Support reviewed

Every free UK gambling support organisation, reviewed by our clinicians

What each organisation actually does, who it suits, and where it falls short. We are paid nothing by any of them, and we would rather you used a free service than paid us for one you do not need.

Helpline & structured treatment

GamCare & the National Gambling Helpline

“The correct first call for almost everyone in the UK.”

GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 and delivers free structured treatment across England, Scotland and Wales through the NHS-funded National Gambling Support Network.

Best for: Anyone who has not yet spoken to a professional, at any hour of the day.
Watch for: Treatment waiting times vary substantially by region. Ask for the local partner’s current wait when you call, and ask to be put on a cancellation list.

Read the full review of GamCare & the National Gambling Helpline

National self-exclusion

GamStop

“The single highest-value thirty minutes in early recovery.”

A free national self-exclusion scheme. One registration blocks your access to every gambling operator licensed in Great Britain, for six months, one year or five years.

Best for: Everyone who gambles online, from the first session onwards.
Watch for: GamStop covers GB-licensed operators only. It does not reach unlicensed offshore websites, betting shops, or arcades — so it needs pairing with blocking software and a bank block.

Read the full review of GamStop

Peer fellowship

Gamblers Anonymous (GB)

“Unmatched for frequency and continuity — and it costs nothing.”

A peer fellowship running free meetings across Great Britain, in person and online, based on a twelve-step recovery programme. No appointment, no assessment, no fee.

Best for: Anyone who needs something more than once a week, and needs it tonight.
Watch for: It is a fellowship, not a clinical service. It is not led by therapists and it does not replace treatment for co-occurring depression, anxiety or trauma.

Read the full review of Gamblers Anonymous (GB)

Advice, tools & signposting

BeGambleAware

“The best plain-English starting point before you speak to anybody.”

An independent source of advice, self-assessment tools and treatment signposting for Great Britain, and the public front door to the National Gambling Helpline.

Best for: People still deciding whether what they are doing counts as a problem.
Watch for: It is an information and signposting service — it does not itself deliver therapy, so expect to be handed onward.

Read the full review of BeGambleAware

Residential & intensive treatment

Gordon Moody

“The right answer for the most severe cases, and free at the point of use.”

The UK’s longest-established provider of residential treatment for gambling addiction, alongside intensive retreat and counselling programmes for men and women.

Best for: People for whom outpatient support has repeatedly failed, or where risk is high.
Watch for: Residential places are limited and involve an application and assessment process. Start it early rather than at crisis point.

Read the full review of Gordon Moody

NHS specialist treatment

NHS gambling harms clinics

“Essential where gambling sits alongside another mental-health condition.”

A national network of NHS specialist clinics treating gambling harm, including provision for young people and for people with complex co-occurring needs.

Best for: Anyone whose gambling coexists with depression, psychosis, bipolar disorder or substance use.
Watch for: Geographic coverage has expanded quickly but is still uneven, and waiting lists in some regions are long.

Read the full review of NHS gambling harms clinics

Where most people begin

A free 20-minute call with a clinician. No form, no obligation, no sales pitch.

We will ask what has been happening and tell you honestly whether we are the right service for you. If we are not, we will tell you exactly where to go instead — We reply to every enquiry within one working day.

Book an intake call 0161 496 0184

Prefer to stay anonymous? The National Gambling Helpline is free on 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day.