Professional support
GPs, NHS talking therapies, and private therapists each play different roles. We describe the landscape—we do not sell sessions or promise outcomes.
ukgamblingtherapy.co.uk · UK only · 18+ · not a clinic
Clear information if gambling is affecting your life
Practical articles and signposting to UK charities and the NHS. We are an independent information site—we do not deliver therapy or counselling ourselves, take bookings, or promote betting operators.
Talk to someone now
National Gambling Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7 — delivered by GamCare. We are not the helpline; this is signposting only.
gamcare.org.uk →Practical guides
Each card opens a full article. Content is general education—not personal advice.
Article · 9 min
Ten practical tips to stop or cut down gambling
Concrete steps—from removing apps to talking to someone you trust—with clear limits on what general articles can do.
Read article →
Article · 7 min
Checklist: the first 48 hours without gambling
A flexible hour-by-hour style plan for the most intense urges—plus UK helpline numbers.
Read article →
Article · 6 min
GamStop: what it is, what it is not (United Kingdom)
Free self-exclusion from most UK-licensed online gambling operators—clear limits and myths.
Read article →
Article · 6 min
Gambling Therapy: online support—what to expect
A non-profit international service—chat, groups, and resources—without confusing it with NHS therapy.
Read article →
Article · 7 min
Signs gambling might be becoming a problem
Behavioural and emotional patterns—why early conversation with your GP or GamCare matters.
Read article →
Article · 6 min
Where to get help in the UK (GamCare, NHS, GA)
A simple map of public and charitable routes—always check official sites for up-to-date numbers.
Read article →
Article · 6 min
Self-exclusion, apps, and screens: reducing access (UK)
GamStop, operator tools, and habits that can complement—not guarantee—change.
Read article →What this site does
We summarise themes that often appear in recovery and public-health material—for learning only. Treatment and crisis care are delivered by qualified services, not by us.
Peer support
Groups such as Gamblers Anonymous use shared experience. We point to official sites; we do not run meetings here.
Family impact
Harm spreads to partners and children. Specialist services (e.g. GamCare for affected others) exist—we link, we do not replace them.
About UK Gambling Therapy
We aim to reduce confusion and stigma: short articles in British English, careful language, and links to recognised UK organisations (GamCare, NHS, Be Gamble Aware, GA, and others).
We are not a healthcare provider or a gambling operator. We do not hold a Gambling Commission operating licence because we do not offer gambling. For emergencies call 999.
- → No casino or betting offers
- → No affiliate links inside articles
- → Transparent about what we are—and are not
Our scope
Help readers understand what harmful gambling can look like, where to seek help in the UK, and what types of support exist—always stressing that each person deserves a proper assessment from a qualified service.
Full about page →Therapeutic approaches (educational summary)
These approaches are often discussed in research on gambling harm. We do not tell you which to use—that belongs to you and a registered professional.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Thoughts, urges, and behaviours—e.g. around chasing losses or “just one more bet”.
Motivational interviewing
Explores mixed feelings about change without judgement.
Family therapy
Looks at communication and boundaries at home alongside individual change.
Mindfulness & emotion skills
Noticing urges and creating space before acting—often part of structured programmes.
What research often links to improvement
We do not publish named “success stories” without real consent. Instead, a high-level summary:
Ongoing support
Staying connected to structured help or peer groups is associated with more tools to manage lapses.
Fewer triggers
Reducing access to accounts, credit, and gambling apps is commonly part of safety planning.
Social connection
Informed, non-shaming support from people you trust can reinforce change.
UK resources
Official and charitable sources. Always confirm numbers and opening hours on their websites.
Helpline, web chat, and structured support. We are not GamCare—link provided for convenience. National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133.
Visit GamCare →
National education and harm-prevention charity; funds research and treatment in England, Scotland, and Wales.
Visit Be Gamble Aware →
Overview of gambling addiction and seeing your GP.
Visit NHS →
Peer support meetings across the UK.
Visit Gamblers Anonymous →
International charity—online groups and resources. This website is independent; link is signposting only.
Visit Gambling Therapy →
Free registration for self-exclusion from participating online operators licensed in Great Britain.
Read our GamStop article for context.
Visit GamStop →
Regulator for legal gambling in Great Britain—licence register and consumer information.
Visit UK Gambling Commission →Latest from the archive
No ads inside articles. Newest entries first.
· 9 min · Tips
Ten practical tips to stop or cut down gambling
Concrete steps—from removing apps to talking to someone you trust—with clear limits on what general articles can do.
Read →· 7 min · Tips
Checklist: the first 48 hours without gambling
A flexible hour-by-hour style plan for the most intense urges—plus UK helpline numbers.
Read →· 6 min · Tools
GamStop: what it is, what it is not (United Kingdom)
Free self-exclusion from most UK-licensed online gambling operators—clear limits and myths.
Read →· 6 min · Resources
Gambling Therapy: online support—what to expect
A non-profit international service—chat, groups, and resources—without confusing it with NHS therapy.
Read →· 7 min · Awareness
Signs gambling might be becoming a problem
Behavioural and emotional patterns—why early conversation with your GP or GamCare matters.
Read →· 6 min · Resources
Where to get help in the UK (GamCare, NHS, GA)
A simple map of public and charitable routes—always check official sites for up-to-date numbers.
Read →· 8 min · Approaches
CBT and problem gambling: plain-English basics
What cognitive behavioural therapy often focuses on—educational summary, not a treatment plan.
Read →· 7 min · Relationships
When gambling hurts at home: conversations in the UK
Talking without shaming, and getting support for you if you are affected by someone else’s gambling.
Read →Need to speak to someone now?
This website is not a crisis service. Use official lines:
Site feedback (not clinical): hello@ukgamblingtherapy.co.uk