Is problem gambling affecting you, or those close to you? Being a compulsive gambler can harm your health and relationships, and leave you in serious debt.

Could you really have a gambling problem? Not sure you’re ready to talk to someone?

To help you better assess the impact gambling is having on your life, GamCare has teamed up with Sustainable Interaction to bring you this new self-assessment tool. Click here to complete their quick assessment.

What can you do?

If you’re worried about your gambling becoming a problem,  there are steps you can take to change. These will help you break the habit, but you will need to have willpower and really want to change.

• Change your behaviours – Break old patterns and routines. If you gamble online late at night, go to bed early or set your internet to disconnect before you would normally go online. Do something in the time that you would normally gamble. Choose something you enjoy and that is different to what you would normally do.
• Self-exclusion – You can bar yourself from local betting shops and also online sites. If you do this and are tempted, it will make it harder for you to gamble.
• Blocking software – If you gamble online, you can set up your computer and phone to prevent you from accessing gambling websites.
• Managing your finances and debt – Find out how you can get out of debt and organise your finances.

Getting help for yourself

GamCare operates the National Gambling HelpLine and remains the first port of call for anyone experiencing problems with gambling, including family.

They are the leading provider of specialist support, offering a fully staffed HelpLine seven days a week, with fully-trained advisers providing confidential advice, information and support to anyone experiencing a gambling problem, as well as to affected others. Gamcare advisers take calls over the phone as well as through a secure chat system. Their service is confidential and is available 8am - midnight, seven days a week.

• Helpline – Talk to a GamCare Adviser over the phone 0808 8020 133.
• Netline – Talk to a GamCare Adviser online
• GamCare Counselling Treatment – Set up regular support sessions with a GamCare practitioner

Ara is the local provider of counselling for GamCare. They provide 1:1 counselling for people experiencing problems with their own gambling or that of a family member. To access the service please call 0117 930 0282 or visit the website at recovery4all.co.uk or e-mail info@recovery4all.co.uk

Gamblers Anonymous UK runs local support groups that use the same 12-step approach to recovery from addiction as Alcoholics Anonymous. There are also GamAnon support groups for friends and family.