A Comprehensive List of Resources and Organisations for Problem Gamblers

Different Kinds Of Support For Problem Gambling

Responsible gambling support is available in various forms, from self-help resources and educational materials to more intensive interventions like counselling and helplines. These options cater to different levels of compulsive behaviour, ensuring accessible assistance depending on your needs.

Online Support

The internet is a treasure trove of information and a great place to start and judge the scale of your addiction. Remember that while it’s an extremely helpful resource, it’s often not enough and you need more structured help.

These are the most common support channels readily available online: 

• Forums and Online Communities -One great example is Reddit’s problem gambling forum, which is a space where you can share your experiences and receive support from others facing similar challenges. Platforms like these offer anonymity and instant connection, which can be crucial if you’re struggling with gambling addiction, making you feel less isolated and more understood.
• Educational Websites – Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic are two great examples of resourceful sites that offer comprehensive information on gambling addiction, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options. These resources educate you about the nature of your condition, helping you understand your behaviour and find effective ways to seek help and recovery.
• Self-Assessment Tools – Self-assessment tools available on sites like the Mayo Clinic (and most casino sites) help you evaluate your gambling habits and their impact on your life. These tools provide a preliminary understanding of your condition, guiding you toward appropriate professional help if needed.

Therapy and Counselling

Both forms of support provide coping strategies and address underlying issues.

The form of therapy or counselling you choose depends on what you feel is most appropriate – or what you’ve been advised – to tackle your gambling addiction effectively:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. Appropriate if you need to understand triggers and develop coping skills.
• Addiction Counseling Services – Provides one-on-one support from trained professionals. It is suitable if you’re looking for personalised treatment plans and ongoing support.
• Group Therapy Sessions – Involve sharing experiences with others facing similar challenges. Ideal for when you want to benefit from peer support.
• Teletherapy Options – Offers remote therapy sessions via phone or video. Convenient if you have accessibility issues or need flexibility.

Financial and Legal

When your gambling problem has progressed to the point that it’s taken a toll on your finances, you should consider financial and legal assistance.

This will help you repay possible debts you may have accumulated and, more importantly, assist you in developing positive money management skills.

Here’s an overview of the different kinds of financial support you can seek:

• Debt Management Services – These help you create a plan to repay your debts through negotiations with creditors. They’re appropriate if you’re feeling overwhelmed by debt since they offer structured payment plans and reduced interest rates.
• Financial Counselling – Provides personalised advice on managing finances and creating budgets. Ideal if you’re seeking to develop better financial habits.
• Legal Advice and Support – If you’re facing legal consequences of gambling debts, you may need legal assistance with financial issues, such as bankruptcy or debt disputes.
• Consumer Credit Counseling Services – Nonprofit agencies offering free or low-cost financial education and debt repayment plans. Appropriate if you need help with budgeting and debt repayment since they provide counselling and debt management programs.

Community and Peer Support

Sometimes all we need is a bit of moral support. That’s why speaking to people who’ve experienced the same thing or just a shoulder to lean on can be immensely helpful and comforting, as it provides you with non-judgemental understanding.

Here’s an overview of viable options for peer-to-peer support:

• Gamblers Anonymous – A 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, if you’re seriously struggling with gambling addiction. It’s useful if you’re looking for a structured, peer-support environment. The program offers emotional support, accountability, and guidance through recovery.
• SMART Recovery—This program uses cognitive-behavioural techniques to help control addictive behaviour. If you prefer a scientific, self-empowering approach, SMART Recovery offers tools for self-management and a supportive community.
• Local Support Groups—These are community-based gatherings for people facing similar issues as you. They are the ideal setting if you’re okay with local, face-to-face interaction. Support is offered through regular meetings, shared experiences, and local resources.
• Family and Friends Support Networks – Emotional support from loved ones is pivotal to your recovery. Knowing your family and friends are there for you makes all the difference.

Government and Non-Profit

If you’re struggling financially, there’s also free gambling addiction support that’s widely available across the globe, often funded by government initiatives or charitable organisations.

This kind of support aims to assist you through various resources and programs:

• Local Government Resources – These offer community-based counselling and referral services. Ideal if you’re a resident seeking accessible support within your locality.
• National Health Services – Provides professional medical treatment and therapy for gambling addiction. Suitable if you’re looking for comprehensive health services.
• Non-Profit Organisations Focused on Gambling Addiction – Such as Gamblers Anonymous, offering peer support groups. Ideal if you prefer group-based recovery.
• Charities Providing Gambling Support – Organisations like SMART Recovery provide structured recovery programs. They’re best if you favour a well-organised path to recovery.

