GamCare.org.uk: The Most Recent Review 2025

GamCare stands for support and guidance for those grappling with the complexities of gambling addiction. With a global focus, GamCare primarily assists individuals in regions where gambling is prevalent, offering crucial aid to those impacted by its detrimental effects.

by Vladyslav Lazurchenko

May 8, 2025 4:31 PM

Contents

Gambling addiction presents a pervasive issue affecting individuals and communities globally. The easy access to gambling has exacerbated this problem, leading to financial ruin, mental health struggles, and strained relationships. GamCare confronts these challenges head-on, recognizing the urgent need for intervention and support services for individuals struggling with gambling-related issues.

Engaging with individuals and communities through multifaceted campaigns, resources, and programs, GamCare promotes responsible gambling practices. Through educational initiatives, outreach efforts, and partnerships with stakeholders in the gambling industry, GamCare fosters awareness and understanding of the risks associated with gambling. Their online platform serves as a valuable hub of information, offering guidance on self-exclusion, financial management, and seeking help, catering to the diverse needs of those affected.

About GamCare

Founded in 1997 by Paul Bellringer, GamCare stands as an independent UK charity dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for individuals affected by gambling harms across Britain.

GamCare has become a cornerstone in the realm of responsible gambling with a mission centered on offering free, confidential, and non-judgmental assistance.

GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline, offering assistance via

Freephone,
live web chat,
Facebook Messenger, and
WhatsApp,

ensuring accessible support for those in need. Through a combination of face-to-face and online services across England, Scotland, and Wales as part of the National Gambling Support Network, GamCare extends its reach to individuals seeking help nationwide.

Notably, GamCare collaborates with the gambling industry, providing training and resources aimed at enhancing social responsibility and customer protection. Their training programs equip industry professionals with essential insights into identifying signs of gambling harm and guiding interactions with customers toward positive outcomes.

Endorsed by a robust framework of governance and quality assurance, GamCare's commitment to effective service delivery is evident. Their strategic ambitions include

the prevention of gambling harms,
universal access to support, and
the establishment of trusted and valued services,

It’s made to underscore their dedication to fostering safer gambling practices and supporting those affected by gambling addiction.

GamCare’s Key Achievements and Impact

GamCare's key achievements underscore its significant impact on promoting responsible gambling practices, preventing gambling harms, and providing vital support to individuals and communities affected by addiction.

In compliance with the 2023 Trustees’ Annual Report by GamCare:

15,956 individuals trained in gambling awareness.
2,856 calls, chats, and treatment sessions delivered, including 82,505 support and treatment interactions through the National Gambling Helpline.
44,049 structured treatment sessions or Extended Brief Interventions (EBIs) provided.
38,456 people attended structured treatment or undertook EBIs.
45,562 young people attended education workshops in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
488 parents and carers of young people were reached.
8,526 professionals were trained who work with young people, including those with mental health issues, special educational needs or disabilities, and in diverse communities.
20,000 students were reached through Freshers' events.
610 surveys were completed during the Freshers' campaign.
126 brief interventions were delivered during the Freshers' campaign.

99% of service users successfully completed their treatment.
71% of at-risk children and young people attended gambling awareness workshops.
92% of service users who completed the satisfaction survey would recommend the treatment to someone else.

Partnerships and Endorsements of GamCare

GamCare is currently in partnership with the following organizations and stakeholders:

Ygam: GamCare partners with Ygam to collaborate on initiatives aimed at addressing gambling-related harm and promoting responsible gambling practices.
Beacon Counselling Trust: Through partnership with Beacon Counselling Trust, GamCare extends its support network, offering counseling and guidance to individuals affected by gambling addiction.
Breakeven: GamCare collaborates with Breakeven to provide comprehensive support services to individuals struggling with gambling-related issues, including financial counseling and intervention programs.
North-East Council on Addictions (NECA): In partnership with NECA, GamCare expands its reach to individuals in the North-East region, offering tailored support and resources for those affected by gambling harms.
Aquarius: GamCare partners with Aquarius to deliver support services and interventions for individuals and families impacted by addiction, including gambling addiction.
Addiction Recovery Agency (ARA): Through partnership with ARA, GamCare enhances its support network, providing individuals with access to recovery programs and resources to overcome gambling addiction.

Also, GamCare collaborates with various stakeholders in the gambling industry, government agencies, and community organizations.

Services Offered by GamCare

GamCare's diverse range of services and resources aims to address the multifaceted challenges associated with gambling addiction. They’re keen on empowering individuals to make positive changes in their lives and find pathways to recovery.

The list of the services includes:

counseling services,
educational materials,
online forums,
self-exclusion tools,
helpline services, and
structured support programs.

