Start with what worries you
Choose a private moment when you feel safe. Describe what has happened and listen to their response. These are examples you can adapt:
- “I’m worried about how gambling is affecting you. Would you like to talk?”
- “Would it help to look at support together, or would you prefer to contact someone privately?”
- “I can help you find advice, but I can’t lend money or cover gambling losses.”
If they do not want help
An adult usually needs to agree to a referral or treatment. Ask what help they would accept; do not secretly register them for services or take over their accounts. You can contact a gambling helpline for your own advice whether or not they seek help. See consent and urgent exceptions.
Protect your own finances
You do not have to lend money, take out credit or pay off gambling losses. Protect money needed for food, housing and other essentials. If you share accounts or debts, ask your bank and a free debt adviser about options before making changes.
Bank gambling blocks and self-exclusion can be tools the person chooses as part of getting help. They are not guarantees that gambling will stop. You can help them understand the options without taking control of their money.
If money is being taken from you, or you feel threatened or controlled, use support with abuse and safety. You do not have to manage threats alone.
Gambling support where you live
These services can help people affected by someone else’s gambling as well as the person gambling. They are separate from emergency mental-health care.
GamCare National Gambling Helpline
England and Scotland · Anyone affected by gambling, including friends and family
Advice and support about gambling and its effects on you or someone else.
0808 8020 133
Free to call. 24 hours, every day.
Live chat is also available. For immediate danger, call 999.
GamCare National Gambling Helpline service details and other contact options
NHS Wales Gambling Helpline
Wales · Anyone affected by gambling, including families
Advice and emotional support, with a route to the All Wales Gambling Treatment Service.
0808 281 9265
Free to call. 24 hours, every day.
The helpline and treatment-referral routes are different; the NHS service page explains both.
NHS Wales Gambling Helpline service details and other contact options
Dunlewey gambling helpline
Northern Ireland · People gambling and people affected by someone else’s gambling
Gambling support and advice for you or someone you care about.
08000 886 725
Free to call. 24 hours, every day.
These are gambling-helpline hours; the organisation’s general office has different hours.
Dunlewey gambling helpline service details and other contact options
Their GP can help them find appropriate care. In England, see NHS gambling treatment and clinic routes; in Scotland, see NHS inform. The Welsh NHS and Dunlewey pages above explain local services.
Support for you
You may feel angry, frightened or worn out. Gam-Anon meetings are for people affected by a loved one’s gambling; use its current directory for local and online options. For Scotland, see Gam-Anon Scotland. You can attend to seek support for yourself.
Sources and how this guide was written
Service details were checked against the providers’ websites linked above. The example phrases are ours.
- NICE NG248: gambling-related harms, including suicide risk and family support. Relevant official indexed guidance checked; direct access was limited.
- GamCare: consent and contacting the helpline.
- GamCare: lending money; family finances; self-exclusion.
- Gambling Commission: current support by nation; nidirect: gambling support.
Last full source check: 7 October 2026
Independent information, not a medical or crisis service. This guidance has not been clinically reviewed. How we use sources.