National Helplines And Support Services

Every country offers dedicated gambling addiction support services, including private, charitable, and governmental organisations.

Below, we’ve listed some leading resources for a few countries:

USA Responsible Gambling Resources

Even though online gambling isn’t legal in all US states, responsible gambling is always prioritised.

While there are numerous state-specific resources dedicated to promoting responsible gambling, in this section we’ll be listing the ones available nationwide:

National Council on Problem Gambling

The National Council on Problem Gambling or NCPG provides comprehensive support for gambling addiction, including resources, treatment options, and prevention programs. Their services feature a highly regarded National Helpline offering 24/7 confidential assistance if you’re struggling with gambling problems. The helpline connects you to local resources and professional counselling services.

Gamblers Anonymous USA

Gamblers Anonymous USA is a fellowship for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. It provides a supportive environment where you can share experiences with other members and help each other recover. Services include meetings (both in-person and virtual), hotlines, and recovery programs. Membership is free, and the only requirement is a desire to stop gambling. Visit the Gamblers Anonymous official website to find out more.

Gam-Anon

Gam-Anon is a support group for those affected by someone’s gambling addiction. It offers a 12-step self-help program, meetings for sharing experiences, and resources for coping with the effects of gambling addiction. The program emphasises anonymity and provides emotional support, practical advice, and guidance. For more information, visit Gam-Anon.

UK Responsible Gambling Resources

The UK is possibly the most committed jurisdiction to responsible gambling practices worldwide.

Here’s a list of UK Responsible Gambling Resources:

GambleAware UK

GambleAware is a UK charity dedicated to promoting safer gambling. It provides free, confidential support if you’re affected by gambling addiction. Services include a helpline, live chat, self-assessment tools, and access to the National Gambling Support Network, offering tailored help, advice, and resources. To find out more about how they could help, visit the official GambleAware website.

GamCare

Providing information, advice, and support for those affected by gambling harms, GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline, offers structured support and treatment, raises awareness about safer gambling, and works with the gambling industry to promote responsible practices. Their services include helpline support, counselling, and various outreach programs aimed at preventing and addressing gambling-related issues.

Counselling Directory

The Counselling Directory offers support for gambling addiction by connecting you with professional therapists and counsellors. It provides access to a comprehensive directory of qualified professionals specialising in gambling addiction, helping you find tailored therapy options, including CBT, psychodynamic therapy, and group therapy, to address and overcome gambling-related issues.

Samaritans

Offering emotional support if you’re in distress, including if you’re grappling with gambling addiction. Samaritans offer confidential assistance 24/7 through phone, email, and face-to-face interactions, helping individuals manage their addiction and improve their mental well-being.

StepChange

This charity provides free and confidential debt advice and specialised support from tailored debt management plans and advice on dealing with creditors to tools to regain financial stability. Their services help you regain control over your finances and mental well-being. For more information on how they can help, visit the StepChange website.

Canada Responsible Gambling Resources

Despite online gambling’s restricted legality in many provinces, Canada’s commitment to responsible gambling remains steadfast.

Here are key resources to support responsible gambling across the country:

Responsible Gambling  Council (RGC)

Focused on preventing problem gambling, the Responsible Gambling Council offers support through research, awareness programs, and resources for those affected. Services include educational initiatives, advocacy, and stakeholder partnerships to promote responsible gambling. They aim to mitigate the impacts of gambling addiction on individuals and communities.

Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA)

Dedicated to addressing substance use and addiction, the CCSA conducts research, develops policies, and educates the public. For gambling addiction, it offers resources, support, and prevention strategies. Collaborating with stakeholders, the CCSA creates national frameworks to tackle gambling-related issues and promote effective treatment and recovery solutions.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

As Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital, CAMH specialises in addiction treatment, including comprehensive support for gambling addiction. Services encompass individual counselling, group therapy, and specialised programs designed to address the unique challenges of gambling addiction, promoting recovery and mental well-being.

Gambling, Gaming and Technology Use (GGTU)

As part of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), GGTU focuses on research and support for issues related to gambling, gaming, and technology use. It offers evidence-based resources, treatment programs, and educational materials to help if you’re struggling with gambling addiction and other related behaviours. More details can be found on the official GGTU website.

