Self-exclusion Programs Available Across Different American States

Gambling self-exclusion schemes are available throughout the US

Taking Control - A Guide to Gambling Self-Exclusion Programs in America

Gambling self-exclusion schemes are available throughout the US

Find a Gambling Helpline Near You

Are you struggling with gambling addiction? Find a Gambling Helpline near you

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?<h3 class="thin">Gambling Helplines</h3>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. <img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/128c5e7c-c6ba-404c-bf70-51d65485ffb3.jpg" /> Country - UK  National Helpline - GamCare Languages Offered - EnglishGamCare 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 133Open 24/7Services Offered - Phone / SMS / Live Chat / EmailFind out more about GamCare here - <a href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/talk/">talkbanstop.com</a><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/ff2a84ea-1f8c-4897-97f5-bcb47882001d.jpg" /> 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-GAMBLEROpen 24/7Services Offered - Phone / SMS Find out more about National Gambling Helpline here - <a href="https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/national-helpline-1-800-522-4700/">https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/national-helpline-1-800-522-4700/</a>  <img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/631679b5-8ffc-495f-ad32-2b4d768c5f9c.jpg" /> Country - Canada Canada Safety CouncilWhile 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 - <a href="https://canadasafetycouncil.org/gambling-addiction/">https://canadasafetycouncil.org/gambling-addiction/</a> <img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/930cb78f-0ba7-43dd-a3ab-801deed0c88a.jpg" />Country - Australia Gambling Help Online Languages Offered - English / Interpreter Service AvailableGambling Help Online offers free information, guidance and specialist treatment for people experiencing problems with gambling in Australia. Phone number - 1800 858 858Open 24/7Services Offered - Phone / SMS / Live Chat Find out more about Gambling Help Online  here - <a href="https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/">https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/</a>   <figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/a1c9716b-4ec8-4c79-a84f-c4ca793fa30e.jpg" /></figure>  Country - New Zealand PGF Services Languages Offered - English / Cantonese Chinese / Chinese / Korean / Japanese / Mandarin Chinese / Samoan / Tongan / Thai / Hindi / VietnamesePGF Services offers free information, resources, tools and support for people experiencing problems with gambling in New Zealand.Phone number - 0800 664 262Open between 8.30 am and 5.00 pm, Monday to FridayServices Offered - Phone / SMS / Live Chat Find out more about PGF Services here - <a href="https://www.pgf.nz/">https://www.pgf.nz/</a>   <figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/bb2f020f-c6bb-4d21-8bec-86c2fe816be5.jpg" /></figure>  Country - Spain Fejar Languages Offered - Spanish / Catalan / Basque / Galician / EnglishFejar offers free, anonymous, and confidential support for people who have problems with gambling in Spain.Phone number - 900 200 225Open 24/7Services Offered - Phone AvailableFind out more about Fejar here - <a href="https://fejar.org/">https://fejar.org/</a>  <img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/9979a172-3a21-4de6-a6db-d870a18c1a98.jpg" /> Country - France SOS Joueurs Languages Offered - FrenchSOS Joueurs offers free information, support and resources for people who have problems with gambling in France.Phone number - 09 69 39 55 12Open 24/7Services Offered - Phone / EmailFind out more about SOS Joueurs here - <a href="https://sosjoueurs.org/">https://sosjoueurs.org/</a>   <figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/e8624b2f-443d-49b4-a586-df5300270b75.jpg" /></figure>  Country - Germany ​​Gluecksspielsucht Languages Offered - GermanGluecksspielsucht offers free guidance and counselling for people experiencing problems with gambling in Germany.Phone number - 0800 0776611Open 24/7Services Offered - Phone AvailableFind out more about ​​Gluecksspielsucht  here - <a href="https://www.gluecksspielsucht.de/">https://www.gluecksspielsucht.de/</a>  <figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/283eaa72-8d0d-4d30-8ab4-6c90c965cb10.jpg" /></figure>  Country - Finland Peluuri Languages Offered - Finnish / English / SwedishPeluuri offers free tools, support and counselling for people who have problems with gambling in Finland.Phone number - 0800 100 101Phone Available - Mon-Fri 12-6 pmLive Chat Available - Mon, Wed and Fri from 12-3 pmServices Offered - Phone / Live Chat Find out more about Peluuri  here - <a href="https://www.peluuri.fi/">https://www.peluuri.fi/</a><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/3ed683e2-a746-4462-a041-a45829831ad3.jpg" /> Country - Norway Hjelplinjen  Languages Offered - Norwegian / EnglishHjelplinjen offers free information, support and counselling for people who have problems with gambling in Norway.Phone number - 0800 24 000 22Phone Available - Mon - Friday, 9 am to 6 pm Live Chat Available - Mon - Friday, 11 am to 3 pmServices Offered - Phone / Live Chat / EmailFind out more about Hjelplinjen here - <a href="https://hjelpelinjen.no/">https://hjelpelinjen.no/</a>  <figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/51c44e71-7510-4425-b8f6-75e1d619e802.jpg" /></figure>Country - Sweden Stodlinjen Languages Offered - Swedish / English / Interpreter Service AvailableStodlinjen offers free information, anonymous, and confidential counselling for people who have problems with gambling in Sweden.Phone number - 900 200 225Phone 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 - <a href="https://stodlinjen.se/">https://stodlinjen.se/</a> <figure class="image"><img src="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/img/b556480b-25cf-4ba3-869d-59ded659103e.jpg" /></figure>Country - Netherlands Loket Kansspel Languages Offered - Dutch / EnglishLoket Kansspel offers free information, help, guidance and support for people who have problems with gambling in the Netherlands.Phone number - 0800 24 000 22Open 8 am and 12 pm.Services Offered - Phone / SMS / Live Chat Find out more about Loket Kansspel  here - <a href="https://www.loketkansspel.nl/">https://www.loketkansspel.nl/</a> 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.

