If gambling stops being fun

Talking to someone helps. The services below are free and confidential. You do not need to have a "serious problem" to call.

United States
Canada
United Kingdom
Ireland
Australia
New Zealand

Signs it is time to stop

You play longer or bet more than you planned.
You try to win back money you lost.
You borrow money or use money meant for bills.
You hide how much you play from people close to you.
You feel anxious, low or irritable when you are not playing.

Simple limits that work

Decide a money limit before you start, and stop when it is gone.
Set a time limit and a phone alarm.
Take breaks. Do not play when you are upset, tired or have been drinking.
Use the deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion tools that licensed online casinos offer.

United States

Gambling help	National Problem Gambling Helpline (NCPG, 1-800-MY-RESET) 1-800-697-3738 · 24/7/365 · text 1-800-697-3738 · online chat ncpgambling.org
Crisis or emotional support	988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 · 24/7/365 988lifeline.org
Self-exclusion	Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board self-exclusion (example of a state programme) gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov Self-exclusion allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from gambling activities such as casinos, interactive gaming, video gaming terminals, and fantasy contests, to help you regain control of your life.

Canada

Gambling help	ConnexOntario (Ontario) 1-866-531-2600 · 24/7 · text 247247 · online chat connexontario.ca
Gambling help	Gambling Support BC helpline (British Columbia) 1-888-795-6111 · 24/7 gamblingsupportbc.ca
Gambling help	Addiction Helpline, Alberta Health Services (Alberta; also known as Gambling Helpline) 1-866-332-2322 · 24 hour, 7 day a week albertahealthservices.ca
Gambling help	Jeu : aide et référence (Québec) 1 800 461-0140 aidejeu.ca
Crisis or emotional support	9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline 9-8-8 · 24/7/365 · text 9-8-8 988.ca
Self-exclusion	BetGuard (Ontario, all regulated online gambling) betguard.ca And if you are looking to take a break, you can use BetGuard to opt out of all regulated online gambling in Ontario.
Legal age	19+ – Ontario – internet gaming conducted and managed by iGaming Ontario You must be 19 years of age or older to participate in all internet gaming products conducted and managed by iGaming Ontario.

United Kingdom

Gambling help	National Gambling Helpline (GamCare) 0808 8020 133 · 24 hours a day, every day of the year · online chat gamcare.org.uk
Crisis or emotional support	Samaritans 116 123 · any time, day or night samaritans.org
Self-exclusion	GAMSTOP gamstop.co.uk Block yourself from online gambling Take control of your gambling by blocking your access to accounts on gambling websites and apps - it's free, quick, and easy.
Legal age	18+ – Great Britain – online gambling (and most other gambling) In most cases, the minimum legal age for gambling in Great Britain is 18. This applies to: some types of arcade all betting shops bingo halls casinos race tracks online gambling.

Ireland

Gambling help	Gambling Awareness Trust National Helpline (gamblingcare.ie) 1800 936 725 · 24 hour helpline, 365 days of the year gamblingcare.ie
Gambling help	Extern Problem Gambling 089 241 5401 problemgambling.ie
Crisis or emotional support	Samaritans Ireland 116 123 · 24 hours a day, 365 days a year samaritans.org
Self-exclusion	National Gambling Exclusion Register (GRAI) – not yet live grai.ie If a person feels they need to take a break from gambling, gaming or betting they will be able to self-exclude themselves by submitting their details to the National Gambling Exclusion Register. This register administered by the GRAI, will be a centralised record of individuals who want to exclude themselves from online gambling websites that have been licenced to operate in Ireland.
Legal age	18+ – Ireland – all gambling In Ireland, you must be aged 18 or over to gamble.

Australia

Gambling help	National Gambling Helpline / Gambling Help Online 1800 858 858 · 24 hours a day, every day of the year · online chat gamblinghelponline.org.au
Crisis or emotional support	Lifeline 13 11 14 · 24 hour crisis support · text 0477 13 11 14 lifeline.org.au
Self-exclusion	BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register betstop.gov.au BetStop - the National Self-Exclusion Register™ is a safe and free Australian Government initiative to block yourself from all licensed Australian online and phone gambling providers.
Online casino law	Online casino services – prohibited (Interactive Gambling Act 2001) Part 2-Designated interactive gambling services not to be provided to customers in Australia 15 Prohibited interactive gambling services not to be provided to customers in Australia

New Zealand

Gambling help	Gambling Helpline 0800 654 655 · 24 hour free service · text 8006 gamblinghelpline.co.nz
Crisis or emotional support	1737 Need to talk? 1737 · 24/7 · text 1737 1737.org.nz
Online casino law	Online casino – licensing regime starting From 1 December 2026, only these operators will be able to provide online casino gambling to customers in New Zealand.

Every number and quote above was copied from the service's own website or the regulator's website and checked on 2026-10-01. Services change; if a number does not work, use the website link next to it. Rules on online gambling and the legal age depend on where you live. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.