Where to Get Help for Problem Gambling Worldwide

Markus Jalmerot

Author

📅Published: 4 November 2019

🔄Updated: 12 August 2026

Last independently reviewed: 12 August 2026 by Markus Jalmerot

Gambling problems can affect money, relationships, sleep, work and mental health. This directory helps you find established helplines, self-exclusion services, treatment providers and peer-support groups. It is organised by country so you can reach a service that understands the rules and healthcare options where you live.

Need immediate help? Contact your local emergency service when someone is in immediate danger. For urgent emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm, use a national crisis or suicide-prevention service rather than waiting for a gambling organisation to reply.

Choose the right type of gambling support

Speak to someone now: choose a national helpline or a global service with live chat. Stop access: combine formal self-exclusion with blocking software and payment limits. Professional treatment: contact a specialist clinic, addiction service or doctor. Help for somebody else: choose a service that supports partners and relatives.

For crypto-casino users: National self-exclusion schemes generally cover operators licensed in that country. They may not block offshore, unlicensed or decentralised gambling sites. Gambling blocking software, exchange limits, bank controls and support from a trusted person can add further barriers.

Gambling help organisations by country

Not every gambling-support service is available everywhere. Select your country below to see the most relevant helplines, self-exclusion systems, treatment providers and local support organisations.

International · UK · Ireland · US · Canada · Australia · New Zealand · Sweden · Norway · Finland · Denmark · Germany · Netherlands · France · Spain · Italy · Portugal · Malta · Cyprus · Romania · Baltics · India · Singapore · South Africa

Note: Self-exclusion and gambling-blocking software are different tools.
GAMSTOP is a formal self-exclusion service for online gambling companies licensed in Great Britain.
BetBlocker, Gamban and GamBlock restrict access to gambling websites and apps at device level.
GAMSTOP’s phone and webchat services provide assistance with the GAMSTOP service rather than gambling counselling. You can find country-specific helplines, treatment providers and support organisations below.

International support

Gambling Therapy

Coverage: Global
What they offer: Online support · Family support · Multiple languages

Free practical advice, emotional support, online groups and resources for people affected by gambling, including relatives.

Website: Gambling Therapy

BetBlocker

Coverage: Global
What they offer: Free blocking software · Multiple devices

Free tool that help addicted players cool off, block themselves and monitor progression.

Website: BetBlocker

GamBan

Coverage: Global
What they offer: Multi-Layered Protection · Monthly or yearly service

7-day free trial followed by paid monthly/annual plans. Blocks gambling sites on a global basis.

Website: GamBan

GamBlock

Coverage: Global
What they offer: Stops underage gambling · Cannot be avoided by VPN usage

Gives peace of mind to parents and businesses that want to block all kinds of websites related to online casinos and gambling sites, both within your country and those offshore.

Website: GamBlock

Gamblers Anonymous

Coverage: International
What they offer: Peer support · Meetings

Peer-led recovery meetings for people who want to stop gambling. Local and online meetings are available in many countries.

Website: Gamblers Anonymous

Gam-Anon

Coverage: International
What they offer: Family and friends · Peer support

Support groups for partners, relatives and friends affected by another person’s gambling.

Website: Gam-Anon

United Kingdom

GamCare and the National Gambling Helpline

Coverage: Great Britain
What they offer: 0808 8020 133 · 24/7 · Live chat

Free, confidential advice by telephone and live chat for anyone affected by gambling harm.

Website: GamCare and the National Gambling Helpline

GAMSTOP

Coverage: Great Britain
What they offer: Official online self-exclusion

The official free online self-exclusion service covering gambling companies licensed in Great Britain.

Website: GAMSTOP

NHS gambling treatment

Coverage: England
What they offer: Clinical treatment · NHS referrals

Specialist clinical assessment and treatment. The official NHS page explains current services and referral routes.

Website: NHS gambling treatment

Gordon Moody

Coverage: United Kingdom
What they offer: Residential and intensive treatment

Specialist therapeutic and residential programmes for severe gambling-related harm.

Website: Gordon Moody

Gamblers Anonymous Great Britain

Coverage: Great Britain
What they offer: GA meetings · Peer support

Local and online peer-support meetings throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

Website: Gamblers Anonymous Great Britain

GamCare BigDeal

Coverage: Great Britain
What they offer: Young people · Parents · Education

Information and support for young people, parents and professionals concerned about youth gambling.

Website: GamCare BigDeal

National Debtline

Coverage: England, Wales and Scotland
What they offer: Debt advice · Webchat

Free independent debt advice for people dealing with gambling-related arrears or unaffordable borrowing.

Website: National Debtline

Ireland

GamblingCare.ie

Coverage: Ireland
What they offer: 1800 936 725 · Family support

Information, support and referrals for people who gamble and affected family members.