Gambling Helplines - Finding Help Near You

How Much Is Too Much?

The Hidden Costs of Gambling

Whether it’s buying a lottery ticket, betting on a big match or playing online slots, many of us have gambled at some point in our lives. A little over £14 billion was spent on gambling in the UK last year, with more than 420,000 gamblers in Britain losing at least £2,000 a year, 3.1% of UK gamblers having bet more than they can afford to lose, and 7% of gamblers saying they did so as a way to “earn money to get by day-to-day”.Using gambling as a way to get your hands on a bit more money may sound appealing, but the odds of it working out that way make it virtually impossible in the long run. Gambling should never be used as a way to make money, as it can very quickly spiral out of control. Chasing a bigger win, or upping your bet to make back what you’ve lost are common traits that lead to losses spiralling out of control.<h3 class="thin">How Much Do I Spend?</h3>When it comes to gambling, it's easy to lose track of how much you're spending, especially when caught up in the excitement of it. Everyone spends a different amount, but it’s important to work out exactly how much you are spending. Take a long hard look at your finances, how much have you spent on gambling in total? Do you gamble regularly? In that case, how much do you spend on average? Do you set yourself limits?GambleAware offers a tool to help you calculate your true gambling cost, which might help put your spending into perspective. Find out more here: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.begambleaware.org/spend-calculator">https://www.begambleaware.org/spend-calculator</a>If you find that you're struggling to control your spending, that could be a sign you're developing an addiction.<h3 class="thin">How Much Is Too Much?</h3>While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to “How Much Is Too Much?”, it’s important to know your limits. If you’re unable to pay for bills, rent, basic amenities, or even to afford certain luxuries, that’s a sign you may be spending too much on gambling. If your gambling gets in the way of what you really want, you’re spending too much. If you’ve forgotten how to enjoy something other than gambling, it might be time to reconsider your relationship with it.<h3 class="thin">The Financial Consequences of Gambling Addiction</h3>Financial consequences can include accumulating debt, using money intended for other essential expenses such as bills, and financial hardship. If you are spending more than you can afford, you may find yourself in a situation where you cannot meet your financial obligations, which can lead to stress, anxiety, and even legal issues. Below, we go into more detail about the possible situations some may find themselves in. Debt Gambling addiction can lead to mounting debts as some may use credit cards, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/payday-loans-and-gambling">loans</a> or borrow from friends and family to finance their gambling. This could result in financial ruin, damaged credit score and even bankruptcy.Loss of savingsSome may even use their savings or retirement funds to finance their gambling, leaving them with little or no savings for emergencies or retirement.Job lossGambling addiction may cause some to miss work, be late, or to perform poorly due to the effects of gambling, and could lead to them losing their job.Gambling addiction can have devastating effects that go beyond just financial loss. Individuals who struggle with gambling addiction may experience negative impacts on their self-esteem, physical and mental health, and relationships with others. The consequences of gambling addiction can be far-reaching and may affect not only you but also those around you. <h3 class="thin">Breaking the Cycle of Overspending</h3>The first step is to acknowledge that you have a problem with overspending on and over-engagement with gambling. This can be difficult, but it is important to be honest with yourself. Many people find themselves in this position, so you are not alone. The best thing you can do for yourself moving forward is to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/top-10-tips-to-stop-gambling-online">avoid the temptation to gamble</a>. Gamban is one option to help you <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling">abstain from all online gambling</a>, blocking your devices, to give you the peace of mind of knowing that even if you wanted to gamble on your smartphone or computer, you can’t. It’s also important to find support. Whether that’s someone close to you, a trusted family member, a close friend or spouse. You could even reach out to others like you on online forums or gambling support groups, such as GamCare’s: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/forum/">https://www.gamcare.org.uk/forum/</a>Are you struggling with debt because of your gambling? You are not alone. There are many organisations out there that can help you get your finances back on track. Find out more about these organisations <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/struggling-with-gambling-debt">here</a>.

