can steer the conversation in the direction that feels most useful.
A call might last fifteen minutes or over an hour. Some people ring once to ask a specific question; others call repeatedly over weeks or months as their situation changes. Both approaches are normal, and the service is designed to accommodate either.
What support the helpline provides
Advisers offer emotional support, helping you talk through feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety or confusion that often accompany gambling problems. Speaking to someone who has heard similar stories many times before can ease the sense of isolation that secrecy creates.
The helpline also gives practical information. Advisers explain how self-exclusion works, how to register with GamStop (the national scheme that blocks access to licensed gambling sites), and where to find debt advice or mental health services. If you are worried about someone else's gambling, they can suggest ways to start a conversation and set boundaries.
Where longer-term help is needed, advisers can refer you to free counselling through GamCare's own service or point you towards other organisations such as Gordon Moody, which offers residential treatment. The helpline acts as a first point of contact that connects you with the right kind of support for your circumstances.
Steps to take before or after calling
- Write down what you want to say, even if it is just a few bullet points, so the call feels less daunting.
- Choose a time and place where you will not be interrupted or overheard.
- Keep a pen and paper nearby to note down any advice, websites or phone numbers the adviser mentions.
- If the first call does not cover everything, ring again — there is no limit on how many times you can use the service.
- Follow up on any suggestions that feel manageable, such as registering with GamStop or contacting a debt charity.
Other ways to reach GamCare
Beyond the telephone helpline, GamCare runs an online forum where people share experiences and advice, though it is not moderated in real time and should not be used for urgent support. The organisation also provides face-to-face counselling in some areas, delivered by partner agencies, and a treatment finder on its website helps locate services near you.
For those who prefer written communication, emailing the helpline is not an option, but the live chat service covers many of the same topics as a phone call. Some people find typing easier than speaking, particularly if they feel anxious or emotional.
Who else can use the helpline
The service is not only for people who gamble. Family members, friends, colleagues and employers can all ring to discuss how someone else's gambling is affecting them or to ask how they can help. Advisers understand that harm extends beyond the person placing bets and that those close to them often carry worry, financial strain and broken trust.
Calls from concerned others make up a significant portion of the helpline's work. Advisers can suggest how to raise the subject without triggering defensiveness, how to protect your own finances and wellbeing, and where to find peer support groups for families.
Services compared
| Service | Availability | Main focus | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Gambling Helpline | Every day, all hours | Listening, advice, signposting | Anyone affected by gambling harm |
| GamCare live chat | Daytime and evening | Written support and information | Those who prefer typing to speaking |
| Gordon Moody residential | Referral required | Intensive treatment over weeks | Severe cases needing structured recovery |
| Gamblers Anonymous | Meetings scheduled locally | Peer support and shared experience | Those seeking group connection |
Warning signs that a call might help
You do not need to have lost large sums or reached a crisis to ring the helpline. Early conversations often prevent situations from worsening. Consider calling if gambling is taking up more of your thoughts or time than it used to, if you have lied about losses or borrowed money to keep playing, or if people close to you have raised concerns.
Other signs include feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut down, chasing losses with bigger bets, or gambling to escape difficult emotions. If your sleep, work or relationships have suffered, or if you have thought about harming yourself, the helpline is there to listen and help you find immediate support.
Getting help today
Calling the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 is the quickest way to speak to someone who understands gambling harm. The service is free, confidential and open every hour. BeGambleAware also provides online tools and information, while GamStop at gamstop.co.uk lets you block access to licensed gambling sites across Great Britain in a single step.
If you are concerned about your own or someone else's gambling, free blocking software such as Gamban (gamban.com, paid subscription) or BetBlocker (betblocker.org, free, multi-platform) can restrict access across devices. For households with children, parental-control software such as Net Nanny or Qustodio adds another layer of protection. Gambling is restricted to people aged 18 and over.
This is an information site about gambling and mental health. IRIS is not a casino operator, bookmaker or organiser of gambling. The content on this page is for general guidance only. If you are struggling with gambling, free confidential support is available through BeGambleAware.org and the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. 18+
Download PDF: Making the Most of the National Gambling Helpline PDF, 29 KB
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
What is a time-out and how does it differ from self-exclusion?
A time-out is a short break from gambling, usually lasting between a day and several weeks, during which your account is frozen but not closed. Self-exclusion is a longer commitment, typically a minimum of six months, that prevents you from accessing gambling sites and cannot be reversed early.
Can I use GamStop if I have already self-excluded with individual sites?
Yes. GamStop works alongside individual self-exclusions and covers all licensed gambling sites in Great Britain in one step. Registering takes a few minutes and applies immediately.
What if I feel too anxious to speak on the phone?
GamCare offers a live chat service on its website during daytime and evening hours, allowing you to type rather than speak. The advisers provide the same support as the telephone helpline.
Will calling the helpline appear on my phone bill?
No. Calls to the National Gambling Helpline are free and do not show up on itemised phone bills, protecting your privacy.
Can family members call the helpline about someone else's gambling?
Yes. The helpline supports anyone affected by gambling harm, including partners, parents, children and friends. Advisers can suggest ways to start conversations and protect your own wellbeing.
What happens if I call outside of working hours?
The National Gambling Helpline operates around the clock, so you will reach a trained adviser at any time of day or night, including weekends and bank holidays.
IRIS Editorial Team