Website: GamblingCare.ie

Gamblers Anonymous Ireland

Coverage: Ireland
What they offer: GA meetings · Peer support

Peer-led recovery meetings for people who want to stop gambling.

Website: Gamblers Anonymous Ireland

United States

National Council on Problem Gambling

Coverage: United States
What they offer: Call/text 1-800-MY-RESET · Chat

The national helpline connects callers, texters and chat users with local resources across all states and territories.

Website: National Council on Problem Gambling

Gamblers Anonymous US

Coverage: United States
What they offer: GA meetings · Peer support

Local and virtual peer-support meetings for people seeking recovery from compulsive gambling.

Website: Gamblers Anonymous US

Gam-Anon US

Coverage: United States
What they offer: Family and friends

Peer support for family members and friends affected by another person’s gambling.

Website: Gam-Anon US

Canada

Responsible Gambling Council

Coverage: Canada
What they offer: Information · Prevention

Independent prevention information and practical resources concerning gambling harm.

Website: Responsible Gambling Council

ConnexOntario

Coverage: Ontario
What they offer: Phone · Text · Chat · Referrals

Confidential navigation to mental-health, addiction and problem-gambling services in Ontario.

Website: ConnexOntario

Australia

Gambling Help Online

Coverage: Australia
What they offer: 1800 858 858 · 24/7 chat

Free professional and confidential counselling nationally by telephone and online.

Website: Gambling Help Online

BetStop

Coverage: Australia
What they offer: National self-exclusion

Australia’s national self-exclusion register for licensed online and telephone wagering providers.

Website: BetStop

Gambler’s Help Victoria

Coverage: Victoria
What they offer: State service · Family support

Free confidential counselling, financial counselling and family support.

Website: Gambler’s Help Victoria

GambleAware NSW

Coverage: New South Wales
What they offer: State service · Counselling

State-funded counselling and referrals for people affected by gambling.

Website: GambleAware NSW

Gambling Help Queensland

Coverage: Queensland
What they offer: State service · Local counselling

Information and access to free local gambling-help services across Queensland.

Website: Gambling Help Queensland

Lifeline Australia

Coverage: Australia
What they offer: Crisis line 13 11 14

Crisis support for immediate emotional distress, including distress connected to gambling losses.

Website: Lifeline Australia

Gamblers Anonymous Australia

Coverage: Australia
What they offer: GA meetings · Peer support

Peer-led GA meetings in several states and online.

Website: Gamblers Anonymous Australia

New Zealand

Gambling Helpline New Zealand

Coverage: New Zealand
What they offer: 0800 654 655 · Text 8006

A free 24-hour national service providing immediate support, information and referrals.

Website: Gambling Helpline New Zealand

PGF Services

Coverage: New Zealand
What they offer: 0800 664 262 · Live chat

Free professional and confidential counselling for people affected by gambling.

Website: PGF Services

Asian Family Services

Coverage: New Zealand
What they offer: Multilingual · Family support

Culturally and linguistically appropriate support for Asian communities affected by gambling harm.

Website: Asian Family Services

Mapu Maia

Coverage: New Zealand
What they offer: Pacific-focused support

Culturally responsive support for Pacific people, families and communities.

Website: Mapu Maia

Sweden

Stödlinjen

Coverage: Sweden
What they offer: 020-81 91 00 · Chat

Sweden’s national confidential service for people who gamble and their relatives.

Website: Stödlinjen

Spelpaus

Coverage: Sweden
What they offer: Official self-exclusion

The official self-exclusion system covering gambling that requires registration with Swedish-licensed operators.

Website: Spelpaus

Spelinspektionen

Coverage: Sweden
What they offer: Regulator · Consumer information

The Swedish Gambling Authority provides regulatory information and operates Spelpaus.

Website: Spelinspektionen

Norway

Hjelpelinjen

Coverage: Norway
What they offer: 800 800 40 · Anonymous

Norway’s national anonymous helpline for gambling and gaming problems.

Website: Hjelpelinjen

Spillavhengighet Norge

Coverage: Norway
What they offer: Groups · Family support

Support, groups and guidance for people who gamble and relatives.

Website: Spillavhengighet Norge

Anonyme Gamblere Norge

Coverage: Norway
What they offer: GA meetings

Peer-led meetings for people seeking to stop gambling.

Website: Anonyme Gamblere Norge

Finland

Peluuri

Coverage: Finland
What they offer: Helpline · Chat · Family support

Helpline, chat, self-help resources and support for gamblers and relatives.

Website: Peluuri

THL

Coverage: Finland
What they offer: Public-health information

Official public-health information and research on gambling harm.

