If gambling is no longer feeling like entertainment, support is available. This page is designed to help you find confidential, reputable resources in your region—whether you’re looking for advice, self-help tools, or professional support.
When to Seek Support
Consider reaching out if any of the following sound familiar:
- You spend more time or money than you intended.
- You feel stressed, anxious, or distracted because of gambling.
- You chase losses or gamble to “break even.”
- You hide gambling activity from family or friends.
- Gambling affects school/work, relationships, or finances.
If You Are Under 18
Most gambling services are intended for adults, but help is still available. If you’re under 18, the safest first step is to talk to a trusted adult (parent/guardian, school counselor, or another adult you trust). You can also look for local youth support lines or general mental health support services in your area.
How to Find Help in Your Region
Because support services differ by country and state/province, use these steps to locate trusted, official resources:
- Search for government or public health resources in your region using terms like: “responsible gambling help” + your country/state.
- Look for licensed support services (public health programs, regulated helplines, or recognized non-profit providers).
- Check the regulator’s website (if your region regulates gambling). Regulators often publish official support contacts.
- Use caution with unofficial directories that primarily promote casinos or affiliate links.
What Kind of Support Is Available
Different people prefer different types of help. Common options include:
- Confidential helplines for immediate guidance and next steps.
- Chat or email support if you prefer writing over speaking.
- Counseling or therapy through licensed professionals.
- Peer support groups (community-based, often free).
- Financial guidance to help manage debt or budgeting concerns.
Self-Help Tools You Can Use Today
These steps won’t replace professional help when it’s needed, but they can reduce harm immediately:
- Set hard limits on time and spending (and stick to them).
- Take a break and reassess—many platforms offer cooling-off or self-exclusion tools.
- Remove triggers: unsubscribe from promotional emails/notifications and block gambling sites/apps if helpful.
- Track activity (time spent, money deposited, and how you felt before/after).
- Talk to someone you trust—support works better when you’re not handling it alone.
How to Evaluate Whether a Resource Is Trustworthy
When choosing a support organization or service, look for:
- Clear contact information and privacy practices
- Public health, government, or non-profit affiliation
- Licensed professionals (where applicable)
- No pressure to use specific gambling websites
Urgent Situations
If you feel you are in immediate danger or need urgent help right now, contact your local emergency number or local crisis services in your region.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not medical, legal, or financial advice. Availability of services varies by location. If you need professional support, please contact an official local service or a licensed professional in your area.