Am I Spending Too Much On Gambling?

When it comes to gambling, it's easy to lose track of how much you're spending.

Talking to loved ones can be a crucial step towards seeking support

Having open and honest communication with loved ones can be a crucial step towards seeking the support necessary for recovery

We all face tough moments and critical junctures in our lives. Some people might openly share their emotions, while others tend to keep their feelings and struggles to themselves.Addictions, including gambling, can greatly influence a person's actions. Opening up about these struggles to a loved one can be difficult, but can be an essential step towards recovery.<h3 class="thin"> </h3><h3 class="thin">Detecting The Problem In Time</h3>If you suspect that you have a gambling problem, remember that you're not alone, many people have been exactly where you are. The first step in sharing your struggles is <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/signs-you-might-be-addicted-to-gambling">recognising and admitting that you might have a problem.</a>Gambling addiction can wreak havoc on personal relationships, leading to communication breakdowns with those closest to you. The preoccupation with gambling, combined with financial stress and the pursuit of lost money, can cause you to neglect those closest to you.It is natural to feel hesitant to open up, it takes a lot of courage to be vulnerable. Accepting that you're facing a gambling problem is tough, but discussing your situation with friends and family is a crucial step towards your recovery. Your loved ones can offer emotional support, help set boundaries, and support you. It's important to remember that admitting to a problem and seeking help isn't a sign of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/gambling-shame-and-stigma">weakness</a> but rather a brave step on the road to recovery.<h3 class="thin">The Benefits of Opening Up</h3>Having open and honest communication with loved ones can be a crucial step towards seeking the support necessary for recovery. Sharing your situation with those close to you can have a significant impact on your recovery process. Matt B., one of the many former addicted gamblers who has struggled with gambling has shared his experience of talking to his family and how much it has helped him to open up and begin his recovery. “Telling my friends and family about my gambling addiction was the hardest but best conversation I had, they all knew something was up with me the way I was acting out of character but once they knew the reason behind it and being honest for the first time in years it made it easier for them to understand why I was being the way I was, and from then on made it easier to have honest conversations and put support in place and they would look out for me.It is difficult opening up to friends and family and quite often they know something is wrong. They just want to know the reason behind it and from disclosure, it then makes things easier for them to understand and process.” Below are some of the most important reasons why it might be a good idea to talk to your loved ones:Emotional supportSharing your problems and worries with your loved ones can give you the support you need. Your family and friends can help you deal with your feelings and emotions, and offer understanding and empathy. Another perspective Sometimes it is difficult to realise the seriousness of a problem when you are directly involved in it. Those closest to you can offer a different, objective perspective on the situation you are going through. Their observations and advice can be valuable in identifying alternative solutions and support.VisibilityWhen you openly discuss your gambling issues with friends and family, you acknowledge the reality of the situation, making it more difficult to ignore the problem. This openness of your struggles can also be a powerful motivator, inspiring you and those closest to you to face the challenges head-on and seek lasting change.Resources and GuidanceYour loved ones can help you find resources, such as support groups, therapists or treatment programmes, that may be helpful in overcoming problem gambling. They may also be able to give you advice based on their own experiences or expertise.Preventing isolationGambling addiction can create a sense of loneliness and detachment, straining relationships with those around you. Opening up to friends and family about your struggles can bridge the gap and foster reconnection and understanding.<h3 class="thin">Seeking Help Outside Your Family and Friends</h3>While talking to loved ones about your gambling problem can be helpful, some may require professional help. Seeking professional help can provide you with tailored treatment options specific to your needs, such as individual therapy, group sessions, financial counselling, and other recovery methods. These experts can equip you with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/belts-and-braces-why-more-than-one-tool-can-be-helpful">tools and strategies to manage any gambling impulses</a>, identify and address any underlying issues, and support you in preventing relapse.By seeking help and talking openly about the problem, you can get the support and understanding you need to overcome your gambling addiction. It is important to know that you are not alone on this journey and that there are many<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/ban-yourself-from-online-gambling"> resources available to help you</a>.