Website: THL

Denmark

StopSpillet

Coverage: Denmark
What they offer: National helpline · Family support

Free and impartial advice for people who gamble and relatives.

Website: StopSpillet

ROFUS

Coverage: Denmark
What they offer: Official self-exclusion

An official page from “Danske Spil” that gives you access to knowledge about gaming, gambling and ludomania.
Exclude yourself from all licensed Danish gambling with ROFUS. This is the official register from Danish Gambling Authority’s register of voluntarily excluded players. Unfortunately, it doesn’t cover all gambling sites in English and other languages.

Website: Rofus

Germany

Check dein Spiel

Coverage: Germany
What they offer: Self-test · Advice · Referrals

Official information, self-assessment and support resources for gambling problems.

Website: Check dein Spiel

Anonyme Spieler

Coverage: Germany
What they offer: GA-style meetings

German-speaking peer-support groups for people seeking recovery from gambling addiction.
Anonyme Spieler is a fellowship of women and men who share their experience, strength, and sincere desire to stop gambling. Meetings where common gambling addition problems are discussed can help on their path to recovery.

Website: Anonyme Spieler

Netherlands

Open Over Gokken

Coverage: Netherlands
What they offer: Helpline · Chat · Guide

A professional initiative by the Dutch Gaming Authority that make people question if they are playing too much. Here, you can take a self test, learn about the top risks with gambling and meet Steffie explaining about how to handle over gambling problems.

Website: Open Over Gokken

Cruks

Coverage: Netherlands
What they offer: Official self-exclusion

CRUKS stand for Centraal Register Uitsluiting Kansspelen and is the central Dutch register that help you take a break from licensed Dutch online casinos, gambling halls and sportsbetting sites for at least 6 months. They are also available to give extra help by WhatApp, Chatting or Phone calls.

Website: Cruks

France

Joueurs Info Service

Coverage: France
What they offer: Helpline · Chat · Information

France’s national information and support service for people affected by gambling.

Website: Joueurs Info Service

ANJ

Coverage: France
What they offer: Official exclusion information

The French gambling regulator provides information on voluntary exclusion and gambling controls.

Website: ANJ

Spain

FEJAR

Coverage: Spain
What they offer: Therapy · Local associations · Family support

A national federation offering access to treatment and local rehabilitated-gambler associations.

Website: FEJAR

DGOJ

Coverage: Spain
What they offer: Official self-exclusion

The national gambling regulator provides the official prohibited-access register and consumer information.

Website: DGOJ

Jugadores Anónimos

Coverage: Spain
What they offer: GA meetings

Peer-support meetings for people who want to stop gambling.

Website: Jugadores Anónimos

Italy

Istituto Superiore di Sanità

Coverage: Italy
What they offer: Public-health information · Helpline

Public-health information and a national telephone service for gambling-related problems.

Website: Istituto Superiore di Sanità

ADM

Coverage: Italy
What they offer: Official gambling controls

Official controls and self-exclusion information for regulated online gambling.

Website: ADM

Giocatori Anonimi

Coverage: Italy
What they offer: GA meetings

Local peer-support groups for people who want to stop gambling.

Website: Giocatori Anonimi

Portugal

Instituto de Apoio ao Jogador

Coverage: Portugal
What they offer: Information · Support · Training

Prevention, information and support relating to gambling disorder.

Website: Instituto de Apoio ao Jogador

Jogadores Anónimos Portugal

Coverage: Portugal
What they offer: GA meetings

Peer-led meetings for people seeking recovery from gambling addiction.

Website: Jogadores Anónimos Portugal

Malta

Responsible Gaming Foundation

Coverage: Malta
What they offer: National support line 1777 · Family support

Confidential support, practical guidance and referrals for people affected by gambling harm.

Website: Responsible Gaming Foundation

Aġenzija Sedqa

Coverage: Malta
What they offer: Treatment · Family support

Government-supported addiction services that can assist with gambling and related family difficulties.

Website: Aġenzija Sedqa

Cyprus

National Addictions Authority Cyprus

Coverage: Cyprus
What they offer: Official referrals · Treatment information

Official information and referral routes for addiction prevention and treatment services.

Website: National Addictions Authority Cyprus

Romania

Joc Responsabil

Coverage: Romania
What they offer: Counselling · Self-assessment

Information, counselling and support resources for people concerned about gambling behaviour.

Website: Joc Responsabil

Baltic states

Latvia public-health support

Coverage: Latvia
What they offer: Public-health information

National and municipal addiction services may include help with behavioural addictions.

Website: Latvia public-health support

Lithuania Gambling Supervisory Authority

Coverage: Lithuania
What they offer: Official self-exclusion information

Here you can submit a self-exclusion application and avoid gambling on local approved sites. They also give out consumer guidance in Latvian and English.