Some examples comprise the following:

The Leeds Community Gambling Service (LCGS)
Online Peer Support Service
Primary Care Gambling Service (PCGS)
Young People’s Support Service
Money Guidance Service
Hub Service, etc.

Counseling Services

GamCare offers confidential counseling services to individuals grappling with gambling addiction. Trained professionals provide personalized support and guidance to help clients overcome challenges and foster positive change.

Online Forums

GamCare hosts online forums where individuals can connect with peers facing similar challenges related to gambling addiction. These forums provide a supportive environment for sharing experiences, seeking advice, and finding solidarity on the journey to recovery.

Structured Support Programs

GamCare offers structured support programs tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals affected by gambling addiction. Examples include

the Leeds Community Gambling Service (LCGS),
Primary Care Gambling Service (PCGS),
Young People’s Support Service, and more.

These programs provide specialized interventions, group therapy, and peer support to facilitate recovery and promote well-being.

Developed through collaboration with key stakeholders and individuals with lived experience, the GRFH Toolkit stands as a comprehensive resource aimed at fostering consistent and effective responses to gambling-related harms.

Launched in September 2020, this toolkit is instrumental in empowering businesses with the requisite tools to deliver quality customer communications concerning gambling risks and available support, thereby striving to enhance outcomes for individuals impacted by gambling-related financial harm.

Key components of the GRFH Toolkit include:

GRFH Toolkit Component	Description
Core Messages and Self-Help Toolkit	Provides a framework for effective communication with individuals facing gambling-related challenges Includes four key self-help tools recommended by professionals to aid customers in managing their gambling habits Demonstrates practical applicability through successful implementation by government agencies like Money Helper and corporate entities like Barclays bank
Timely Interactions with Customers to Prevent GRFH	Advocates for proactive engagement with customers Offers specific recommendations for organizations to initiate timely interactions and prevent gambling-related financial harm
Referral Pathways	Equips professionals with key information and guidance to provide effective and sensitive support Offers clear referral pathways for each sector, ensuring appropriate actions and support are provided
A Framework for Continuous Learning	Supports organizations in planning staff training and development Provides a structured approach to ongoing education

The GRFH Toolkit serves as an indispensable resource for professionals across diverse sectors, empowering them to identify, prevent, and address gambling-related financial harm effectively.

By facilitating improved support for individuals and families affected by these challenges, the toolkit plays a pivotal role in fostering positive outcomes in the fight against gambling-related harm.

Engagement and Outreach Initiatives by GamCare

GamCare actively engages with the community to promote responsible gambling practices through a variety of

webinars,
outreach programs,
workshops, and
online campaigns.

These initiatives aim to raise awareness, educate the public about the risks of gambling addiction, and provide support to those in need.

Currently, the following outreach programs are on:

Program	Description
Youth Programme	A program focused on educating and supporting young people in understanding the risks and harm associated with gambling. This program encompasses the following services: Education for Young People Young People's Support Service Professionals working with Young People Parents and Carers of Young People Organisations supporting Young People Youth Advisory Board
Women’s Programme	A program addressing the specific needs and challenges women may face in relation to gambling, likely involving targeted support and resources.
Working with the Criminal Justice System	This program likely provides support and interventions for individuals within the justice system dealing with gambling-related issues. The program includes: Access to the National Gambling Helpline Awareness Training Thematic Workshops Consultancy and Establishment of Treatment Pathways Resources
Gambling Related Financial Harm	Provides support for individuals and families who have experienced financial difficulties due to gambling, including financial counseling and debt management support.
GAP: Gambling Awareness and Prevention Programme	Directed at raising awareness about the potential risks of gambling and providing preventative measures to harm. The program concerns: Debt Advice Housing and Homelessness Faith and Cultural Community Leaders Community Pharmacies Primary Care (excluding GPs) Social Care Occupational Health
GamCare supports the RAF	GamCare is collaborating with the RAF Benevolent Fund to provide additional support for gambling-affected RAF personnel and their families. This partnership aims to address gambling-related harms within the RAF community by offering resources, support services, and practical advice to help individuals and their loved ones navigate and mitigate the impact of gambling. The focus is on promoting responsible gambling, providing assistance for those dealing with gambling-related issues, and ensuring that RAF personnel are aware of available support if they need it.

Accessing GamCare's Services

Accessing support services from GamCare is straightforward and confidential, designed to provide individuals with the assistance they need to address gambling-related concerns. This is how you can access the services:

Phone of The National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133
Urgent Help from HOPELineUK from Papyrus: 0800 068 4141
Email: [email protected]
Facebook
Instagram

Testimonials and Success Stories

The testimonials highlight the real-life impact of GamCare's work and the positive outcomes experienced by individuals who have accessed the services. If you’d like to hear real people’s reviews, feel free to follow the GamCare YouTube channel.

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling-related issues, don't hesitate to reach out — the organzation is 24/7here to help.