GamCare
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| Category | Support community |
|---|---|
| Founded | June 5, 1997 |
| Address | London, UK |
| Official website | https://www.gamcare.org.uk |
| Help and Support | |
| Help & Support settings | Phone, Online, Face-to-face[1] |
| Helpline hours | 24/7 |
| Helpline number | 08088020133 |
| [email protected] | |
| Social Media | |
| Visit | |
| Visit | |
| Visit | |
| X (Twitter) | Visit |
| Last Updated | 16.03.2026 |
GamCare is the leading independent UK charity providing information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms.
What is GamCare
GamCareis a registered charitable organization that acts as the primary frontline support service for problem gambling in Great Britain.[2] Unlike regulatory bodies such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), GamCare does not issue licenses or fines. Instead, its core mission is clinical and supportive: preventing gambling harm and providing therapeutic intervention for bettors and their families.
The organization is best known for operating the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133), which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It serves as a first point of contact, offering immediate crisis intervention and referrals to a network of treatment providers.[3]
Role in the Industry
GamCare acts as a bridge between the gambling industry, regulators and players. Its role extends beyond individual therapy into industry standards and harm minimization.
History and Reach
GamCare was founded in 1997 by Paul Bellringer, who identified a lack of structured support for gamblers compared to those suffering from drug or alcohol addiction.
Starting as a small counseling unit, GamCare has grown into a national network. In the 2025 financial year, the organization reported a record 130,000+ calls and online messages to its helpline. Additionally, it delivered 8,100 treatment sessions, trained over 2,150 professionals and reached more than 64,000 people through education and prevention programs.[4]
Support Options
| National Gambling Helpline | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0808 8020 133 (Toll-free in the UK) |
| Live Chat[5] | Available |
| Availability | 24/7 |
| Structured Treatment (CBT) | |
|---|---|
| One-to-One Counseling | Face-to-face (where available), online or via telephone[6] |
| GameChange | An 8-week computer-supported CBT course for those who prefer self-paced, online learning with regular therapist check-ins |
| Peer Support | |
|---|---|
| Group chatrooms[7] | Moderated online chat sessions running daily, allowing users to discuss recovery in a safe space |
| Forum[8] | A heavily active message board for sharing recovery diaries and advice |
GamCare Reviews
| Aspect | Summary of feedback[9] |
|---|---|
| Accessibility of support | Reviewers frequently report that support services were easy to access via helplines, live chat, and online referrals, often during periods of acute personal crisis |
| Effectiveness of counselling | One-to-one and group counselling are widely described as effective in addressing gambling behaviour, emotional triggers, and underlying causes |
| Peer and group support | Peer programmes and group sessions are reported to reduce isolation and stigma, helping participants recognise shared experiences |
| Impact on mental health | Many reviewers describe reductions in anxiety, shame, and emotional distress, alongside improved coping strategies |
| Family and social outcomes | Reviews frequently mention improved family relationships, increased honesty, and stronger social support networks |
| Recovery and relapse | Relapse is often acknowledged as part of the recovery process, with continued support viewed as important rather than punitive |
| Overall assessment | Feedback is predominantly positive, describing GamCare and related services as accessible, empathetic and supportive of long-term recovery |
GamCare alternatives
| Community | Country | Help for Problem Gambling |
|---|---|---|
| Gam-Anon | Global | Find a meeting |
| Gamblers Anonymous (GA) | Global | Find a meeting |
| SMART Recovery | Global | Find a meeting |
| GambleAware | UK | Find local support |
| Evive | UK | Find support |
| GamLEARN | UK | Get justice support |
| GamFam | UK | Visit website |
| Gambling with Lives | UK | Get help |
| Betknowmore (BKM) | UK | Get help |
| Adferiad Recovery | UK | Get help |
| Gordon Moody Association | UK | Get help |
| EPIC Restart Foundation | UK | Get help |
| Breakeven | UK | Find support group |
| Ara Recovery for All | UK | Get help |
| Aquarius | UK | Get help |
| GamblingCare | IE | Get help |
References
- ↑ https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/
- ↑ https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/1060005/financial-history
- ↑ https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/
- ↑ https://www.gamcare.org.uk/news-and-blog/news/gamcare-enters-statutory-levy-era-from-position-of-strength/
- ↑ https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now/
- ↑ https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/find-local-support/
- ↑ https://community.gamcare.org.uk/chatrooms/
- ↑ https://community.gamcare.org.uk/?_gl=1*o40yji*_gcl_au*MTE0MDA1NTkwNS4xNzcwNzY1OTc2
- ↑ https://www.gamcare.org.uk/understanding-your-gambling/people-weve-helped/