Where to turn if gambling is out of control

Gambling addiction is not just a habit, but a serious psychological disorder that can destroy a person's life: emotionally, financially and socially. But there's good news - you're not alone.

Many countries have anonymous support services, charitable foundations, hotlines and online resources that really help players return to normal.

This article is a step-by-step guide to where and how to seek help if:

• You can't stop playing even when you lose money
• You're aware of the problem, but you don't know where to start
• Your loved one suffers from gambling addiction
• You are facing a psychological or financial crisis amid betting

1. Psychological assistance

Free lines of trust (by country)

International:

• Gamblers Anonymous (GA) – [gamblersanonymous.org](https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/)
• → Community of anonymous players around the world
• → Online and Offline Support Teams
• → Principle of mutual assistance and steps similar to AA

United Kingdom:

• GamCare – [gamcare.org.uk](https://www.gamcare.org.uk)
• → Free 24/7 support: 0808,8020,133
• → Online chat, consultation, support groups

UNITED STATES:

• National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) – [ncpgambling.org](https://www.ncpgambling.org)
• → Telephone: 1-800-522-4700
• → 24-hour assistance across the country

Canada:

• ConnexOntario – [connexontario.ca](https://www.connexontario.ca)
• → Addiction Specialty Care: 1-866-531-2600

Australia:

• Gambling Help Online – [gamblinghelponline.org.au](https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au)
• → Online chat, resources, helpline
• → 1800 858 858

///CIS:

There are no centralized programs in the CIS, but the following are available:

• Psychotherapists of private practice
• Telegram/WhatsApp groups
• Churches and spiritual organizations providing anonymous support
• Online consultations through services such as B17.ru, Alter, etc.

2. Legal and financial assistance

If you:

• Got into debt because of the game
• Became dependent on microloans
• Faced with blackmail from online casinos

In this case, it is also worth contacting:

Financial Advisors:

• In the UK: StepChange.org
• In the United States: NFCC.org
• In Europe: local anti-crisis funds at city halls

Legal Assistance:

• If the casino refuses to pay - contact the licensing service (MGA, Curacao eGaming, UKGC)
• If you are dragged into fraudulent schemes - file complaints with the cyber police or the prosecutor's office
• If you have stolen money - block cards, contact the bank, write a statement

3. Self-limiting and blocking access

To stop the craving for the game, you can technically restrict your access:

Programs for blocking gambling sites:

• BetBlocker - free, cross-platform
• Gamban - paid, reliable protection on all devices
• GamStop - UK residents only (blocks all UKGC casinos)

Browser Extensions:

• BlockSite
• Cold Turkey
• StayFocusd (for Chrome)

4. Help for loved ones

If your relative or partner is suffering from ludomania, you also need support.

Recommendations:

• Do not blame - this is a disease, not a weakness
• Explore: How Addiction Works
• Set financial and personal boundaries
• Join support groups for families (e.g. Gam-Anon)
• Visit a family psychologist

How to understand that help works?

You (or a loved one) feel:

• Reducing craving for games
• Return of interest to ordinary life
• Increasing control over money
• Emergence of resistance to triggers (advertising, bonuses, holidays)

It is important to understand: this is not a quick process. But seeking help is the first and most important step toward recovery.

Conclusion

To recognize that help is needed is not a manifestation of weakness, but a conscious and bold step. Gambling addiction is not a sentence. With thousands of people, this was already happening. And thousands made it out.

Don't be afraid to turn. Don't put it off. Don't be left alone.

See also: "Signs of addiction," "Tactics of minimal risk," "What to do if the casino does not pay the winnings."