I Think I Have a Gambling Problem, Who Can I Talk To?

Recognising Warning Signs Early On

How Casual Betting Can Lead to Addiction

The World Cup is one of the most significant sporting events in the world, and the most recent one last year was also the biggest one ever for sports betting. However, the end of the World Cup didn’t mark the end of sports betting activity, which continues to increase worldwide.So, is sports betting on major events like the World Cup, Super Bowl and NBA a problem? If so, you’re not alone. You’re among millions who are sucked into gambling addiction through sports betting.<h3>Here Are Some Warning Signs That  Your Sports Betting Could Be  Getting out of Hand</h3>Time Spent Gambling: You find yourself gambling more often than planned or for longer periods than you intended. You become preoccupied with gambling, constantly thinking about your next bet. You prioritise gambling over other important areas of your life, such as work, family, and social relationships.Lying to Loved Ones: You find yourself lying to yourself or others about the amount of time and money you have bet. Gambling Despite Consequences: You continue to gamble despite experiencing negative consequences such as financial difficulties, relationship problems, or legal issues.Unable to Stop: You have tried to stop gambling but find yourself unable to do so, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit. You experience a loss of control while gambling, chasing losses or placing increasingly risky bets in an attempt to win it back.Using Gambling for Escapism: You rely on gambling to escape problems or negative emotions. Some of these may have been caused by the gambling itself!Borrowing Money to Fund Gambling: You borrow money or resort to illegal activities to fund your gambling habit. Have you gotten into debt or do you find yourself asking others for financial help because large sums of money have been lost through betting?Sports betting can lead to addiction and cause negative consequences financially, professionally, or personally. If you're not sure whether gambling is a problem for you, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/top-10-tips-to-stop-gambling-online">setting limits</a>, being aware of the warning signs, and taking a break could be the first steps to regaining control.Set limits: Set a budget for your sports betting activities and stick to it. It's also important to limit the amount of time you spend betting.Be aware of the warning signs: Keep an eye out for signs indicating when sports betting is becoming a problem. Take a break: Regularly taking breaks from sports betting can help you avoid developing an addiction. Gamban can help remove that temptation and block you from all online gambling. Take time to engage in other activities and spend time with loved ones.If you're struggling with an addiction to sports betting, you can always reach out for help. There are resources available, including support groups and therapy. If you're in the UK, Gamban is free through<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.talkbanstop.com/"> TalkBanStop</a>, which includes support from GamCare and self-exclusion provided by GAMSTOP.GamCare offers a short test where you answer nine questions to understand more about your relationship with gambling. It's completely confidential and won't ask you for any personal information. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamcare.org.uk/understanding-gambling-problems/self-assessment-tool/">Start Your Test</a>

Signs You Might Be Addicted To Sports Betting

Here are some warning signs that your sports betting could be getting out of hand

