Contacts for Problem Gambling

How to Recognize When You Need Help

Problem gambling (also known as gambling addiction or compulsive gambling) is a behavioral disorder defined by the inability to stop betting despite clear harm to one’s finances, relationships, or mental health. It’s a growing issue that affects not just the gambler but also their family and friends, often requiring professional support to overcome. Because the signs often appear gradually and may be easy to overlook, recognizing a problem early can be difficult. Below is a simple checklist of warning signs that may indicate you or someone you know needs help:

• Preoccupation with gambling: Constantly thinking about betting, past wins or losses, and planning the next gambling session. Everyday activities and responsibilities take a backseat to thoughts of gambling.
• Unable to cut back or stop: You’ve tried to reduce or quit gambling but can’t. Any attempt to stop makes you restless or irritable, and you soon find yourself gambling again.
• Increasing stakes: Needing to bet more money or more frequently to feel the same thrill as before. Small bets or short sessions no longer satisfy the urge, leading to riskier wagers over time.
• Chasing losses: After losing money, you immediately want to gamble more to try to win it back. This usually leads to even bigger losses and a dangerous cycle.
• Secrecy and lies: You hide your gambling from family and friends. You may lie about how much you’re betting or how often you play because you know others would be concerned.
• Neglecting responsibilities: Gambling is starting to interfere with important aspects of your life. You’ve been missing work or school, or skipping family obligations, because of time spent gambling or recovering from it.
• Financial trouble due to gambling: You’ve drained savings, piled up debt, or borrowed money to fund your gambling. Bills might be overdue, and you have little to no money left because it’s been gambled away.
• Gambling despite consequences: You continue to gamble even when it’s causing problems – whether financial, emotional, or physical. This can include going back to bet even after big losses or gambling to escape feelings of anxiety or depression.

If you recognize several of these warning signs in yourself or someone close, it’s time to take action. A helpful next step is to take a responsible gambling self-test to objectively assess your behavior. These self-assessment tools can evaluate the intensity of your gambling habits and determine if you require professional assistance. Remember, acknowledging the problem is the first and most important step toward recovery.

Why Problem Gambling Is a Serious Issue

Problem gambling is not just a bad habit – it’s a complex disorder with far-reaching effects. Understanding the depth of the issue underscores why seeking help is so crucial.

• Mental health impact

People struggling with gambling often experience intense stress, anxiety, or depression. The emotional rollercoaster of wins and losses, especially heavy losses, can lead to sleepless nights and constant worry. In severe cases, some individuals even develop panic attacks or have suicidal thoughts. Gambling addiction has been linked to higher rates of self-harm and suicide compared to many other addictions, which shows how profoundly it can affect one’s mental well-being.

• Financial devastation

It’s common for problem gamblers to accumulate serious debt by maxing out credit cards, taking out high-interest loans, or risking essential assets like their home or car. Life savings can vanish quickly, and bankruptcy becomes a real risk. Many end up borrowing money from friends or family to cover losses, straining those relationships. The stress of financial ruin often creates a vicious cycle, and some gamblers keep betting in a desperate attempt to win back money, which usually leads to deeper losses.

• Social Consequence

Problem gambling doesn’t only hurt the gambler – it strains relationships with friends and family. Lies or unexplained financial troubles break trust, leading to frequent conflicts at home. Loved ones may grow resentful or fearful as they witness the gambler’s personality change under stress. Many gamblers become isolated, withdrawing from social circles to hide their addiction or because they’re preoccupied with betting. Over time, compulsive gambling can destroy relationships and erode trust.

• Work and Study Performance

As gambling takes priority, job performance and academic responsibilities often suffer. Problem gamblers may have difficulty concentrating on work or school, as their mind is occupied with betting opportunities or stress about losses. Absenteeism can increase for instance, taking frequent “sick days” to gamble or deal with gambling-related issues. Over time, this lack of focus and reliability can jeopardize employment or educational progress, and it’s not uncommon for individuals deep in gambling addiction to lose their jobs or drop out of school.

• Physical Health Decline

Problem gamblers often neglect basic needs like sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Chronic stress and lack of rest can lead to headaches, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal issues, or a weakened immune system. The toll of constant anxiety and disrupted routines gradually affects physical health, even without direct substance use.

These examples show that problem gambling isn’t just about playing too often. It’s a complex behavioral disorder with wide-ranging consequences. It affects mental health, financial stability, personal relationships, and daily functioning. Recognizing it as a serious condition, not a personal weakness, is key to taking action. Recognizing the full scope of the problem is the first step. The next is acting on it. With the right support, people don’t just recover, but they rebuild stability, repair relationships, and take back control.

What Types of Support Are Available?

