Responsible Gambling

What are gambling harms?

Gambling can affect finances, relationships and health, including people close to the person who gambles. Harm can occur without a diagnosed disorder. Gambling disorder involves difficulty controlling gambling, giving it priority over other activities and continuing despite harmful consequences. These are clinical concepts, not labels to apply to someone from a checklist. See the WHO overview of gambling harms.

When to seek support

Spending money needed for essentials, borrowing to gamble, chasing losses or feeling unable to stop are reasons to seek support. You do not need to wait for a crisis or diagnose yourself. The NHS gambling support guide explains signs of harm and routes to care.

Tools and treatment

Self-exclusion, website blocking and bank gambling-payment blocks can create barriers to gambling; coverage varies by service and country. Prioritise essential bills and seek debt advice if needed. Our limits guide and self-assessment guide explain related tools. A self-assessment cannot diagnose you, and tools do not replace professional care.

Anxiety, depression or ADHD do not establish that someone gambles or is careless about consequences. A health professional can assess gambling harms alongside other health needs. NICE guidance calls for individual assessment, coordinated care and a compassionate approach without stigma.

Where to get help

• Gambling Therapy offers free online advice and emotional support internationally, including support for people affected by someone else's gambling. Check its current language options and availability.
• In Great Britain, GamCare's support finder lists services for people who gamble and those close to them. Confirm eligibility with the service.
• Elsewhere, contact a local health service or a gambling-harm support organisation. Our get-help guide offers further starting points.

If someone is in immediate danger or cannot stay safe, contact local emergency services now. An online article or support forum is not emergency care.

Supporting someone else

Your wellbeing matters too. You do not have to solve everything yourself: support is available for family members and friends independently of whether the person who gambles seeks treatment. Listen without blame and encourage professional help. A return to gambling is a reason to seek further support, not to shame the person.

Set boundaries that protect your finances. You are not obliged to lend money, repay gambling debts or take control of another person's accounts. Seek independent financial or debt advice for your circumstances. GamCare explains options for protecting yourself and supporting someone.