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 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

UK:

• GamCare – [gamcare. org. uk](https://www. gamcare. org. uk)
• → Free 24x7 support: 0808,8020,133
• → Online chat, consultations, support groups

USA:

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

Canada:

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

Australia:

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

///CIS:

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

• 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 this case, you should also contact:

Financial Advisors (Debt Advisors):

• In the UK: StepChange. org
• IN THE UNITED STATES: NFCC. org
• In Europe: local anti-crisis funds at city halls

Legal aid:

• 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)

Browser extensions:

• 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."