Hotlines and Helplines

Telephone helplines are often the first point of contact for people seeking help. These are usually toll-free, confidential hotlines staffed by trained counselors who understand gambling issues. By calling a gambling hotline, you can get immediate emotional support, crisis intervention if needed, and referrals to local services. Helplines exist in many countries and provide a listening ear as well as guidance on next steps.

Online Chats and Text Lines

If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, many organizations offer online chat services or text messaging support. These allow you to communicate with a counselor in real time via a chat window or SMS. The benefit is that it’s quiet, discreet, and can often be done 24/7 as well. It’s the same quality of support as a phone hotline. You’ll connect with a trained professional, but in a written format. This option suits individuals who prefer written communication or need a discreet way to reach out when speaking aloud isn’t possible.

Professional Therapy

Licensed therapists specializing in addiction can offer targeted, one-on-one support. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common approach used to challenge false beliefs about winning, manage triggers, and build healthier habits. Therapy also helps address related issues like anxiety, depression, or past trauma, which often fuel gambling behavior. Treatment formats vary, and many people attend weekly outpatient sessions, while those facing more severe addiction may benefit from short-term inpatient care. Many cities now have clinics focusing on gambling addiction, and some healthcare systems offer treatment programs that might be covered by insurance.

Support Groups (Peer Support)

Sometimes the best understanding comes from others who have been through the same struggle. Being in a group reduces the sense of isolation and shame, as you realize you’re not alone in your addiction. There are also support groups for specific communities and online forums for those who can’t attend in person. Being part of a support community helps you feel understood and less alone.

Self-Exclusion Programs

Many jurisdictions and casinos offer self-exclusion tools that allow individuals to ban themselves from gambling venues or websites. By enrolling in a self-exclusion program, you restrict your access to gambling opportunities. For example, casinos will bar you from entry, or online gambling sites will block your account. These programs can be for a set period (like one year or five years) or permanent. Self-exclusion is a powerful way to create a physical barrier to gambling while you work on the psychological aspect. It often requires a formal sign-up, sometimes with an official agency or gambling commission, but it’s usually free and confidential. 

Financial Counseling

Because money troubles often come with gambling, getting advice from a financial counselor can be a huge relief. They help you create a plan to deal with debts, manage your budget, and secure your finances to prevent further harm. They can negotiate with creditors, consolidate debts, or advise on legal options if needed. Some organizations that provide gambling help collaborate with free debt advice services. By regaining control of your finances, you reduce one trigger for relapse (the panic over money) and can start rebuilding your economic stability. 

Help for Relatives and Loved Ones

Support isn’t just for the person who gambles. Family members and friends affected by someone’s gambling problem often need guidance and emotional support too. Counselors can educate family members on how to set healthy boundaries, how to support the gambler’s recovery without enabling the behavior, and how to cope with the stress and emotional pain caused by the addiction. Some helplines and clinics offer family counseling sessions or programs for spouses/partners. It’s crucial for loved ones to seek help for themselves, as dealing with a gambling problem in the family can be traumatic and exhausting. 

You can combine all these forms of support. For instance, a person might call a hotline for immediate help, attend meetings weekly, see a therapist, and use self-exclusion to stay away from casinos. There is no universally applicable solution. The right mix depends on the individual’s situation, the severity of the problem, and personal preferences. The key is knowing that these resources exist and reaching out sooner rather than later.

Resources for Problem Gamblers

Different countries and regions have dedicated services to help people with gambling problems. It’s best to reach out to resources in your area, since they’ll understand the local context and can connect you to nearby support. Before you dial a number or visit a website, double-check that the details are current, because helpline numbers and web addresses can sometimes change. 

International & Online Resources

If local support is not available or accessible, international services can offer immediate alternatives. Below is a list of established platforms that provide remote help, including online meetings, multilingual support, and tools for both individuals and families.

Contacts in USA

Below is a regularly updated list of support meetings by region, including time, location, and Zoom access details. Use this table to find a relevant session in your area.

Contacts in Canada

In Canada, each province has resources for problem gambling. Here are a few examples of helplines and organizations that can assist you:

Contacts in Europe

If you’re in Europe, here are some handy helplines and organizations by country that can support you in dealing with a gambling problem:

Contacts in Australia

Australian states and territories offer specialized gambling support services. Use this table to quickly find assistance available in your region.

Contacts in LATAM

For those in Latin American countries, there are also dedicated services:

What to Do When You Call: How Support Lines Work

Reaching out to a gambling helpline for the first time can feel intimidating. You might wonder who will answer and what they’ll say. When you dial the number, a trained professional, usually a counselor experienced with gambling issues, will answer with a friendly greeting. They might ask, “How can I help you today?” This is your cue to share what you're going through. You can explain as much or as little as you feel comfortable. Keep in mind that the person on the other end has talked to many others in similar situations. 