Our Tips to Help You Stop Gambling Online

Some Ways to Overcome the Urge to Gamble

Modern technology has made us more connected than ever before; unfortunately, this also means that online gambling is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and allows anyone to place bets easily and quickly. Unlimited access to online gambling is just one of many factors that could lead to gambling addiction. In this blog, we’ll go through 10 of our top tips to help you stop gambling online.<h3> Recognising Bad Behaviours</h3>Begin to consider how much money you’re betting and how much time you’re spending gambling. Do you find yourself missing out on spending time with the people you care about because you're focused on your mobile phone? Recognising that you are engaging in harmful and potentially addictive behaviours is an important first step on the road to recovery.  <h3>Plan Your Time</h3>Many people find themselves gambling in their downtime, simply out of boredom. What other ways would you rather spend your time? Rekindling an old hobby? Taking up a new one? Spending time with family and friends?Invest your time in the activities that bring you joy. <h3>Make a List of the Reasons You Should Stop Gambling Online</h3>Perspective is important, and so is remembering that gambling doesn't only affect you. We recommend taking some time to think about the reasons why you should stop gambling and write them down. Some reasons to stop gambling could be to:<ul><li>Spend more quality time with loved ones</li><li>Spend time doing things you enjoy</li><li>Reduce stress</li><li>Avoid or get out of debt</li></ul>There are many reasons for anyone to stop gambling, but what are some personal to you?<h3> Get Back to What You like Doing</h3>Do you have a hobby that you’ve neglected? If the answer is yes, then it's time to revive an old passion. If not, this is an excellent opportunity to try something you've always wanted to do! Fancy yourself an artist? Try painting! Want to take up a sport? Join your local five-a-side! Always wanted to learn another language? Now’s your chance! As with most behavioural addictions, it is essential to replace negative addiction with a more healthy activity. This will help keep you focused on the advantages of your new lifestyle rather than what you are missing out on. <h3>Block Gambling Websites and Apps</h3>Blocking access to online gambling will mean that if you feel the urge to gamble, you won't be able to do it. Gamban is an easy-to-use, non-intrusive tool that, once installed on all your devices, will help you remove the temptation to gamble.It is also very important that you avoid forums or groups where the topics are focused on gambling.   <h3>Consult a Therapist Who Works with Addictions</h3>Gambling addiction can be challenging. Counselling or therapy may be the best course of action. There are many different types of support to suit anyone's needs and recovery journey: You can do it individually, in a group, in specialised centres, or online. <ul><li>One-on-one Support</li></ul>One-on-one support, such as talking with speciality therapists, counsellors and CBT. These types of sessions give you the opportunity to discuss what's on your mind with a professional in a safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental environment.<ul><li>Support Groups</li></ul>However you're feeling, you're not alone. Support groups provide a space for you to connect with others, share your story, and hear from others like you.<ul><li>Residential Support </li></ul>If you're struggling to overcome your gambling addiction, residential treatment programmes can be an effective way of helping you to regain control of your life.You can find more information on our <a href="https://gamban.com/es/help">help page</a>. <h3>Distance Yourself from Friends Who Gamble</h3>It can be hard to abstain from something when others around you still participate in it. Gambling is no exception. Spending time with people who gamble often may tempt you to do the same. The best option is to tell your friends or distance yourself from them during your recovery. Your friends should respect your wishes and want to help you with your recovery.  <h3>Ask Someone You Trust to Stand by You and Help Keep an Eye on Your Finances</h3>Having someone to stand by and support you during your recovery journey can be a massive help. You can ask that person to remind you that you are on the right track and that your life is changing for the better.Having someone else keep an eye on your finances will help keep you accountable, as they'll know if you've gambled. Another option is money management services and banks that offer transaction blocking for casinos and online gambling sites. <h3>Reduce Stress with Meditation and Exercise</h3>Stress has been identified as a common trigger for gambling behaviour. Almost half of those undergoing cognitive behavioural therapy for gambling disorders identified negative emotional states, such as stress, as strong gambling triggers.Meditation and exercise are great ways to help reduce stress and keep yourself busy! You could always start by joining your local yoga class, gym or simply meditating at home.  <h3>Don't Give Up</h3>The road to recovery can be a challenging and long process. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither can addiction be overcome quickly - Don't give up! Everyone in recovery has moments of doubt, where they can feel their willpower slipping. Step by step, you will overcome these obstacles. This is all part of your journey to recovery.If you feel your willpower slipping and want a safety net, just in case. Download Gamban onto all of your devices and block yourself from online gambling.

Top 10 Tips to Stop Gambling Online

Some self-help tips for problem gamblers. Take your first step on your recovery journey.

Gamban’s International Coverage

Can Gamban Block Me from Online Casinos from Around the World?

