24/07/2023
The first step on the road to recovery is recognising that there is a problem. Gambling addiction, like any other addiction, can be challenging to acknowledge. It often hides in plain sight, camouflaged as a harmless hobby, an escape from stress or by loss chasing. The shift from casual gambling to problem gambling can happen quickly, making it even more difficult to spot. By acknowledging that you're caught in a relentless cycle where gambling is no longer just a recreational activity but a compulsive need, you've taken the most crucial step toward a healthier and balanced life.
But having acknowledged the issue, asking for help might seem daunting. But there is no shame in doing so. It takes courage and strength to confront our issues, and that's exactly what you're doing when you seek help. It shows your willingness to change, to focus on self-improvement, and to work towards regaining control over your life.
Now that you’re ready to talk to someone, where do you start?
Gambling Helplines
Many countries offer a Gambling Helpline for those struggling with gambling addiction. These helplines are generally available around the clock, providing immediate assistance, guidance, and support whenever needed. Whether you're dealing with an urgent crisis or simply need someone to talk to about your struggles, these helplines can be a lifeline, helping you navigate your recovery.
Aside from these, numerous non-profit organizations and recovery groups also operate helplines for those affected by gambling problems. Many offer additional resources, such as connections to support groups, assistance with financial management, and help in developing a recovery plan.
Here is a list of some of the major gambling helplines you can call, sorted by country.
Country - UK
National Helpline - GamCare
Languages Offered - English
GamCare offers free information, support and counselling for people who have problems with gambling in the UK. Gamban can be accessed for free through GamCare’s National Gambling Helpline.
Phone number - 0808 8020 133
Open 24/7
Services Offered - Phone / SMS / Live Chat / Email
Find out more about GamCare here - talkbanstop.com
Country - US
National Gambling Helpline
Languages Offered - English
The National Gambling Helpline offers free practical advice and support to anyone affected by gambling across all states in the US.
Phone number - 1-800-GAMBLER
Open 24/7
Services Offered - Phone / SMS
Find out more about National Gambling Helpline here - https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/national-helpline-1-800-522-4700/
Country - Canada
Canada Safety Council
While Canada doesn’t have a centralised helpline, there are still many options available for you.
Follow the link below to find the helpline in your area - https://canadasafetycouncil.org/gambling-addiction/
Country - Australia
Gambling Help Online
Languages Offered - English / Interpreter Service Available
Gambling Help Online offers free information, guidance and specialist treatment for people experiencing problems with gambling in Australia.
Phone number - 1800 858 858
Open 24/7
Services Offered - Phone / SMS / Live Chat
Find out more about Gambling Help Online here - https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/
Country - New Zealand
PGF Services
Languages Offered - English / Cantonese Chinese / Chinese / Korean / Japanese / Mandarin Chinese / Samoan / Tongan / Thai / Hindi / Vietnamese
PGF Services offers free information, resources, tools and support for people experiencing problems with gambling in New Zealand.
Phone number - 0800 664 262
Open between 8.30 am and 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday
Services Offered - Phone / SMS / Live Chat
Find out more about PGF Services here - https://www.pgf.nz/
Country - Spain
Fejar
Languages Offered - Spanish / Catalan / Basque / Galician / English
Fejar offers free, anonymous, and confidential support for people who have problems with gambling in Spain.
Phone number - 900 200 225
Open 24/7
Services Offered - Phone Available
Find out more about Fejar here - https://fejar.org/
Country - France
SOS Joueurs
Languages Offered - French
SOS Joueurs offers free information, support and resources for people who have problems with gambling in France.
Phone number - 09 69 39 55 12
Open 24/7
Services Offered - Phone / Email
Find out more about SOS Joueurs here - https://sosjoueurs.org/
Country - Germany
Gluecksspielsucht
Languages Offered - German
Gluecksspielsucht offers free guidance and counselling for people experiencing problems with gambling in Germany.
Phone number - 0800 0776611
Open 24/7
Services Offered - Phone Available
Find out more about Gluecksspielsucht here - https://www.gluecksspielsucht.de/
Country - Finland
Peluuri
Languages Offered - Finnish / English / Swedish
Peluuri offers free tools, support and counselling for people who have problems with gambling in Finland.
Phone number - 0800 100 101
Phone Available - Mon-Fri 12-6 pm
Live Chat Available - Mon, Wed and Fri from 12-3 pm
Services Offered - Phone / Live Chat
Find out more about Peluuri here - https://www.peluuri.fi/
Country - Norway
Hjelplinjen
Languages Offered - Norwegian / English
Hjelplinjen offers free information, support and counselling for people who have problems with gambling in Norway.
Phone number - 0800 24 000 22
Phone Available - Mon - Friday, 9 am to 6 pm Live Chat Available - Mon - Friday, 11 am to 3 pm
Services Offered - Phone / Live Chat / Email
Find out more about Hjelplinjen here - https://hjelpelinjen.no/
Country - Sweden
Stodlinjen
Languages Offered - Swedish / English / Interpreter Service Available
Stodlinjen offers free information, anonymous, and confidential counselling for people who have problems with gambling in Sweden.
Phone number - 900 200 225
Phone Available - non-holiday days, Monday 9 am to 7 pm, Tuesday 9 am to 5 pm, Wednesday 9 am to 5 pm, Thursday 11 am to 7 pm and Friday 9 am to 3 pm.
Services Offered - Phone
Find out more about Stodlinjen here - https://stodlinjen.se/
Country - Netherlands
Loket Kansspel
Languages Offered - Dutch / English
Loket Kansspel offers free information, help, guidance and support for people who have problems with gambling in the Netherlands.
Phone number - 0800 24 000 22
Open 8 am and 12 pm.
Services Offered - Phone / SMS / Live Chat
Find out more about Loket Kansspel here - https://www.loketkansspel.nl/
No matter where you are in the world, there is always someone available to support you towards recovery. Gambling Helplines exist to provide guidance, resources, and customised treatment plans to individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
Professional help can take many forms, including one-on-one therapy, group meetings, financial advice, and other recovery techniques that offer strategies and resources to help control gambling urges, identify root issues, and avoid relapse.
By seeking help and openly discussing what you’re going through, you can gain the necessary support and empathy to overcome addiction. Remember that you are not alone in this journey. Whether it's yourself, a friend or a family member, it's never too late to ask for help.