Canada Safety Council

As a national, non-profit organisation, the Canada Safety Council focuses on public safety education. It offers a range of services, including programs to address gambling addiction. These services include awareness campaigns, support resources, and educational materials aimed at preventing and managing gambling-related issues. For more information, visit the Canada Safety Council website.

Australia Responsible Gambling Resources

Australia promotes safe and responsible online gambling through strict regulations, mandatory self-exclusion programs, and public awareness campaigns.

Let’s take a look at all the resources you can access if you’re based down under:

GambleAware NSW

Working towards zero gambling-related harm, GambleAware NSW offers education and support for individuals and communities. Services include free counselling, funded by the Responsible Gambling Fund (RGF) and managed by the Office of Responsible Gambling, along with resources, awareness campaigns, and grants for harm minimisation projects.

Gambler’s Help

Confidential support for gambling addiction includes 24/7 phone assistance, online counselling, and self-help resources. Personalised advice, financial counselling, and connections to local support groups are offered to aid recovery and encourage healthier gambling habits. More are available on the Gambler’s Help website.

Gambling Help Online

You can access 24/7 free, confidential support for gambling addiction, including live chat, email counselling, and self-help resources. Professional counsellors specialise in gambling issues, offering an alternative to face-to-face services for those reluctant to seek in-person help. Extensive resources are also available online. To find out more, visit Gambling Help Online.

Tab Assist

With personalised support, self-exclusion options, and professional counselling access, TAB Assist helps you manage and overcome gambling addiction. It offers self-assessment tools, financial management tips, and strategies to control gambling behaviour.

The Office For Problem Gambling (OPG)

Administered by South Australia’s Department of Human Services, the Gambler’s Rehabilitation Fund supports programs to minimise gambling harm. Services include a 24/7 helpline, online support, community education, and various prevention and treatment programs. The focus is on harm minimisation, prevention, early intervention, and counselling. For more information, visit the OPG’s official website.

New Zealand Responsible Gambling Resources

New Zealand implements strict regulations, promotes public awareness campaigns, and provides support services to prevent and minimise harm associated with gambling. The country’s Department of Internal Affairs closely monitors gambling activities to ensure they are conducted fairly and responsibly.

Below are some of the resources offered to problem gamblers:

Problem Gambling Foundation

Offering free, confidential counselling, public health initiatives and educational programs, the Problem Gambling Foundation supports individuals and communities affected by gambling addiction. Their mission is to reduce gambling harm and promote healthier, safer lifestyles.

Safer Gambling Aotearoa

Free, confidential counselling and resources for gambling addiction support are available. Services include self-help tools, face-to-face counselling, and community programs to promote safer gambling. Holistic care and guidance extend to affected families, ensuring comprehensive support for those in need. More details on the official Safer Gambling Aotearoa website.

Helplines

New Zealand offers several responsible gambling helplines tailored to specific communities.

Each helpline provides free, confidential services to help you or your loved ones overcome gambling-related challenges:

1. Maori Gambling Helpline: This service provides culturally appropriate support for Maori individuals dealing with gambling issues. It includes confidential counselling and advice from people who understand Maori culture and values.
2. Pasifika Gambling Helpline: This helpline offers assistance to Pacific communities, providing support that respects and integrates Pasifika’s cultural contexts. It includes counselling and referral services to help manage gambling problems.
3. Youth Gambling Helpline: Targeting young people, this helpline offers specialised support and advice for youths facing gambling-related issues. It aims to address the unique challenges and pressures that young individuals encounter.

South Africa Responsible Gambling Resources

Various support organisations offer resources and assistance to promote responsible gambling and recovery in South Africa. Below are some of the main ones:

South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF)

Proving free and confidential treatment and counselling if you or your family is affected by problem gambling, the SARGF offers a 24/7 helpline, face-to-face counselling, outreach programs, and educational initiatives to promote responsible gambling and mitigate its harmful effects.

Gamblers Anonymous South Africa

Offering support for gambling addiction, Gamblers Anonymous South Africa provides weekly in-person and Zoom meetings, a 12-step recovery program, and a community of peers. Immediate help is available through their hotline and email support.

Recovery Direct

Specialising in gambling addiction support, Recovery Direct offers individual therapy, group sessions, and online counselling. Their comprehensive treatment plans address the root causes of addiction in a compassionate, non-punitive environment, helping individuals regain control and develop healthier habits.

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