Anonymity and Confidentiality: You generally do not have to give your name or any identifying details if you don’t want to. The conversation is confidential. Feel free to speak openly. The more honest you are about what’s happening, the better they can assist. Helpline staff understand the courage it takes to call, and they handle calls with care and empathy. Many helplines also offer services in multiple languages or have translation available, so you can request support in your preferred language if needed.

What they might ask: The counselor may ask some questions to understand your situation. For example, they could ask how long gambling has been an issue, what forms of gambling are involved (casino, sports betting, etc.), and how it’s affecting you (financially, emotionally, etc.). They might inquire if you’ve tried to stop before, or if you have any immediate safety concerns (such as suicidal thoughts or severe distress). These questions are not meant to pry. They help the counselor assess whether you need any urgent intervention and what kind of resources or referrals will be most useful. Be as honest as you can. If you’re calling because of someone else’s gambling problem (e.g., a family member), they will ask about that person’s situation and how you’re coping.

What help they provide: Beyond listening, the counselor will typically provide information and guidance. This can include explaining treatment options (like therapy, support groups, etc.), providing you contact information for local services (counselors, clinics, GA meetings), and suggesting practical steps you can take immediately (such as self-exclusion or setting up blocks, as discussed earlier). They might offer to send you follow-up materials via email or direct you to an online self-help resource. In many cases, they can directly refer you to professionals. For instance, they can arrange an appointment for you with a nearby gambling counselor or connect you with a peer support specialist. Some helplines maintain databases of certified treatment providers and can help fast-track you to appropriate help.

Different contact methods: Support lines now come in various forms. A phone call is traditional and allows for voice conversation. If you choose a text line or chat service, the dynamics are similar except you’ll be typing. The counselor on the other end of a chat will introduce themselves and then ask how they can help, much like a phone call. Feel free to type as much as you want to explain your situation. They will reply with questions or support in a conversational text format. Some people find it easier to open up in writing. The effectiveness is comparable. What matters is that you use the medium you're most comfortable with. 

Before you call or chat: Find a quiet, private space so you can speak freely. If you have any pertinent information, like a rough timeline of your gambling (e.g., “I’ve been struggling for 3 years, lost about $20,000, and tried to quit twice”) or specific questions (“What kind of treatment is available near me?”), jot those down. You don’t need a detailed story – the person will guide the conversation, but knowing what key points you want to convey can ease your nerves. Also, be prepared for some emotions to surface. It’s normal to feel ashamed or upset when talking about addiction, but remember the helpline counselor has heard it all and will not judge you. 

Many people describe calling a helpline as the moment things started to change for the better.

Tips for Choosing the Right Service

With many options available, you might wonder which resource to contact first. Consider these pointers to find a service that fits your needs:

1. First, clarify what kind of help you’re looking for. Is it immediate emotional support during a crisis? Are you seeking ongoing therapy to address a serious addiction? Is it practical assistance with financial matters? Different services serve different purposes. For example, a 24/7 hotline or online chat is great for immediate support and information, while a scheduled therapy session or support group addresses longer-term recovery. If you’re not sure, a general helpline or a gambling addiction resource center can help assess your needs and point you in the right direction.
2. It’s often best to start with resources in your country or region, as they’ll be familiar with local laws, treatment centers, and options. A local service is more likely to offer help in your primary language, too. If you’re more comfortable speaking a certain language, look for services that accommodate it – many national helplines offer multilingual support. On the other hand, if local options are very limited or you want anonymity away from your community, an international helpline or online service can fill the gap.
3. Some people prefer talking on the phone, while others might find it easier to chat online or meet face-to-face. Choose a format that you’re comfortable with. If you’re in distress at 3 AM, a service that operates 24/7 (like major hotlines) is crucial. If you have a busy schedule or cannot travel, look for help that’s accessible remotely (phone/online) or offers flexible appointment times. Make sure the service you pick aligns with when and how you’re able to engage.
4. When opting for professional help like a therapist or treatment program, verify that they have experience with gambling addiction. An addiction counselor or psychologist who specializes in gambling or at least behavioral addictions will likely be more attuned to your issues than one who doesn’t. You might ask if the counselor is certified in gambling counseling or if a rehab program has a track record of gambling disorders. For support groups, see if there’s a GA meeting or similar group nearby (if one doesn’t work, try another).
5. If you are seeking help for a loved one or your family is deeply affected, consider services that include them. Some programs offer family therapy or have parallel support groups for loved ones. Involving family in the recovery process can be beneficial, but only if done in a healthy, guided way. So a tip here is: if you’re helping someone else, you can start by calling a helpline yourself for advice on how to handle it. They might direct you to family support resources or give tips on interventions.
6. Virtually all initial support is free. However, longer-term treatment, such as therapy sessions and rehab programs, may incur costs. Check if the service is free or covered by insurance. Some regions have government-funded treatment for problem gambling. Financial considerations should never stop you from seeking help – if money is an issue, mention that. Many counselors offer sliding scale fees, and some nonprofits provide free counseling to those in need. Helplines can often help you find low-cost or free options.