Gambling exists all around the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/blog/a-history-of-problem-gambling">world</a>. It's a globally recognised activity, generating more than £6 billion a year in Britain alone. As online gambling becomes more accessible, more people participate, and as the market grows we’re likely to see more and more gambling websites appear. "The high internet penetration and increasing use of mobile phones among individuals for playing online games from their homes and public places are driving the market. In addition, factors such as easy access to online gambling, legalisation and cultural approval, corporate sponsorships, and celebrity endorsements are also contributing to market growth. The growing availability of cost-effective mobile applications across the globe is further expected to fuel market growth." - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/online-gambling-market">Grand View Research</a>With so many new sites and apps appearing domestically and internationally, our users often ask if we block gambling websites worldwide. <h3>Does Gamban Block Gambling Sites Worldwide?</h3>Yes, we aim to provide a global service blocking <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004477813-Does-Gamban-block-ALL-gambling-sites-">all gambling sites internationally</a>. Our system automatically adds new gambling websites to our block list, as well as some sites manually confirmed by our team. Some casino review sites may still be accessible, but we aim to block all gambling sites that involve any transactions (i.e. the deposit or withdrawal of funds). <h3>I Found a Gambling Website That Gamban Does Not Block. What Should I Do?</h3>Despite our tireless efforts to ensure every gambling website is blocked, hundreds of new websites are launched every day, so some may slip through the cracks. If you do find an online gambling site that Gamban is not blocking, please email us at info@gamban.com, and we'll take care of it immediately! <h3>Online Gambling Is Illegal in My Country, Am I Still Protected?</h3>Yes, regardless of whether gambling (or a particular gambling site) is operating legally or illegally in your country, we will block it. We want to give our users the best chance at recovery so endeavour to block all online gambling, including unregulated and black market websites and apps. <h3>If I Go Abroad, Am I Still Protected?</h3>Yes, Gamban blocks your device from online gambling. So no matter where in the world you take your smartphone, laptop or tablet, you will be protected. Anywhere from the UK to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamaware.org/about-us/">Kenya</a> and beyond, Gamban will protect your device. Start your 7-day free trial today - <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/pricing">gamban.com/pricing</a>

Does Gamban Work in My Country?

With so many new sites and apps appearing domestically and internationally, our users often ask if we block gambling websites worldwide.

Offering Greater Protection to Our Users

Gamban Extends Blocking Capabilities to Crypto and Trading Platforms

Gamban recognises an increasingly strong overlap between traditional gambling and emerging investment platforms, where there is significant capacity for harm due to exposure to risk from speculative trading and volatility.This follows research undertaken by Gamban in June 2021 on whether different forms of trading can be considered gambling, which found an overwhelming proportion of the general public viewed investing in cryptocurrency as a form of gambling. The report can be found <a href="https://web-cdn.gamban.com/Public_Report_Is_trading_a_form_of_gambling.pdf">here</a>.In the interest of our users, who have experienced harm from gambling, we have decided that these sites should be blocked by Gamban.The difficulty has arisen from these platforms offering different products, some more comparable to gambling than others but without a clear distinction between them. We must therefore be led by the most harmful product a platform offers and block based on this criteria. If a trading platform offers any of the following, it will be added to our block list:<ul><li>CFDs</li><li>Cryptocurrency exchanges</li><li>Binary options</li><li>Forex trading</li></ul> We recognise to some of our users, this approach will appear quite blunt. However, we feel that where inappropriately regulated products emerge, which exist at the intersection between gambling and investing, but are more akin to speculating, Gamban must block these if it is to remain the safety net our users rely on. The changes will be introduced from 1st August 2021. If you have any questions or concerns please contact info@gamban.com.

