Support with gambling

If gambling is harming your finances, relationships or other parts of your life, it is important to be honest and seek help. It can be hard to talk about, but you are not alone - help and support are available.

If you are gambling to try to make money (for example, as an alternative to saving or borrowing from a bank or building society), this is a sign you may have a problem.

Gambling warning signs

You or someone you know might need help if you are:

• using an overdraft, credit or borrowing from family or friends to pay for gambling
• missing payments for debts or essential bills because money has been spent on gambling
• gambling to win back money that has been lost
• lying to family or friends about gambling

If any of these sound familiar, it is time to get help.

Where to get support

If you are affected by problem gambling, you can call the free National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Specialists are available 24 hours a day offering information and support.

You can visit the GamCare website which offers free information, advice and treatment.

West Northamptonshire residents are eligible for support from the East Midlands Gambling Harm Service. They provide specialist therapies, treatment and recovery to those affected by gambling addiction and gambling problems.

The service accepts self-referrals or you can ask a GP or other health worker to make a professional referral for you.

You can also call the team on 0300 013 2330.

Last updated 27 March 2026