Sign in Subscribe

Responsible Gambling

If gambling is no longer fun, it's time to get help. This comprehensive guide provides government resources, support organizations, helplines, and tools from around the world.

Emergency Help - If You Need Support Right Now

Crisis Support Worldwide:

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Gambling becomes harmful when it negatively impacts your life, relationships, or finances. Key warning signs include:

  • Spending more time and money gambling than you can afford
  • Chasing losses with increasingly larger bets
  • Lying to family and friends about gambling activities
  • Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities
  • Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
  • Feeling anxious, depressed, or guilty about gambling
  • Being unable to stop or control gambling behavior
  • Using gambling as an escape from problems or negative emotions

United States - Federal & State Resources

National Organizations

National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)

  • Website: www.ncpgambling.org
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
  • Live chat support available 24/7
  • Text messaging support

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

  • Website: www.samhsa.gov
  • National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357
  • Treatment locator and 24/7 support

Gamblers Anonymous USA

State-Specific Resources

Nevada Council on Problem Gambling

California Council on Problem Gambling

Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling

New York Council on Problem Gambling

Illinois Council on Problem Gambling

Texas Council on Problem Gambling

Pennsylvania Council on Compulsive Gambling

United Kingdom - Government & Support

UK Gambling Commission

GamCare

  • Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  • National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
  • Live chat support
  • Treatment and support services

Gamblers Anonymous UK

BeGambleAware

Gordon Moody Association

Canada - Provincial & Federal Resources

Responsible Gambling Council

Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline

Alberta Gambling Research Institute

British Columbia Responsible Gambling

Quebec Gambling Help and Referral

Manitoba Problem Gambling Helpline

Australia & New Zealand

Gambling Help Online (Australia)

Australian Government - Social Services

Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand

  • Website: www.pgf.nz
  • Helpline: 0800 664 262
  • Multicultural support services

Gamblers Anonymous Australia

Gambler's Help Victoria

European Resources

Germany

Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)

Netherlands

Loket Kansspel

Sweden

Stödlinjen

Finland

Peluuri

Spain

Federación Española de Jugadores de Azar Rehabilitados

  • Website: www.fejar.org
  • National federation of gambling addiction support

Asia-Pacific Region

Singapore

National Council on Problem Gambling

Hong Kong

Ping Wo Fund

Japan

Recovery Support Network

South Korea

Korean Association on Problem Gambling

  • Website: www.pgk.or.kr
  • Gambling addiction prevention and treatment

Gambling Blocking Tools & Software

Free Blocking Software

Gamban

  • Website: gamban.com
  • Blocks gambling sites and apps across all devices
  • Free version available, premium features for comprehensive protection

BetBlocker

  • Website: betblocker.org
  • Completely free gambling site blocker
  • Works on computers, phones, and tablets
  • Open source and community-driven

Cold Turkey Blocker

  • Website: getcoldturkey.com
  • Free website and application blocker
  • Schedule-based blocking options
  • Can block specific gambling sites or categories

Browser Extensions

  • BlockSite (Chrome/Firefox): Blocks gambling websites
  • StayFocusd (Chrome): Limits time spent on gambling sites
  • LeechBlock (Firefox): Blocks time-wasting and gambling sites

Self-Exclusion Tools

Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion:

GAMSTOP (UK)

  • Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
  • Blocks access to UK licensed gambling sites
  • Free self-exclusion for 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years

BetFilter

  • Website: www.betfilter.com
  • Comprehensive gambling blocking software
  • Covers 40,000+ gambling websites

Mobile App Controls

  • Screen Time (iOS): Built-in app blocking and time limits
  • Digital Wellbeing (Android): App usage controls and restrictions
  • Freedom: freedom.to - Cross-platform blocking

Financial Management Tools

Spending Tracking Apps

Mint

YNAB (You Need A Budget)

PocketGuard

Goodbudget

Banking Controls

  • Contact your bank to block gambling transactions
  • Set up automatic savings transfers
  • Use prepaid cards with limited amounts
  • Enable low-balance alerts

Self-Help Apps & Resources

Accountability & Sobriety Tracking

I Am Sober

  • Website: iamsober.com
  • Sobriety counter and supportive community

Nomo

  • Sobriety counter with milestone tracking
  • Available on iOS and Android

StickK

Meditation & Mindfulness Apps

Headspace

Calm

  • Website: www.calm.com
  • Meditation, sleep stories, and relaxation tools

Insight Timer

  • Free meditation app with large community
  • Thousands of free guided meditations

Treatment Centers & Professional Help

Specialized Gambling Treatment Centers

Johns Hopkins Center for Gambling Disorders (US)

Castle Craig Hospital (UK)

Gordon Moody Association (UK)

Professional Therapist Locators

Psychology Today

SAMHSA Treatment Locator

GoodTherapy

Online Support Communities

Forums & Support Groups

Gambling Therapy

Smart Recovery

Reddit Problem Gambling Support

Family & Friends Resources

Support for Loved Ones

Gam-Anon (US)

GamCare Friends & Family (UK)

Gambling Help Online Family Support (Australia)

Financial Assistance & Debt Help

United States

National Foundation for Credit Counseling

United Kingdom

Citizens Advice

StepChange Debt Charity

Australia

National Debt Helpline

  • Website: ndh.org.au
  • Phone: 1800 007 007
  • Free financial counseling

Educational Resources & Research

Research Organizations

Harvard Medical School Division on Addiction

International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems

National Center for Responsible Gaming

Self-Assessment Tools

Problem Gambling Severity Index

  • Available on most gambling help websites
  • Measures gambling problem severity

DSM-5 Gambling Disorder Checklist

  • Clinical diagnostic criteria
  • Available through mental health professionals

Device-Specific Setup Instructions

iPhone/iPad Setup

  1. Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions
  2. Enable restrictions and block gambling apps/websites
  3. Use guided access for additional app locking

Android Setup

  1. Settings > Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls
  2. Set app timers and website restrictions
  3. Install third-party blocking apps

Router-Level Blocking

  • Configure DNS filtering (OpenDNS, CleanBrowsing)
  • Block gambling domains at network level
  • Use parental control features

Emergency Action Plan

When You Feel the Urge to Gamble:

  1. Stop and take 5 deep breaths
  2. Call your accountability partner or helpline
  3. Check that your blocking software is active
  4. Review your reasons for quitting gambling
  5. Engage in a pre-planned alternative activity
  6. Contact a helpline if urges persist
  7. Attend a support group meeting (online or in-person)

Create Your Personal Emergency Kit:

  • Save helpline numbers in your phone
  • Write down your reasons for quitting
  • Prepare a list of alternative activities
  • Identify trusted friends or family to call
  • Keep this resource page bookmarked

Remember: Recovery is Possible

Problem gambling is a treatable condition. Recovery is possible with the right support, treatment, and commitment. These resources provide confidential help and support 24/7. Don't wait - reach out today if you or someone you know needs help.

The most important step is acknowledging you need help and reaching out. Whether it's calling a helpline, attending a support group meeting, or talking to a trusted friend or family member, taking that first step can change your life.

If you are in immediate crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact your local emergency services immediately.

This comprehensive resource guide is regularly updated to provide the most current information available. Please verify contact information and service availability, as resources may change over time.

Last updated: August 2025