Gambling Harm: Support and Practical Steps
Gambling can affect money, relationships and wellbeing. You can ask for help before a crisis develops, whether the concern is about your own gambling or someone else’s. WinnerOnline is an information website, not a counselling service or gambling operator.
Finding support
GamCare provides confidential support through the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 and online channels. The GamCare support finder can help identify services. The Gambling Commission’s support information lists 0808 2819 265 for Wales. Check the service’s current coverage and contact options.
Signs of harm
- Spending more money or time than intended.
- Borrowing, missing essential bills or selling possessions to gamble.
- Gambling again to try to recover losses.
- Hiding gambling or experiencing conflict about it.
- Gambling affecting sleep, work, study or relationships.
These signs are reasons to seek support, not a diagnosis. You do not need to prove a particular level of harm to ask for help.
Reducing access and exposure
Consider pausing gambling, protecting money for essentials, talking to someone you trust and asking your bank about available gambling-payment blocks. Blocking tools have limits and can work alongside support.
Self-exclusion
GAMSTOP Online offers a free way to block access to accounts with participating online gambling businesses. Check its current scope and available exclusion periods directly. It is not a universal block on every website or physical venue. Keep your registered details up to date and ask the service about additional support.
Account limits and exclusion tools can help reduce access, but they do not make gambling risk-free. WinnerOnline cannot apply exclusions to another company’s accounts.
Information is not a guarantee
A licence, review or badge cannot promise a win or eliminate harm. Gambling is not a reliable income source or a solution to debt. For current regulatory information in Great Britain, consult the Gambling Commission.
Support information checked: 29 September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ask for help before a crisis?
Yes. You can seek support when gambling concerns you, including concerns about someone else.
Does this website offer counselling?
No. It provides information and links to independent support services.
Does self-exclusion cover every website and venue?
Do not assume that it does. Check the scheme’s current participating services and scope.
Can WinnerOnline block my gambling account?
No. It cannot control accounts held by another business.
Do limits eliminate the risk of harm?
No. Limits and blocking tools can help reduce access but do not remove every risk.
Where can I find current support contacts?
Use the independent service links in the support section above and check their current contact options.
