Access Expert Gambling Support
Explore practical advice and resources tailored for gambling recovery.
Gambling Blocking Software
However, there are several alternative products that you may find more suitable, which we’ve outlined below. These are examples of gambling-specific blocking software. Some are free to use, while others may require payment.
Gamblock
www.gamblock.com (Windows computers and Android phones)
BetBlocker
https://betblocker.org/ (Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android and Fire OS)
Netnanny
www.netnanny.com – Netnanny is a general blocking software and has capability on Windows computers, ioS, and Android phones.
Overcoming Gambling Challenges with Trusted Support
Explore key gambling issues and discover practical advice tailored to help individuals in the UK and USA regain control.
Practical Advice for Gambling Recovery in the UK
Recovering from gambling harms is possible—and there is an expanding network of support and resources throughout the UK. Here’s a collection of practical steps and resources tailored to help you or someone you care about:
1. Take Immediate Steps to Reduce Harm
- Block gambling access: Use self-exclusion tools like GAMSTOP (for online gambling) and ask betting shops to exclude you in person. Many banks (like Monzo) also allow you to block gambling transactions directly from your account12.
- Replace gambling with healthy habits: Engage in activities such as walking, hobbies, or time with non-gambling friends to fill the void and build positive routines13.
- Identify and avoid triggers: Observe when and why you feel the urge and create alternatives for those moments, like calling a friend or starting a new activity4.
2. Access Professional and Peer Support
- NHS Gambling Clinics: Self-refer or ask your GP. Clinics offer therapy, mental health support, and help for family members. There are now multiple specialist clinics across England, with helplines and online services accessible UK-wide567.
- The National Gambling Helpline by GamCare: Free, confidential advice 24/7 at 0808 8020 133—available via phone, live chat, and WhatsApp. GamCare also offers online chatrooms and forums for peer support89.
- Charity and Local Support Services: GambleAware and the National Gambling Support Network—find local services using their service finder tool for confidential and tailored assistance101112.
3. Join Support Groups
- Gamblers Anonymous: Regular meetings throughout the UK based on a 12-step recovery model. Find a group near you13.
- SMART Recovery: Modern, evidence-based support focusing on self-management strategies14.
- Gam-Anon: For family and friends seeking understanding and shared experience14.
- Gamtalk: An online forum providing a safe space for people to share and support each other142.
4. Get Help With Finances and Mental Health
- Debt advice: Organisations like Citizens Advice Bureau and Debt Line can help address gambling-related debt and offer financial management advice62.
- Mental health: If anxiety, depression, or stress are present, the NHS can offer counselling and sometimes medication support. GP visits can also help monitor overall health, including potential impacts on heart and brain health624.
- Emergency support: If you feel at risk of self-harm, contact NHS urgent mental health services or The Samaritans at 116 123—available 24/711.
5. Make Recovery Sustainable
- Tell trusted others: Confiding in family or a close friend can help you stay accountable and supported14.
- Focus on ‘one day at a time’: Set small, achievable goals for reducing or not gambling.
- Relapse prevention: If you feel the urge to gamble or have a slip, reach out to your sponsor, a helpline, or a support group immediately4.
Key UK Resources Table
| Resource/Group | Description | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| GamCare Helpline | 24/7 phone, live chat, WhatsApp support | 0808 8020 133, gamcare.org.uk8 |
| NHS Gambling Clinics | Therapy and recovery services | Self-refer, GP referral65 |
| GambleAware | National support network, local finder | gambleaware.org |
| Gamblers Anonymous | Peer support meetings UK-wide | gamblersanonymous.org.uk |
| GAMSTOP | Online self-exclusion | gamstop.co.uk |
| Monzo & UK Banks | Gambling transaction blocking | Through banking apps/websites |
| Citizens Advice | Financial and legal support | citizensadvice.org.uk |
| The Samaritans | Emotional crisis helpline 24/7 | 116 123 |
Remember: Overcoming gambling issues is a journey. Utilise both professional help and peer support, put barriers between you and gambling opportunities, replace harmful habits with positive ones, and seek financial and emotional assistance as needed. Each step forward, no matter how small, is part of your recovery816.