You should feel comfortable and safe with the service or person you’re working with. It’s okay to “shop around” a bit. If your first call to a helpline doesn’t go well (perhaps rare, but maybe you didn’t vibe with the counselor), you can call again and speak to someone else. If a therapist isn’t a good fit, it’s fine to look for a different one. Recovery is a personal journey, and building trust is important.

What to Do If There’s No Local Hotline

No local hotline does not mean no help. It may require a bit more research and reaching out to multiple channels, but help is available.

• Use International Helplines: Many national gambling helplines will accept calls or chats from outside their region, especially if there’s no equivalent in your country. Additionally, some countries have regional helplines that serve multiple nearby nations or have specific language lines (e.g., a hotline in Spain that might support all Spanish-speaking individuals in Latin America). Check our International Resources section above for contacts – some are explicitly global in scope.
• Reach Out to General Mental Health or Addiction Services: Counselors on those lines are trained in a variety of crises, including addictions. They might not have gambling-specific resources to offer, but they can help you cope with emotional distress and might know of general addiction support in your area. Similarly, you could reach out to a local psychologist or counselor, even if they don't specialize in gambling. Many have experience with a range of addictive behaviors or can consult specialists.
• Remote Therapy: Some national gambling councils offer telephone counseling if you’re remote. Also, private therapists might offer online sessions. Try searching for certified gambling counselors who offer online services. 
• Online Support Groups and Forums: These can be accessed anytime and provide a sense of community. While they don’t replace professional help, they are immensely valuable for moral support and practical tips. You can post about your struggles, ask questions, and get responses from others who have similar lived experiences. Many find that being part of an online recovery community keeps them accountable and motivated, especially when local in-person networks are lacking.
• Local Community Resources: Some countries have community education or church groups for addiction that might welcome someone struggling with gambling. Look into any NGOs or charities dealing with financial counseling or mental health. They might not advertise gambling help specifically, but if you reach out and explain, they could offer assistance or guide you to resources.
• Self-Help Strategies: If professional help is delayed or unavailable, focus on what you can do on your own right now. Taking these proactive steps can provide some protection and relief while you continue seeking external support. For example, you might not have a hotline to call tonight, but you can still uninstall gambling apps, use a blocking tool on your devices, or confide in a friend and ask them to hold you accountable. These actions can stabilize your situation in the short term.

Tools for Immediate Self-Help

While reaching out to professionals and support networks is crucial, there are also immediate self-help tools and strategies you can implement to regain control. Here are some effective tools for immediate self-help:

Self-Exclusion Programs

One of the most powerful steps is to voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling venues and websites. To use them, you typically sign up through a gambling authority or directly with the venue. For online gambling, check if your country has a unified scheme (e.g., the UK’s responsible gambling program GAMSTOP covers all licensed sites). If there’s no unified program, go to each gambling site you use, log in to your account settings, and look for “Self-Exclusion” or “Responsible Gambling” options. Most sites let you exclude yourself for a set period or permanently. It puts a literal barrier between you and the bet. Even if the urge strikes, the option to gamble won’t be readily available, giving you time to reconsider and seek healthier coping strategies.

Gambling Blockers (Apps & Software)

Tools like Gamban, BetBlocker, and GamBlock can be installed on your devices to proactively block thousands of gambling websites and apps. Most work across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, so you can cover your phone, tablet, and computer in one go. To get started, visit the official website of one of these blockers (for example, search for Gamban or BetBlocker) and follow the download instructions. Some require a small fee or subscription, but consider it an investment in your recovery. Others, like BetBlocker, are free. After installation, if you try to access a gambling site, you’ll simply get a message that it’s blocked. 

Blocking Financial Transactions

Another immediate step is to cut off the flow of money to gambling. Many banks and financial institutions now offer a feature to block gambling transactions on credit cards or debit cards. Log in to your online banking or banking app and see if there’s a “Gambling Block” option in the card controls and if so, activate it. If you can’t find it, call your bank and ask if they provide this service. Activating a gambling block means any attempt to deposit money into betting sites or purchase lottery tickets with that card will be declined. Some banks even have a built-in delay mechanism. Once you turn on the block, you cannot turn it off for 48 hours or so, which helps prevent impulsive reactivation.