While gambling is a fun pastime worldwide, a significant percentage of participants end up with a gambling problem. Poor habits can result in mental and financial health problems, with some people unable to give up the activity despite suffering negative impacts. According to the United Kingdom Gambling Commission, about 200,000 gamblers in the UK alone have a serious problem requiring treatment. Fortunately, various support organizations, tools, and national programs are available for online and offline punters. Here’s an overview of the top counseling companies providing gambling help and support to British players.
GamCare National Gambling Service
GamCare is the leading UK provider of free information, support, and advice for British players, especially those using international online casino operators (as they are not protected by GamStop), and anyone harmed by gambling. It is a charity organization offering national gambling services to help players recover and regain control. GamCare offers advisors, reformed gamblers, informative resources, live chats, group chats, forums, and direct calls for instant access to gambling help. Players can start their recovery journey at any point, and the service is free for all players in England, Scotland and Wales. Here are some of GamCare’s main involvements:
- Enforce Safer Gambling Standards – GamCare collaborates with the beneficiaries of the gambling industry, including gambling operators and regulators, to enforce better and safer gambling standards that protect players.
- Training Programs and Certifications – GamCare focuses on implementing good gambling policies, offering training programs and creating awareness to protect players from gambling risks. The organization also invests heavily in staff training.
- Youth Outreach Programs – GamCare has many youth outreach programs to educate and protect the young/vulnerable from gambling harm. In addition, it provides unbiased gambling advice and recommendations, focusing on high-quality service and efficiency.
You can access the GamCare National Gambling Helpline at 0808 8020 133 or visit the official website to explore gambling resources and live chat. The organization has skilled advisors ready to offer assistance through Netline or Webchat, and the service is available 24/7, so you can get help anytime, anywhere. Moreover, problem players can join chat rooms and share their experiences with people with similar stories and struggles.
They’ll also interact with experts and reformed gamblers who know what it takes to restore self-restraint. For those seeking alternative support options, many of standalone casino sites may also offer resources and tools for responsible gambling. These casinos often provide self-exclusion features, deposit limits, and links to additional support organizations to ensure a safe and responsible gaming environment.
Gamblers Anonymous
Like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous is a helpline for people from different countries who have come together to find a way to quit their addiction. Gamblers are free to share their experiences and build trust and commitment to new goals in the group. Gamblers Anonymous follows the same steps to treat drug and substance abuse by focusing on personal and spiritual growth. The priority is to help addicts identify the root cause of their compulsive gambling behaviour and reflect on why quitting is the best decision. The GamAnon program also brings together people facing similar struggles, particularly individuals who have decided to do something about their gambling addiction.
Mental Health Counselling Services
Problem gambling is primarily a mental health problem, and addicts often have many underlying factors that lead to their current state. Isolation, idleness, stress, predisposition through gambling, family and friends are a few top reasons for developing an addiction. Mental health counseling is an excellent start when looking to help one afflicted by gambling harm. The counsellors can help determine the deep-rooted causes of irresponsible gambling and ways to spur reformation.
Problem gambling counseling services aim to uplift the affected person to face the real problems that secretly drive them into gambling. Unfortunately, most addicts aren’t ready to find mental health counseling. If you decide to help a friend or family, it’s crucial to let them decide. More importantly, remind them that counsellors aren’t the enemy and genuinely want to help. Make sure you work with a reputable centre dealing with gambling addiction.
Financial Counseling Services
Considering the recent global gambling trends such as mobile readiness and wide online casino availability, most gamblers end up quickly racking up debts at multiple casinos to fund their hobby or chase losses. Unfortunately, huge debts increase the likelihood of stress, depression and financial strain that may remain several months after quitting gambling. The pressure can lead to reforming gamblers back to betting, so it’s crucial to find financial counseling. Working with independent counseling debt service companies can offer advice on how to work towards financial stability and the best ways to get out of debt. Here are two of the best companies providing financial counseling to British gamblers:
- Stepchange – UK’s leading debt charity offering financial advice and counseling to help gamblers manage debt solutions. The company has more than 25 years of experience and has skilled advisors ready to guide you through every step to get through the aftermath of unhealthy gambling patterns.
- National Debtline – This is another debt advice charity designed to help reforming gamblers achieve debt-free status. It features expert debt advisors and uses a non-judgmental approach to inform, advise and recommend specific measures that’ll help you build confidence in honoring debts and regaining financial freedom.
Summary
Players around the world have access to many other organizations, foundations, and events offering gambling support. The Gordon Moody Association is one great example with more than 50 years of providing residential treatment for substance and gambling addicts. Nonetheless, all helplines and foundations rely on the gambler’s decision and determination to reform. It’s crucial to seek help early before the gambling problem escalates to severe depression and financial crisis.