- https://www.jostrust.org.uk/information/how-to-help-someone-with-a-gambling-addiction/
- https://www.brownlowhealth.co.uk/problem-gambling/
- https://www.emsworthmedical.co.uk/pages/Gambling-Addiction
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/compulsive-gambling/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355184
- https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-support-for-nhs-to-treat-gambling-addiction
- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/gambling-addiction/
- https://www.ainsdalemedicalcentre.nhs.uk/practice-information/addiction-help-is-available/
- https://www.gamcare.org.uk
- https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/page/organisations-that-can-help
- https://www.gambleaware.org
- https://www.gambleaware.org/tools-and-support/support-in-your-area/
- https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/health/gambling/support-and-treatment-for-gambling/
- https://gamblersanonymous.org.uk
- https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/peer-support-resources/
- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/drug-addiction-getting-help/
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/gambling-advice-for-family-and-friends
- https://www.ukat.co.uk/addiction/behavioural/gambling/
- https://gordonmoody.org.uk
- https://fisd.oxfordshire.gov.uk/kb5/oxfordshire/directory/advice.page?id=0-g1M6UzMeU
- https://www.recovery4all.co.uk/gambling-harms-services/
Practical Advice and Resources for Gambling Recovery in the USA
Recovery from gambling problems is possible, and the USA offers a broad range of practical supports, advice, and resources. Here’s a tailored guide to help you or someone you care about take positive steps toward recovery:
1. Take Immediate Steps to Reduce Harm
- Block gambling access: Consider using software blockers like Gamban, BetBlocker, or GamBlock, which can restrict access to online gambling sites. Many states and casinos also support voluntary self-exclusion programs—these allow you to ban yourself from physical casinos or online platforms for set periods. A new nationwide self-exclusion program (NVSEP) is launching soon, which will let you block yourself across multiple states in one process12.
- Replace gambling with healthier habits: Fill your time with enjoyable, non-gambling activities, such as sports, arts, hobbies, or time with supportive friends and family.
- Identify and avoid triggers: Notice when and why the urge to gamble arises and plan healthy alternatives for those moments, such as reaching out to a friend, exercising, or practicing relaxation techniques.
2. Access Professional and Peer Support
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700 for free, confidential support available 24/7 across the USA. This service connects you to local organizations, financial counseling, treatment providers, and more345.
- State and local support services: The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) provides a state-by-state resource map to find help near you65.
- Counseling and Treatment: Many therapists specialize in gambling disorder and offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is supported by evidence as highly effective for gambling addiction7.
- Local clinics: Some states have dedicated problem gambling clinics—ask your state department of health or use the helpline for guidance.
3. Join Support Groups
- Gamblers Anonymous: Nationwide peer support meetings based on the 12-step program are available in most cities. Meetings offer confidential, lived-experience sharing for those struggling with gambling issues4.
- SMART Recovery: Offers science-based self-management and recovery tools, including online and in-person groups, for overcoming gambling and other addictive behaviors7.
- Gam-Anon: A support group specifically for friends and family of people with gambling problems.
- Online options: Forums and support networks like Gambling Therapy offer global online advice and emotional support8.
4. Get Help With Finances and Mental Health
- Debt and financial counseling: Many call centers and local organizations offer help managing gambling-related debt and building financial responsibility.
- Mental health support: Gambling addiction often co-occurs with anxiety, depression, or substance use. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline (1-800-662-HELP) provide immediate help.
- Emergency help: If you or a loved one experiences a mental health crisis, call 911 or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
5. Make Recovery Sustainable
- Confide in someone you trust: Sharing your journey with close family or friends can help keep you accountable.
- Take it one day at a time: Set realistic, daily goals for reducing or refraining from gambling.
- After a slip: Contact your sponsor, support group, or helpline immediately for help.
Key US Resources Table
| Resource/Group | Description | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| National Problem Gambling Helpline | 24/7 call, text, chat, info & referrals | 1-800-GAMBLER, 1-800-522-4700345 |
| Gamblers Anonymous | Peer support, 12-step meetings | gamblersanonymous.org |
| SMART Recovery | Modern, evidence-based online & in-person groups | smartrecovery.org/gambling-addiction7 |
| State Self-Exclusion Programs | Voluntary exclusion from venues & platforms | See state gaming commission, or NCPG12 |
| Nationwide Self-Exclusion (NVSEP) | Soon: block gambling in all regulated states | Launching 2025, details via NCPG1 |
| Debt & Financial Help | Assist with managing gambling debt | Via Helpline/State resources |
| Gam-Anon | Support for family/friends | gam-anon.org |
| Gambling Therapy | Free global online support | gamblingtherapy.org8 |
| Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 24/7 crisis help | 988 |
Remember: Every step forward—no matter how small—builds your recovery. Tap into both professional and peer resources, create distance from gambling opportunities, develop healthy alternatives, and reach out for emotional and financial help if needed. You don’t have to do it alone.
- https://igamingbusiness.com/sustainable-gambling/responsible-gambling/us-set-for-first-national-self-exclusion-scheme/
- https://gamban.com/blog/taking-control-a-guide-to-gambling-self-exclusion-programs-in-america
- https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/
- https://onlinedegrees.unr.edu/blog/gambling-addiction-resources/
- https://www.ncpgambling.org
- https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/help-by-state/
- https://smartrecovery.org/gambling-addiction
- https://gamblingtherapy.org
- https://www.gambleaware.org
- https://www.gamcare.org.uk
- https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/gambling/
- https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/guide/page/organisations-that-can-help
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4016676/
- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/gambling-addiction/
- https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now/
- https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/addiction/gambling-addiction-and-problem-gambling
- https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/public-and-players/page/self-exclusion
- https://gordonmoody.org.uk
- https://www.gambleaware.org/tools-and-support/national-gambling-support-network/
- https://www.gambleaware.org/tools-and-support/gambling-blocking-and-self-exclusion/