Helplines by country
| Country | Service | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | National Gambling Helpline (GamCare) | Freephone 0808 8020 133 |
| Finland | Peluuri | 0800 100 101, weekdays 12–18; chat Mon, Wed, Fri 12–15 |
| Norway | Hjelpelinjen | 800 800 40, weekdays 09–18; anonymous chat weekdays 11–15 |
| Sweden | Stödlinjen | 020-81 91 00; free and anonymous, also chat |
| Denmark | StopSpillet | 70 22 28 25, phone and chat |
| Iceland | Hjálparsími Rauða krossins | 1717, phone and online chat |
| Worldwide | Gambling Therapy | Free online support in several languages |
What happens when you get in touch
You talk to a trained adviser about what is happening. You do not need to give your name, and you decide what to do next. Advisers can help you make a plan, explain self-exclusion and blocking tools, and point you to local treatment, debt advice and peer support groups.
Before you get in touch
You do not need to prepare
Advisers are used to calls that start with 'I am not sure if this is a problem'.
Questions you may be asked
How often you gamble, how much you spend and how it affects money, sleep and relationships – answer only what you want to.
Staying anonymous
Many services let you stay anonymous. You can ask about this at the start of the conversation.
Help for family and friends
Living with someone who gambles can be exhausting. The services above also support relatives, and some run groups for them, such as Peluuri's online groups for significant others.
If you are in crisis
If you feel unsafe or think about harming yourself, call the emergency number 112 (999 in the UK) or go to the nearest emergency department.
Questions and answers
Is calling a gambling helpline free?
Most are. The UK National Gambling Helpline is a freephone number, and Peluuri, Stödlinjen and Gambling Therapy are free. Check call charges for other numbers.
Do I have to give my name?
No. Hjelpelinjen and Stödlinjen, for example, can be contacted anonymously.
Can I get help in English?
Many services offer English, and Gambling Therapy provides online support in several languages.
Sources
GamCare — National Gambling Helpline