Gambling support
National Gambling Helpline.
Free, confidential support for anyone affected by gambling harm in Great Britain.
0808 8020 133You can also access live chat and further support through GamCare.
Support and signposting
You do not have to face gambling harm alone.
If gambling is causing harm, support is available. Calm & Steady is not a crisis service, but this page can help you find the right next step.
If there is immediate danger, risk of suicide, or someone is unsafe, call emergency services now.
If the urge is loud
Pause before acting.
A gambling urge can feel urgent, convincing and impossible to wait out. The goal is not to solve everything at once. The goal is to create a gap before the next damaging decision.
- Do not make a gambling decision while the urge is loud.
- Move money away from immediate access if safe to do so.
- Message or call one person instead of staying alone with it.
- Use blocking tools, bank gambling blocks or support services.
What kind of help do you need?
Choose one safer next step.
1
I am about to gamblePause, leave the gambling environment, contact support, and avoid deciding while the urge is intense.
2
I am chasing lossesStop trying to win it back. Chasing is a high-risk moment where harm can escalate quickly.
3
I have just gambled againDo not hide it alone. Reset without shame and take one practical step towards support.
4
I am worried about someone elseYou can seek advice for yourself too. Family and partners are affected by gambling harm.
5
I feel unsafe or hopelessUse urgent support now. Call 999 if there is immediate danger, or Samaritans on 116 123 if you need to talk.
Blocking tools
Reduce access
Consider gambling blocking software, self-exclusion schemes and device-level restrictions to create barriers between urge and action.
Banking blocks
Protect money
Many banks offer gambling transaction blocks. Turning them on can help reduce immediate risk around payday, chasing and relapse.
Tell someone
Break secrecy
Shame grows in silence. One honest message to the right person can interrupt the spiral and make support easier to reach.
For families and partners
Gambling harm affects more than one person.
You may feel angry, frightened, confused or exhausted. You are allowed to seek support for yourself, even if the person gambling is not ready to talk.
Try to avoid carrying everything alone. Support services can help you think through safety, boundaries, money, communication and next steps.
Calm & Steady
What this project is, and is not.
- Calm & Steady is a lived-experience awareness and support project.
- It is not clinical treatment, financial advice or a crisis service.
- It encourages earlier, calmer support before harm escalates.
- It signposts to appropriate services where needed.
Need to contact Craig?
For speaking, feedback or responsible conversations.
Use the contact page for Calm & Steady enquiries, prototype feedback, media, podcasts and speaking invitations.