What GamCare is – and how it helps young adults affected by gambling

GamCare is a leading UK charity that provides free, confidential support to anyone affected by gambling harm. Whether you're worried about your own gambling or someone else's, SEEC exists to help you understand the support available. This article explains what GamCare does, how their services work and the ways you can access help when you need it.

GamCare provides treatment, advice and emotional support

The organisation works with people experiencing gambling problems, their families and friends. Its services are built around three main areas: direct support through helplines and webchat, therapy and counselling, and training for professionals who work with people affected by gambling harm. Everything GamCare offers is confidential, non-judgmental and free to access.

The charity has been operating for over three decades, making it one of the most established sources of help in this field. You don't need a referral to use their services, and you don't need to have reached a crisis point. People contact GamCare at different stages – some are unsure whether they have a problem, while others are looking for structured support to stop gambling.

The National Gambling Helpline is run by GamCare

When you call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, you're connected to a GamCare adviser. The line is open around the clock, every day of the year. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles, and they won't appear on your phone bill as a gambling-related call.

Advisers provide emotional support, practical guidance and information about next steps. They can talk through what you're experiencing, help you understand the options available and refer you to further support if that's what you need. Many callers use the helpline more than once – it's there whenever you need to talk.

Live chat and email support are also available

If you'd rather not speak on the phone, GamCare offers a live chat service through their website. It operates daily, and you can have a real-time conversation with a trained adviser. For those who prefer writing things down, email support is available. Responses typically arrive within a few working days.

One-to-one therapy helps people address the causes of gambling harm

GamCare delivers talking therapies designed specifically for gambling problems. Sessions take place online or by phone, making them accessible wherever you are. A typical course involves weekly sessions over several weeks, tailored to what's going on in your life.

Therapy with GamCare focuses on understanding the reasons behind your gambling, recognising triggers and building practical strategies to change behaviour. It's not about being told off or judged. Therapists work with you to set goals that matter to you, whether that's stopping gambling completely or regaining control over other parts of your life that have been affected.

You can refer yourself by contacting the helpline or filling in a form on the GamCare website. There's usually a waiting period, but advisers can suggest other support to use while you wait. If you're a student, some universities work directly with GamCare to offer faster access to counselling for their students.

Group support brings people together who understand what you're going through

GamCare runs online support groups where you can talk to others affected by gambling. Groups meet at scheduled times and are facilitated by trained volunteers. Some are for people who gamble, others for family members and friends.

Being in a group can help you feel less isolated. Hearing how others cope with urges, setbacks and the practical side of stepping back from gambling can give you ideas and perspective. Groups are not a substitute for therapy, but many people find them a valuable part of recovery.

NetLine is designed for young people aged 11 to 19

NetLine is GamCare's service specifically for younger people. It's a moderated online forum where you can post questions, share experiences and get advice from trained staff. The forum is monitored to keep it safe and supportive.

Young people use NetLine to talk about their own gambling, concerns about friends or family members, and the impact gambling is having on their lives. It's anonymous, and you can take your time writing what you want to say. Staff respond within the forum, and you can also move to one-to-one support if you need it.

Steps you can take to access GamCare support today

1. Call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 to speak to an adviser who can talk through your situation and explain what help is available.
2. Visit the GamCare website at https://www.gamcare.org.uk to use live chat, find information about therapy or explore the NetLine forum if you're under twenty.
3. Self-refer for counselling by completing the online form or asking a helpline adviser to start the process for you.
4. Join an online support group if you'd like to connect with others – details of upcoming sessions are on the website, and you can register in advance.

GamCare works alongside other organisations and services

The charity collaborates with gambling sites licensed in Great Britain, providing training and supporting the tools those sites must offer. It also partners with debt charities, housing services and mental health organisations to make sure people get help with the wider issues gambling harm can cause.

If you need support with something GamCare doesn't cover directly – such as managing gambling debts or accessing emergency financial help – advisers can point you towards the right organisation. That might include services that specialise in dealing with gambling debts or local resources in your area.

Understanding what GamCare doesn't do helps you know what to expect

GamCare doesn't investigate complaints about gambling sites, handle disputes over accounts or provide legal advice. Those matters sit with the Gambling Commission or legal services. The charity's role is support, therapy and education, not regulation or enforcement.

It also doesn't offer emergency accommodation, financial loans or direct intervention with gambling sites on your behalf. What it does offer is a safe space to talk, professional therapy and practical guidance on using the tools and services that can help you step back from gambling.

Finding help if you're not sure GamCare is the right fit

GamCare is one of several organisations offering support in the UK. BeGambleAware at https://www.begambleaware.org provides information and signposting to treatment services across the country. Gordon Moody at https://www.gordonmoody.org.uk offers residential and online treatment for people who need more intensive support.

If you want to block access to gambling sites, Gamban at https://gamban.com is a paid app that works across all your devices, while BetBlocker at https://betblocker.org is a free alternative. Blocking software can give you breathing space while you work on the reasons behind your gambling.

All gambling sites licensed by the Gambling Commission must offer you tools to control your gambling, including deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion. GamStop at https://www.gamstop.co.uk lets you self-exclude from all licensed sites at once, free of charge. Gambling is for people aged 18 and over in the UK.

What happens after you reach out matters as much as making contact

Getting in touch with GamCare is the first step, not the whole journey. Recovery from gambling harm takes time, and it rarely follows a straight line. Setbacks are common, and advisers and therapists understand that. What matters is having support you can return to when you need it.

Some people use GamCare for a few weeks and feel ready to move on. Others stay connected for months, dipping back into the helpline or groups when life gets difficult. The service is there for as long as you need it, and there's no pressure to follow a particular path. You decide what help looks like for you.

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