GamCare, Gambling Therapy, and BeGambleAware: Organizations Players Can Contact

GamCare

GamCare is the largest gambling support organization in the United Kingdom. It provides free counseling, support groups, and information for problem gamblers and their families.

Services include:

• One-on-one counseling with trained therapists
• Group therapy sessions
• Phone support lines
• Online forums for peer support
• Family counseling

GamCare operates specifically on the problem-is-internal model: the problem is the person's behavior, not the availability of gambling. Treatment focuses on changing behavior, not restricting access.

Gambling Therapy

Gambling Therapy is an online resource providing free counseling through video, telephone, and text. It operates in multiple countries and provides services in different languages.

Key features:

• Individual therapists matched to your situation
• Flexible scheduling (online, not location-dependent)
• Peer-to-peer support forums
• Educational resources about gambling addiction
• No waiting lists (appointments available within days)

Gambling Therapy is particularly useful for people who cannot attend in-person counseling due to location or scheduling constraints.

BeGambleAware

BeGambleAware is a UK charity that provides information and resources about problem gambling. It is more information-focused than counseling-focused.

Services include:

• Educational resources about gambling harms
• Self-assessment tools
• Links to other support organizations
• Information about gambling products and risks
• Guidance on self-exclusion

National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in the US

The NCPG operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700), which provides referrals to local treatment facilities. The service is free and confidential.

They provide:

• Immediate support
• Treatment referrals
• Information for family members
• Crisis intervention

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous is a peer-support organization similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. It operates on the twelve-step model and has meetings worldwide.

Features:

• Peer-led meetings (not therapist-led)
• Free to attend
• Structured around the twelve-step framework
• Strong emphasis on mutual support
• Global reach

The format works for some people (particularly those with strong community backgrounds) and is less effective for others (particularly those who prefer professional clinical treatment).

The Practical First Steps

If you recognize a gambling problem:

• Assess the severity using self-assessment tools on BeGambleAware or Gambling Therapy
• Set a firm budget limit using your casino's deposit limit tool
• Contact one of the organizations above (start with the easiest one for you: text-based, phone, or in-person)
• Tell someone you trust about your situation
• Avoid situations where gambling is accessible (block certain websites, avoid casinos, delete gambling apps)

The Family Angle

If someone you know has a gambling problem, organizations like GamCare and Gambling Therapy provide family counseling. You cannot force someone to stop gambling. You can:

• Express concern clearly
• Set boundaries (do not lend money, do not enable)
• Provide information about support resources
• Support them if they commit to treatment

The Cost-Benefit

All of these organizations are free or low-cost. The professional treatment is cheaper than the losses from continued gambling. A person losing five hundred dollars per month to gambling gains enormous ROI from therapy that costs fifty dollars per month.

The Honest Truth

No one can force you to stop gambling. These organizations provide tools and support. You have to use them.

The hardest part is asking for help. Everything after that is easier.

You do not have to hit rock bottom before you get help. You can ask for help right now, even if you think the problem is not severe yet.