In short
- Common signs of a gambling problem include chasing losses, needing bigger bets for the same buzz, hiding how much you gamble, and borrowing money or missing bills because of it.
- The Gambling Commission's 2025 survey found 2.4% of adults in Great Britain scored as experiencing problem gambling, with a further 3.5% at moderate risk.
- Practical first steps with problem gambling include putting distance between you and the money and talking to someone who won't judge you.
- Free gambling support in London includes the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, GamCare counselling, and the NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic.
Gambling has never been easier to access. It’s in your pocket, available at 3am, and often advertised as harmless fun. For many people it is. For others, it gradually stops being a choice.
How common is problem gambling?
The Gambling Commission’s Gambling Survey for Great Britain is the largest official survey of gambling. Its 2025 results found that 2.4% of adults scored as experiencing “problem gambling” on the standard screening tool, with a further 3.5% at moderate risk. That’s well over a million people in Great Britain. The 2024 survey also found that nearly one in eleven adults had experienced harm from someone else’s gambling.
If you’re struggling, you are far from alone, even if it feels that way.
Signs gambling might be a problem
- Spending more money or time than you intended
- Chasing losses, betting more to win back what you’ve lost
- Needing to bet more to get the same buzz
- Hiding it, or lying about how much you gamble
- Borrowing money or missing bills because of gambling
- Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut down
- Gambling to escape stress, low mood or boredom
- Feeling anxious, ashamed or low afterwards
Practical steps you can take today
Block it. Most UK banks let you turn on a gambling block in their app. GAMSTOP lets you self‑exclude from all UK‑licensed online gambling sites at once, and blocking software can stop access on your devices.
Put distance between you and the money. Some people ask a trusted person to help manage their finances for a while.
Talk to someone. Saying it out loud to someone who won’t judge you often takes some of the shame’s power away.
Where to get help in London
- National Gambling Helpline (GamCare): free, 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133, or via live chat on GamCare’s website.
- NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic: a free specialist NHS service in London for people aged 16 and over. You can self‑refer.
- GamCare also offers free counselling, including face‑to‑face in London.
- Private therapy: if you’d like to choose your therapist, be seen quickly, or work on gambling alongside other things like anxiety or low mood.
How therapy can help
I have a Masters in Addiction Psychology and Counselling, and gambling is one of the areas I work with most. We start where you are, including the part of you that might not be sure about stopping. Motivational interviewing helps you get clear on what you want, and CBT helps you understand your triggers, the thinking traps that keep gambling going (like “I’m due a win”), and how to build a life that doesn’t need it.
If gambling is causing you or someone close to you distress, please reach out, to me or to one of the free services above.
Sources
- Gambling Commission. Gambling Survey for Great Britain, annual reports 2024 and 2025.
- Gambling Commission. Organisations that can help.
- GamCare and GAMSTOP.
- Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust. National Problem Gambling Clinic (search “gambling”).
Common questions
Can I refer myself to the NHS gambling clinic in London?
Yes. The NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic is a free specialist NHS service in London for people aged 16 and over, and you can self-refer.
How do I block gambling sites and payments?
Most UK banks let you turn on a gambling block in their app. GAMSTOP lets you self-exclude from all UK-licensed online gambling sites at once, and blocking software can stop access on your devices.
Can therapy help if I'm not sure I want to stop gambling?
Yes. Therapy can start where you are, including the part of you that isn't sure about stopping. Motivational interviewing helps you get clear on what you want, and CBT helps with triggers and thinking traps like 'I'm due a win'.
This article is general information, not a substitute for therapy or medical advice. If you are in crisis, call 999 or the Samaritans on 116 123.