Website: Lithuania Gambling Supervisory Authority

India

Tele-MANAS

Coverage: India
What they offer: Phone 14416 · Mental-health support

National mental-health support that can help with distress and direct callers toward local care when gambling is part of the problem.

Website: Tele-MANAS

Singapore

National Council on Problem Gambling

Coverage: Singapore
What they offer: Helpline · Self-exclusion · Family support

Official information, self-exclusion options and support contacts for individuals and families.

Website: National Council on Problem Gambling

NHG Health

Coverage: Singapore
What they offer: Clinical treatment and consultations.

Clinical assessment and treatment for addictions, including gambling disorder. They provide customised trainings and workshops for people recovering from gambling addiction.

Website: NHG Health

South Africa

South African Responsible Gambling Foundation

Coverage: South Africa
What they offer: National helpline · Counselling

Free counselling, treatment referrals and a national helpline for people affected by gambling. They are open 24/7 throughout South Africa.

Website: South African Responsible Gambling Foundation

How to make self-exclusion harder to bypass

Self-exclusion works better when it is part of a system rather than your only barrier.

A practical approach is to:
1. Register with the official self-exclusion system available in your jurisdiction.
2. Install gambling-blocking software GamBlock, BetBlocker or GamBan on every phone, tablet and computer you use.
3. Ask your bank whether gambling-transaction restrictions are available.
4. Lower bank-transfer, card and crypto-exchange limits.
5. Remove saved cards, wallets and other payment methods from gambling accounts.
6. Delete all gambling apps and bookmarks.
7. Unsubscribe from gambling promotions where possible.
8. Tell somebody you trust what you are doing.
9. Contact a gambling-support service even if you believe the problem is still manageable.
10. Close or suspend gambling accounts individually, especially offshore or crypto-casino accounts that may not be covered by a national self-exclusion scheme.
11. Reduce access to discretionary funds by moving spending money into a separate account, removing overdraft/credit access, or asking a trusted person to help manage larger transfers for a period.
12. Create a relapse plan in advance: write down what you will do if you feel tempted to gamble, such as contacting a support service, leaving the device, calling someone you trust, or temporarily handing over access to banking and crypto apps.

For crypto gamblers, limiting access to exchanges and crypto balances can be particularly important because conventional bank gambling blocks may not prevent a crypto transfer.

No single technical solution is impossible to bypass. The objective is to create enough independent barriers that an impulsive decision becomes considerably harder to act on.

Comparison of self-exclusion and blocking tools

Different tools create different barriers to gambling. Combining more than one can make self-exclusion considerably harder to bypass.

Important: Coverage varies between countries, banks, blocking products and gambling operators. No single tool should be treated as impossible to bypass.

Common signs that gambling is causing harm

Warning signs include chasing losses, borrowing to gamble, hiding transactions, repeatedly breaking limits, gambling with money needed for essentials, losing sleep, neglecting work or family responsibilities, and feeling unable to stop despite wanting to. You do not need to wait for the situation to become severe before contacting support.

Help for family and friends

Partners and relatives can ask for confidential advice even when the person who gambles is not ready to seek help. A support service can help with boundaries, household finances, debt, communication and personal safety. Gam-Anon, Gambling Therapy and many national helplines support affected others.

How we selected and verified these organisations

Crypto Lists prioritises government services, national helplines, formal self-exclusion systems, registered charities, clinical providers and established peer-support organisations. We check the organisation’s own website for its purpose, location and main contact route. We do not rank support services according to commercial relationships. All of the organisations and websites above have been checked so they are still available, while we confirmed their service. When possible, we’re clearly mentioning which are free versus paid services. The latest confirmation date is mentioned in the top of the article.

Opening hours, phone numbers, eligibility and local chapters can change. Confirm the latest details on the official website before relying on them. A listing here is informational and is not a medical endorsement.

Frequently asked questions

Does self-exclusion block every online casino?

No. National schemes generally cover licensed operators in that jurisdiction. Offshore and unlicensed sites may not participate.

Can blocking software stop access to crypto casinos?

It can block many known domains and apps, but no product guarantees complete coverage. Use it as one part of a broader plan.

Can I contact a helpline without a diagnosis?

Yes. Support services commonly help people who are simply worried about changes in their behaviour or somebody else’s gambling.

Are gambling helplines confidential?

Many are confidential or anonymous, but policies differ. Ask the adviser what information is recorded when privacy is especially important.

Where can I get help with gambling debt?

Contact a reputable non-profit debt-advice service in your country and explain that gambling contributed to the debt. Financial help works best alongside steps that reduce further gambling.

This guide provides general information and does not replace medical, psychological, financial or legal advice.