Gamban Blocks Trading Platforms

Protecting Ourselves from Gambling Advertisements

Limiting Gambling Ads Online

One question we’re often asked is, “Does Gamban block gambling adverts online?”. Currently, we do not. However, there are many options out there to help limit or block gambling ads. With how aggressive gambling advertising has become in the last few years, not just on television or billboards but online and on social media too, it’s become more and more difficult to avoid these potential triggers. Between 2014 to 2017 online marketing spend in the UK alone increased from £376m to £725m - almost doubling in just 3 years. Constant exposure to these advertisements is known to have an adverse effect on those who are at-risk or in recovery.Over lockdown, all retail gambling venues closed. This meant that activities that generated <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news-action-and-statistics/Statistics-and-research/Covid-19-research/Covid-19-updated-July-2020/Covid-19-and-its-impact-on-gambling-%E2%80%93-what-we-know-so-far-July-2020.aspx">50%</a> of the total money made from gambling (excluding lotteries) paused. To cover the cost of these physical locations closing, much of their marketing spend would be used to promote their online casinos - with around<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2020-03-19a.1247.0"> 80% </a>of gambling advertising budgets now being spent online.This increase in advertising is even affecting those too young to gamble. According to a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/651381/england-and-wales-social-media-gambling-advertising-awareness-of-youths/">2020 survey conducted</a> among youths aged 11 to 16 in the United Kingdom, 31% of respondents stated that they had seen gambling advertisements on social media websites more than once a week, and 16% said they had seen gambling ads on social media once a week.My work often involves looking at or being exposed to online gambling to some degree. So advertising platforms see me as someone with some interest in gambling and, therefore, will show me more gambling ads. We've all done similarly; clicked on a pair of trainers you liked the look of, not purchased them, then been stalked around the internet by an advert trying to entice you to buy. However, this type of advertising applies to any device connected to a single wifi router. So, any device on my wifi (many that aren't even my own!) will be served gambling ads. If you live with someone impacted by gambling, trying to avoid all possible triggers, depending on the household's internet habits, can be an almost impossible task. So we have outlined some of the measures you can take.<h2>Facebook</h2>Although you cannot completely opt-out of or block seeing advertisements, you can influence the types of advertisements you see by providing feedback or hiding ads and advertisers that you do not want to see.<h5>To hide an ad:</h5><ul><li>Click more in the top right-hand corner of the ad.</li><li>Choose Hide ad.</li><li>Follow the on-screen instructions.</li></ul> <h5>To hide ads from an advertiser:</h5><ul><li>Click more in the top right-hand corner of the ad and choose Why am I seeing this ad?</li><li>Next to Hide all ads from this advertiser, click Hide.</li></ul> In addition, you can <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.facebook.com/help/247395082112892/?ref=u2u">adjust your ads preferences</a>. Your settings can be found <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.facebook.com/ads/preferences/?entry_product=ad_settings_screen">here</a>.<h2>X (Twitter)</h2>Similarly to Facebook, X (Twitter) doesn’t allow you to opt-out of all advertising. Some ways to help cut down on gambling advertising, or gambling-related content are:<ul><li>Blocking tweets from individual gambling companies. Click the down arrow and look for the option to "Block @..."</li><li>If the tweet is an advert, you can in the same menu select "Not interested in this ad"</li></ul> You can also select "Why am I seeing this ad", and access these two pages using the links provided <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://twitter.com/settings/account/personalization">here</a>. On this page, you can deselect interests that could lead to more gambling-related content, one of which is potentially "gambling," but un-ticking sport-related interests like "Football" could also help.You can also choose to mute specific words, phrases, usernames, or hashtags to prevent you from seeing content you wish to avoid. You can find out more about how to do this <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://help.twitter.com/en/using-twitter/advanced-twitter-mute-options">here.</a><h2>Google</h2>Google has provided the following information: See Google's <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://support.google.com/ads/answer/2662922?hl=en&amp;visit_id=1-636649087480150859-1435553078&amp;rd=1">remove unwanted ads</a> external page.<h5>Users can:</h5><ul><li>Block specific advertisers</li></ul>This feature exists on Google Search, Maps, YouTube and Gmail when you are signed in to your <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/2662856#everywhere">Google account</a>. This will allow users to block advertisers such as Unibet, PaddyPower, 32Red, etc. To block individual advertisers with Google, click the small downwards arrow to the right of a search ad, select "About the advertiser", then change the "Show ads from ..." toggle to off.<ul><li>Mute This Ad</li></ul>"Mute This Ad" is a small overlay that appears in the top right corner of an advertisement. This lets Google know you no longer want to see this or related ads. Much of this is not an exact science, and amending the settings above will not guarantee you are protected from seeing gambling-related content and adverts, but it may help reduce the volume. <h2>Ad-blocking software</h2>For an added layer of protection, there is software and plugins designed to block all online advertising.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ublockorigin.com/">https://ublockorigin.com/</a>If gambling ads are proving too much of a potential trigger, block gambling at the source with Gamban. If willpower slips, Gamban doesn't. <a class="btn btn-primary" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gamban.com/?utm_source=Blog&amp;utm_medium=CTA&amp;utm_campaign=Blocking%20Ads%20Blog" role="button">Get Gamban Today</a>

How to Block Gambling Adverts Online

We outline some of the ways you can block or limit gambling advertisement online.

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