Gambling therapy helps you understand what gambling is doing for you, take back control of the money and time it is taking, and decide what you want next. I will not judge you for the amount, the secrecy, or what has happened as a result.
Signs gambling may be becoming a problem
- Gambling with more money, or for longer, than you planned
- Chasing losses; betting again to win back what you have lost
- Lying about it, or hiding bank statements, cards or apps
- Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
- Feeling restless or irritable when you try to stop
- Gambling to escape stress, low mood or boredom
- Problems at work, with money or in your relationships
Why it is hard to stop
Gambling is built around unpredictable rewards, which is one of the most compulsive patterns we know of. Near misses, fast online play and easy access make it harder to step back. The shame and secrecy that follow usually make it worse, not better.
Practical protection, alongside therapy
Therapy works best when the practical doors are also closing. Many people find it helps to:
- Self-exclude from online gambling sites through GamStop (free; it covers online gambling only)
- Use blocking software on phones and computers
- Ask your bank about gambling blocks on cards and accounts, which many UK banks now offer
- Hand day-to-day control of money to someone you trust, for a period
- Get free debt advice from StepChange or National Debtline
These are your decisions, not conditions of working with me.
What therapy can offer
- A confidential space to talk about gambling and the shame around it
- Looking at what triggers it and what it does for you
- Practical strategies for urges, money and relapse
- Support for a partner or family member whose life has been affected
- Goals you set; for most people with gambling problems the aim is stopping, but we decide that together
Gambling and mental health: read this if things feel hopeless
Gambling problems and low mood or suicidal thoughts often go together. If you are having thoughts of ending your life, please call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24 hours), or 999 if you are in immediate danger. Talking about it is not a sign of weakness, and it does not make things worse.
If it is someone you love
If someone you love is affected, you can have support of your own, whether or not they get help. Support for families and loved ones.
Short answers to common questions
How do I know if I have a gambling problem?
The signs listed above are a good guide. If gambling is costing you more than money, whether that is time, trust or peace of mind, it is worth talking to someone.
Is online gambling more addictive?
I cannot give you a figure for that. What I can say is that online play is fast, always available and private, which makes it easier to lose track of time and money.
Is there a test for a gambling problem?
Yes, and you can do it now. The NHS has a nine-question self-check on its gambling addiction page, covering things like betting more than you can afford, chasing losses, borrowing to gamble and feeling guilty. A total of 8 or more means you, or someone close to you, are likely experiencing gambling-related harms, and a lower score can still mean gambling is affecting your life. It is a guide, not a diagnosis.
What treatment is there for gambling addiction on the NHS?
The NHS says specialist gambling clinics in England have psychiatrists and psychologists, and you can self-refer or ask your GP about local services. NICE says cognitive behavioural therapy should be delivered by psychologists or accredited CBT therapists. The National Gambling Helpline, run by GamCare, is free on 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day.
How long does GAMSTOP last, and what does it block?
The NHS says GAMSTOP blocks you from gambling websites and apps for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years, and GAMSTOP says it is free. It covers online accounts; betting shops have a separate service. The NHS also lists Gamban, which blocks gambling sites and apps on your devices, and says you can ask your bank to block payments to gambling sites and apps.
I am in debt because of gambling. Where do I start?
The NHS advises not ignoring debts, and points to National Debtline, which is free and impartial on 0808 808 4000. StepChange also gives free debt advice, on 0800 138 1111. The NHS also suggests paying essential bills, such as your mortgage, on payday, by direct debit or standing order, before you gamble. Debt is something we can talk about without judgement.
What if I start gambling again after stopping?
NICE says relapse can be distressing, is not shameful, does not mean personal failure, and may be a chance to learn. It also says support should continue after treatment, with rapid re-entry to therapy available. In my work a lapse is something to look at together: what set it off, and what would help next time.