GamCare – Responsible Gaming Support & Resources
GamCare is a leading independent organization that provides confidential support, information, and treatment for individuals affected by gambling-related harm in the United Kingdom.
This page is part of our broader commitment to responsible gaming education and player safety, alongside other independent resources referenced on our
👉 responsible gaming resources page.
What Is GamCare?
GamCare is a UK-based charity established to help people understand, manage, and recover from gambling harm. It operates independently from gambling operators, casinos, and affiliate websites.
Its focus is not on promoting gambling, but on:
- Harm prevention
- Early intervention
- Education and treatment
- Support for individuals and families
GamCare services are free, confidential, and non-judgmental.
Who GamCare Supports
GamCare provides help for:
- People who feel their gambling is becoming difficult to control
- Individuals experiencing financial or emotional stress due to gambling
- Friends, partners, or family members affected by someone else’s gambling
- Anyone seeking reliable information about safer gambling
Support is available whether concerns are mild, moderate, or severe.
GamCare Support Services
Helpline Support
Official website: https://www.gamcare.org.uk/
UK Helpline: 0808 8020 133
GamCare operates a confidential helpline staffed by trained advisers who can provide immediate support, guidance, and referrals to local services.
Online Chat & Digital Support
For those who prefer not to speak by phone, GamCare offers live chat and online support, making help accessible and discreet.
Counseling & Treatment Programs
GamCare provides access to structured treatment options, including:
- One-to-one counseling
- Group-based support programs
- Evidence-based behavioral therapies
These services aim to help individuals better understand gambling behavior and reduce harm over time.
Education and Prevention
Education is a core part of GamCare’s work. Its resources explain:
- How gambling risk develops
- Common warning signs of problem gambling
- Why losses feel misleading
- Practical tools for setting limits and regaining control
These educational efforts align closely with the principles outlined in our
👉 responsible gaming resources pillar, which focuses on awareness, probability, and informed decision-making.
Why GamCare Is Important for Responsible Gaming
Responsible gaming relies on independent third-party organizations that operate separately from the gambling industry.
GamCare contributes by:
- Offering impartial support
- Reducing stigma around seeking help
- Promoting informed and safer play
- Supporting long-term harm reduction
Its role strengthens player protection across regulated gambling environments.
GamCare and Online Casinos
Many UK-licensed gambling operators are required to:
- Display GamCare information
- Provide links to GamCare support services
- Promote responsible gambling tools such as limits and self-exclusion
GamCare itself does not endorse casinos, bonuses, or gambling offers and remains independent of commercial gambling activity.
When to Contact GamCare
You may wish to contact GamCare if:
- Gambling no longer feels enjoyable
- You feel pressure to recover losses
- Gambling is affecting finances, work, or relationships
- You want professional advice or reassurance
Reaching out early is a positive step toward maintaining control.
