Get advice on how to avoid gambling problems, or find confidential help and support if you or someone you know has a problem.
Gambling can be a harmless pastime but can become a serious addiction for some people. It can affect physical, social and mental wellbeing as well as creating debt.
Gambling problems can affect anyone, at any age, whether you have got money or not. Young people aged 16 to 24 are most at risk.
Stay Safe - Stay in Control
If you choose to gamble, take care to avoid problems by gambling responsibly:
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Remember gambling is simply a form of entertainment, not a way of making money or increasing your self-esteem
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Before playing, set strict limits on how much time and money you are going to spend
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Quit while you are ahead - be happy and walk away
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Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
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Do not spend more money on gambling with the hope to win back money that you have lost
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Keep up other interests and hobbies – do not let gambling take over your life
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Do not gamble in order to escape from stress or boredom
Confidential Helpline and Online Support
GamCare is a charity which gives practical advice and support. Call the confidential telephone helpline on 0845 6000 133, or go to the GamCare website for:
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Information about problem gambling, signs and symptoms
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Counselling service, self help and assessment and advice for women
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Online support - talk live online to a trained advisor one to one using the confidential NetLine, or discuss and ask questions in the Message Forum and Chat Support Room
You can also get help with gambling problems from the following websites using the links from this page - Gamble Aware, Gordon House Association, Gam-Anon or Gamblers Anonymous.
