Where to turn if gambling is out of control
Information about publication date: April 29, 2025
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 is good news - you are not alone.
Many countries have anonymous support services, charitable foundations, hotlines and online resources that really help players return to normal life.
This article is a step-by-step guide to where and how to get help if:- You can't stop playing even when you're losing money
- You realize the problem, but you don't know where to start
- Your loved one is suffering from gambling addiction
- You're facing a psychological or financial crisis amid betting
1. Psychological help
Free helplines (by country)
International:- Gamblers Anonymous (GA) – [gamblersanonymous. org](https://www. gamblersanonymous. org/)
- → Anonymous Player Community Worldwide
- Online and Offline Support Team →
- → Principle of mutual assistance and steps similar to AA
- GamCare – [gamcare. org. uk](https://www. gamcare. org. uk)
- → Free 24x7 support: 0808,8020,133
- → Online chat, consultations, support groups
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) – [ncpgambling. org](https://www. ncpgambling. org)
- → Phone: 1-800-522-4700
- → 24-hour assistance throughout the country
- ConnexOntario – [connexontario. ca](https://www. connexontario. ca)
- → Specialized Addiction Help: 1-866-531-2600
- Gambling Help Online – [gamblinghelponline. org. au](https://www. gamblinghelponline. org. au)
- → Live chat, resources, helpline
- → 1800 858 858
- Psychotherapists in private practice
- Groups in Telegram/WhatsApp
- Churches and spiritual organizations providing anonymous support
- Online consultations through services like B17. en, Alter, et al.
2. Legal and financial assistance
If you:- Got into debt because of the game
- Got into dependence on microloans
- Faced with blackmail from online casinos
- In the UK: StepChange. org
- IN THE UNITED STATES: NFCC. org
- In Europe: local anti-crisis funds at city halls
- If the casino refuses to pay - contact the licensing service (MGA, Curacao eGaming, UKGC)
- If you are drawn into fraudulent schemes - file complaints with cyber police or prosecutors
- If you have stolen money - block cards, contact the bank, write a statement
3. Self-limiting and blocking access
To stop craving for the game, you can limit your access technically: Programs for blocking gambling sites:- BetBlocker - free, cross-platform
- Gamban - paid, reliable protection on all devices
- GamStop - UK residents only (blocks all UKGC casinos)
- BlockSite
- Cold Turkey
- StayFocusd (for Chrome)
4. Help for loved ones
If your relative or partner is suffering from malaise, you also need support.
Recommendations:- Do not blame - this is a disease, not weakness
- Explore the topic: 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 in 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 to recovery.
Conclusion
Recognizing that help is needed is not a manifestation of weakness, but a deliberate and bold step. Gambling addiction is not a sentence. This has already happened to thousands of people. And thousands got out.
Don't be afraid to apply. Don't delay. 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."
