Help someone with gambling: what to say and do
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To help someone with gambling, choose a calm moment, listen without blame and offer practical support such as GAMSTOP or a bank gambling block. Think carefully before paying off debts, and get money advice first. Families can also get support from the National Gambling Helpline and NHS clinics.
To help someone with gambling harm, start by listening. Your calm support matters more than finding perfect words, and you do not have to fix it alone.
How to help someone with gambling: what to say and do
- Pick a private, calm moment, and avoid raising it when they are upset or have just gambled.
- Say what you have noticed and how you feel, without blame.
- Listen, and ask what would help.
- Suggest free support, such as the National Gambling Helpline.
- Offer to sit with them while they use tools like GAMSTOP.
If they deny there is a problem, do not argue. Stay calm, keep the door open, protect your own finances and try again at a quieter moment.
What to avoid
Avoid ultimatums, shaming and constant checking, which tend to push people into hiding the gambling. Think carefully before paying off debts or handing over cash, and get money advice first, because bailing someone out can hide the problem and leave you with the bill. Never share your own card details or accounts. Self-exclusion needs the person’s own decision, so you can encourage GAMSTOP but you cannot register for them, and a block on a joint bank account cannot be set for both holders at once, since each account holder sets their own.
Look after yourself
Your wellbeing matters too. The NHS lists support for families and friends, including NHS gambling clinics and GamAnon meetings, and the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 supports family and friends as well. Protect your own money with a bank gambling block on your own accounts. If you are struggling yourself, Samaritans is free on 116 123 at any time.