Gambling help

Harmful gambling affects the gambler and those close to them, such as partners, children, wider family, and friends.

Harmful gambling can lead to:

• Reduced household budgets
• Poor performance at work or school
• Relationship breakdown
• Mental health problems
• Suicide in extreme cases

If you're struggling to cope with your own or another person's gambling, you're not alone. To find out more about the impact of gambling on friends and family, watch GamCare's video.

Signs of harmful gambling

Recognising the warning signs can help identify when it might be time to get help for yourself or others.

Common signs of harmful gambling include the person:

• Gambling more than they plan to
• Feeling guilty about the way they gamble
• Wanting to stop betting but feeling as if they cannot
• Hiding betting slips, lottery tickets or money for gambling
• Borrowing money and not repaying it
• Losing time from work or school because of gambling
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
• Harming or losing a significant relationship, job, or education because of gambling

You can find out how safe your or a loved one's gambling is through GamCare's test. It only takes a few minutes, and is free and anonymous.