Gambling

Gambling can be a fun activity for some – buying an occasional lottery ticket, or placing a bet on a major event like the World Cup – but for others it can become a problem, affecting their health and relationships, as well as leaving them in debt.

An estimated 2 million adults in the UK have an unhealthy relationship with gambling, spending more time and money on gambling than they can afford. This affects around 8,000 people in Greenwich as well as impacting on their family and friends.

If you, or people who know you, are worried about your gambling, take this short self-test. It can tell you your risk, give you some self-help tips and signpost you to specialist support if needed.

You may want to seek some advice and support if:

• your gambling has got to a point where you find you cannot stop,
• it is affecting your mental health, your relationships, or your job,
• you can’t control your spending and it’s putting you in debt

Getting help

If you (or someone you’re concerned about) have a problem with gambling, rest assured that there is support available. It’s all free to access and is completely confidential.

GamCare is the leading national provider for information, advice, support, and treatment for anyone experiencing problems with gambling. Seeking support from a trained advisor could be a positive first step in helping you take control of the situation and stop it from getting any worse.

Get help:

Over the phone – call the National Gambling Helpline on Freephone 0808 8020 133, 8am to midnight, seven days a week. It’s free to call from landlines and mobile phones within the UK.

Online – talk to an advisor on the Netline web chat service, 8am and midnight, using a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

Face-to-face – Get access to one-to-one support and group therapies.

Support groups

Gamblers Anonymous are a peer support group run by and for people experiencing problems with gambling. Their support groups take place weekly, are open to new members and offer a safe space to meet and help other people going through similar difficulties. Find your nearest support group.

For more information on support and advice services in Greenwich, please visit the Greenwich Community Directory.