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You’re gambling if you take a risk of losing money, or belongings, based on chance.
Lots of gambling seems very normal and is easy to access. All of these things are gambling:
- Lotteries, including on social media
- Scratch cards
- Bingo
- Gaming machines
- Sports betting
- Casinos
- Crypto or currency trading
It’s gambling whether you go to a certain place like a betting shop, or if you do it online or through your phone.
Online gaming can also include gambling.
Sometimes this is aimed at children:
- Apps or downloaded games which ask for ‘in-game’ purchases
- Loot boxes
- Skin Gambling
It’s also gambling if you have a casual bet with a friend. There’s always a risk of losing.
What are some of the problems it can cause?
People who come to us for support with gambling may need help with other problems. Often they don’t realise that gambling might be the cause.
- Debts
- Housing problems
- Mental health
- Employment or education
- Family or relationship issues
A gambling problem can mean there isn’t enough money to pay for rent, bills and food. It can mean running up credit card bills and other debts. It can mean relationship breaking down, job losses and homelessness.
These problems don’t just affect the person who is gambling. They can affect their family, friends and people they work with.
Whether you need support with your own gambling, or you want to help someone else, we’re here for you. We can also help if you’ve been affected by someone else’s gambling.
What we can do to help
We give free, confidential advice.
If you’re struggling with debt, start dealing with your debts as soon as you can, as well as getting help to stop gambling. Our debt advice will help you:
- work out which debts to deal with first
- find specialist help, if you need it
- Find out how to start dealing with your debts
Worried about your gambling problems and need help? There are local and national support available:
Local
National
You can speak to a GamCare adviser on the National Gambling Helpline, 24 hours a day by calling freephone:
0808 8020 133
You can also live chat with Gamcare
We can also make referrals for advice/support with Gambling to Gamcare.
You're not alone
If you’re worried about gambling The National Gambling Support Network can help. They’re a group or organisations across Britain who provide free, confidential and personalist support for anyone who’s experiencing problems from gambling, as well as those affected by someone else’s gambling.
If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s gambling, this service is totally free to access, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133
24/7 Free Confidetnial Support by telephone, online or face to face