Gambling Help and Self-Exclusion Directory: UK and Every US State

This directory lists every free gambling helpline, self-exclusion scheme and treatment service we could verify across the UK and all 50 US states, plus Washington, DC and Puerto Rico. Each entry links to the official source, so you can go straight to the organization that runs it.

Written and fact-checked by the Gamblingcore editorial team against regulator, government and charity websites. Last checked: October 22, 2026. Helplines and self-exclusion rules change often. If you spot something out of date, tell us and we’ll correct it.

How to Use This Directory

There are three kinds of help, and most people benefit from more than one:

1. Talk to someone. Helplines are free and confidential. They can talk through what’s happening, help you set up blocks, and refer you into treatment.
2. Put barriers in place. Self-exclusion bans you from gambling with licensed operators for a period you choose. Blocking software and bank blocks add more friction. Our guides to GAMSTOP and bank gambling blocks cover these in detail.
3. Get treatment and support. That includes NHS clinics in the UK, state-funded counseling in the US, and peer groups like Gamblers Anonymous. There is also free debt advice if money problems have built up.

Self-exclusion only covers licensed operators. No scheme in the UK or US can stop offshore, unlicensed sites from taking your bets. That is why it works best combined with blocking software and a bank block.

United Kingdom

Helplines

The UK no longer has a single helpline for the whole country. Since April 2026, Wales has its own NHS-run line, and the GamCare line doesn’t cover Northern Ireland.

Self-Exclusion Schemes

All of these are free. The online scheme covers every Great Britain–licensed website and app. In-person venues need separate schemes, one per type of venue.

A few rules worth knowing:

• Gamstop Online doesn’t end by itself. When your minimum period is over, the exclusion stays in place until you ask for it to be removed, and removal has a 24-hour cooling-off period. See our GAMSTOP guide.
• Northern Ireland is different. People in Northern Ireland can register with Gamstop Online, but it only covers operators licensed in Great Britain. None of the venue schemes above covers Northern Ireland.
• The Gambling Commission keeps an official list of these schemes.

NHS and Specialist Treatment

England: You can refer yourself to NHS gambling services, or ask your GP to refer you. The NHS gambling addiction page lists the clinics, including:

• National Problem Gambling Clinic (London): 020 7381 7722
• Northern Gambling Service (North West, North East, Yorkshire and the Humber): 0300 300 1490
• East Midlands Gambling Harms Clinic: 0300 013 2330
• West Midlands Gambling Harms Clinic (Stoke, Staffordshire, Telford and Wrekin): 01785 221 662
• Southern Gambling Service: an online service for the South East, with a self-referral form
• NHS Primary Care Gambling Service: 0300 0300 111, available nationally to adults

Wales: The All Wales Gambling Treatment Service takes self-referrals from adults on 0300 0859 464.

Scotland: There is no NHS specialist clinic network yet. The main routes are:

• the National Gambling Helpline
• Citizens Advice Scotland’s Gambling Support Service
• peer support through GA Scotland

Northern Ireland: Support comes mainly from charities: Dunlewey, Extern, Cuan Mhuire (residential) and Gamblers Anonymous.

Residential treatment: Gordon Moody runs residential and community programs for men and women. Call 01384 241292.

Peer Support and Help for Families

• Gamblers Anonymous UK runs free meetings every day of the week, with no appointment needed. It includes women’s and LGBTQ+ meetings. Call 0330 094 0322.
• Gam-Anon UK & Ireland runs meetings for partners, family and friends.
• GamFam offers online peer support for families and for people in recovery.

Free Debt Advice

• StepChange: 0800 138 1111
• National Debtline: 0808 808 4000 (England, Wales and Scotland)
• Citizens Advice: debt helpline 0800 240 4420

In England and Wales, a debt adviser can apply for Breathing Space for you. It pauses most creditor action and freezes most interest and charges for up to 60 days. A longer version is available during mental health crisis treatment.

Blocking Tools

• Bank gambling blocks: Most major UK banks let you block gambling payments on your card. The Gambling Commission keeps a bank-by-bank list, and our bank block guide explains the steps.
• Gamban: device-level blocking software. It’s a paid subscription after a free trial, but free in Wales through the Wales Gambling Helpline.
• BetBlocker: free blocking software from a charity, for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android.

United States

National Resources

About 1-800-GAMBLER: For years this was the national helpline number. Since late 2025 it has been run by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, and NCPG’s national line is now 1-800-MY-RESET. Some state websites still list 1-800-GAMBLER, and it remains a working helpline. In the table below we give the number each state lists itself.

State-by-State Helplines and Self-Exclusion Programs

There is no single nationwide self-exclusion list in the US. Each state’s program only covers operators licensed by that state. Tribal casinos usually run their own separate programs. “None” in the program column means we found no state-run program; individual operators may still let you exclude yourself from your account.

Things That Catch People Out

• Lifetime often means lifetime. In several states, including New Jersey, Connecticut and Arizona, you can’t reverse a lifetime or long exclusion early. Some states only offer lifetime after you’ve completed a shorter term.
• Exclusions don’t always end on their own. In some states, such as Connecticut, Massachusetts, Illinois and Indiana, the exclusion stays in place after the term until you ask for removal, and some require a session or an assessment first. Others, like New York, end the exclusion unless you renew within a set window.
• Winnings can be forfeited. If you gamble while on a state list, many states confiscate any winnings rather than pay them out.
• Moving states? An exclusion in one state doesn’t carry over to another. NVSEP can send one application to several participating states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there one self-exclusion list for the whole US?

No. Each state runs its own program, and it only covers operators licensed in that state. NVSEP is a free service that sends one application to several participating states, but each state's own rules still apply.

Is 1-800-GAMBLER still the national helpline?

Not anymore. Since January 2026, NCPG's National Problem Gambling Helpline has been 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738). 1-800-GAMBLER still works and is now run by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, and some states still list it.

Which helpline should I call in Wales or Northern Ireland?

In Wales, call the NHS Wales Gambling Helpline on 0808 281 9265. In Northern Ireland, call Dunlewey's Problem Gambling Helpline on 08000 886 725. The GamCare National Gambling Helpline covers England and Scotland.

Does GAMSTOP stop me from going into a betting shop or casino?

No. Gamstop Online only covers websites and apps. Betting shops, casinos, bingo halls and arcades each have their own scheme, listed above.

Does self-exclusion cost anything?

No. Every UK scheme and every US state program listed here is free. Treat any site that charges a fee to "register you" for self-exclusion with suspicion.

How We Built This Directory

Every entry was checked against the website of the organization that runs it. That means a regulator, a government or NHS body, or the charity itself. Where official sources disagreed, we used the most recently updated one or pointed you to the regulator. We review this page at least monthly, in line with our editorial policy. You’re welcome to link to or cite this page.

Need help? England & Scotland: 0808 8020 133 · Wales: 0808 281 9265 · Northern Ireland: 08000 886 725 · US: 1-800-MY-RESET · More support options →