The National Gambling Helpline – free support you can trust
SaveThe National Gambling Helpline is a free telephone service run by GamCare, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you call, you reach trained advisors who listen without judgment and help you think through what's happening with your gambling – whether you're worried about yourself or someone close to you.
This article explains what the helpline does, who can call, what happens during a call and how to take that first step.
What the National Gambling Helpline offers
The helpline is a listening service. The advisors do not tell you what to do; they help you explore what gambling means to you right now and what support might help next. The call is confidential – nothing is recorded, and the advisor will not contact anyone without your permission.
The service is for anyone: a student worried that gambling is taking over your time, a parent concerned about your child, a partner noticing changes in someone you care about, or anyone else thinking about gambling and control. You do not have to be in crisis to call. A conversation about early warning signs or a difficult week is just as valid as calling when things feel urgent.
When you call the National Gambling Helpline
The number is 0808 8020 133. It is free to call from any phone – mobile or landline – and the cost does not appear on your bill.
The call might last a few minutes or longer, depending on what you want to talk about. The advisor will ask open questions – what's been happening, how gambling has affected you, what you've tried already – and listen carefully to your answers. They might suggest practical steps you could take this week, point you towards other support, or simply help you feel less alone with what's on your mind.
You can call as many times as you need to. Some people call once; others call back weeks or months later when a new question comes up or when things get harder again. Each call is fresh – you do not have to have called before or remember anything about a previous conversation.
What happens if you're worried about someone else
You can call the helpline even if you're not the one gambling. If you're concerned about a flatmate, a friend, a family member or a partner, advisors can talk through what you've noticed and what you might do or say. They cannot force anyone into support, but they can help you understand what problem gambling looks like and suggest ways to start a conversation.
If the person you're worried about is under 18, that changes some of what's possible. The advisor will help you think about that too.
Other ways to get help
The helpline is one way in, but there are others. Taking action to stop gambling online might mean using blocking software or setting deposit limits first, before you talk to anyone. Blocking gambling websites is something you can do right now, on your own, if that feels right.
BeGambleAware (https://www.begambleaware.org) offers online resources and a live chat service. GamStop (https://www.gamstop.co.uk) lets you exclude yourself from all gambling sites licensed in Great Britain at once – a step many people find useful alongside other support. Gordon Moody (https://www.gordonmoody.org.uk) offers residential treatment and online counselling for people dealing with gambling and debt.
Some universities have counselling services that include support for gambling. If you're a student, ask your university's student services or wellbeing team what they offer. Your GP can also refer you to specialist services in your area.
Reasons people call the helpline
People call for different reasons at different times. Below is a sense of when the helpline can help:
| What's happening | How the helpline can help |
|---|---|
| You've noticed warning signs – losing track of time online, hiding gambling, chasing losses | Talk through what you've noticed and what it might mean; explore whether you want to make changes |
| Gambling is affecting money, relationships or study | Help you understand the pattern and think about practical steps – limits, breaks, blocking |
| You've tried to stop or cut down and struggled | Explore what gets in the way and what support might help this time |
| You're worried about someone else's gambling | Think through what you've seen, what you might say and how to support them |
| You're considering self-exclusion or other tools | Discuss how they work and whether they fit what you need right now |
First steps: before and after the call
You do not have to prepare anything to call. The number is there; you can ring whenever you're ready. But if thinking about what to say would help, here are steps to consider:
- Write down what's been troubling you about gambling – not to memorise, just so the thoughts are clearer in your head when you call
- Find a quiet place and time when you can talk openly for as long as you need
- Have pen and paper ready in case you want to jot down ideas or numbers the advisor mentions
- Call 0808 8020 133 when you're ready; the line is open 24/7
- After the call, write down any suggestions or numbers you want to remember, or ask for them to be sent to you by email
What makes the first call hard – and why it matters anyway
Calling a helpline can feel daunting. You might worry about being judged, or feel embarrassed talking to a stranger, or doubt whether it will help. Those feelings are normal – and calling anyway is what matters.
The advisors have heard it all. They are trained to listen without shock or blame. They know that gambling can feel out of control and that asking for help is hard. Most people say that simply speaking to someone who understands is a relief, even if they do not have all the answers yet.
If the first call does not feel right, you can try again. Different advisors might suit you better, or you might be clearer about what you want to say next time. There is no wrong way to use the helpline.
Getting support for yourself and others
If you're a student or young adult and gambling is becoming a problem – or if you care about someone it is – you do not have to figure this out alone. GamCare's National Gambling Helpline exists exactly for moments like this.
The helpline number is 0808 8020 133, free from any phone, any time.
You can also reach out to BeGambleAware at https://www.begambleaware.org for online support. If you're ready to block your own access, methods that work without the helpline are available to you right now. And if you want to talk through the options first – whether calling the helpline, using blocking software, or setting limits – that's exactly what the advisors are there for.
18+ only. Gambling can be entertaining, but it is never a way to make money or solve problems. If you or someone you know needs support with gambling, reach out. Help is available.
Download PDF: Making the call: what to do this week PDF, 28 KB
Further reading
Frequently asked questions
What is the National Gambling Helpline number?
The number is 0808 8020 133. It is free to call from any phone, runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and will not show on your phone bill.
Can I call if I'm not the one gambling?
Yes. You can call if you're worried about a friend, family member, flatmate or partner. The advisor will help you think through what you've noticed and how you might approach a conversation with them.
What happens during the call?
The advisor listens to what's been happening with your gambling – or someone else's – and helps you explore your options. They do not tell you what to do. The call is confidential and takes as long as you need.
SEEC Editorial Team