Gambling Harms
Gambling can be a source of enjoyment for some people, but for others it can lead to serious harm. Gambling harms are not just about money. They can affect mental health, relationships, work, housing and overall wellbeing. They can also impact partners, children, family members and friends.
At Wirral Ways, we recognise gambling harms as a public health issue. Support is available whether you are worried about your own gambling, or about someone you care about.
Understanding Gambling Harms
Gambling harms can develop gradually and are not always easy to spot. You do not need to gamble every day, or spend large amounts of money, for harm to be present.
Gambling harms may include:
- Spending more money or time gambling than planned
- Chasing losses or borrowing money to gamble
- Feeling anxious, low or stressed because of gambling
- Hiding gambling from others or lying about money
- Problems with relationships, work or education
- Using gambling to cope with difficult feelings
- Debt, rent arrears or wider financial difficulties
Harm can also affect people close to the person gambling, including increased stress, financial pressure, emotional distress and relationship breakdown.
If gambling is affecting any part of life, support can help.
Who Is Affected?
Gambling harms can affect anyone, regardless of age, background or income. Online gambling, betting apps and in-game gambling features mean access is easier and more constant than ever.
People may be more at risk during times of stress, isolation or change, such as relationship difficulties, bereavement, financial pressure or mental health challenges.
Recognising harm early and accessing support can make a real difference.
Support Available
Wirral Ways works in partnership with the Primary Care Gambling Service (PCGS), a free NHS service providing confidential support for people affected by gambling harms.
Support through the Primary Care Gambling Service includes:
- One-to-one therapy, delivered face-to-face, online or by phone
- Group therapy sessions, including men’s, women’s, neurodiversity and affected others’ groups
- Support for partners, family members and friends affected by gambling
- Help to understand triggers, manage urges and rebuild control
- Short-term and longer-term therapy options
Support is available whether you are ready to make changes now or just want to talk things through.
Self-Referral
You can refer yourself directly to the Primary Care Gambling Service using the link below. No GP referral is needed. The service is free and confidential.
PCGS contact: 0300 0300 111
Referrals Through Wirral Ways
We can make a referral on your behalf to the Primary Care Gambling Service.
If you contact Wirral Ways, we can:
- Talk through what support might be helpful for you
- Make a referral with your consent using the professional referral route
- Support you alongside other drug, alcohol or wellbeing needs
You can also choose to self-refer directly if you prefer. All support is free and confidential.
Professionals and workers can make a referral on behalf of a client using the outside agency referral form:
Additional Support
Alongside support from Wirral Ways and the Primary Care Gambling Service, there are other trusted services that can offer advice, tools and immediate help.
National Gambling Helpline
The National Gambling Helpline, run by GamCare, offers free, confidential advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms.
- 0808 8020 133 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- Live chat and online support available
- Information about local services and self-help tools
Support is available for people who gamble, as well as family members and friends.
GamCare Online Support
GamCare also provides a wide range of online tools and resources, including:
- Self-assessment tools to help you understand your gambling
- Guided self-help programmes you can complete at your own pace
- Moderated online forums offering peer support
These can be helpful if you are not ready to speak to someone yet, or want additional support alongside counselling.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a free, confidential peer-support fellowship for people who want to stop gambling. GA offers:
- Face-to-face meetings across the UK
- Online and telephone meetings
- Peer support from people with lived experience
- Ongoing, long-term recovery support
No referral is needed, and there is no cost to attend. Gamblers Anonymous can be accessed on its own or alongside professional support.
NHS Northern Gambling Service
The NHS Northern Gambling Service offers free one-to-one and group support for people who gamble and those affected by someone else’s gambling. The service is based in Liverpool and covers the North West.
- 18+ (self-referral and professional referral accepted)
- Waiting lists are currently approximately 2.5 months
NHS National Gambling Clinic (Under 18s)
The NHS National Gambling Clinic provides free one-to-one and group support for young people aged 13 to 18 who are experiencing gambling harms. Self-referral and professional referral are both accepted.
GambleAware
GambleAware is an independent UK charity providing free information, advice and tools to help people understand and reduce gambling harms. GambleAware offers:
- Self-assessment and self-help tools
- Clear advice on recognising risks and taking steps to stay in control
- A service finder to help you access free, confidential support in your area
GamFam
GamFam provides advice and support for people who gamble and those affected by someone else’s gambling. No referral is needed.
Bet Blocker
Bet Blocker is a free national gambling blocking tool. No referral is needed.
GamStop
GamStop is a free app that closes all gambling accounts in a client’s name and prevents them from creating new gambling accounts for a set period of time. No referral is needed.
GamBan
GamBan is blocking software that can be loaded on up to 15 devices. It also blocks crypto casino sites. No referral is needed.
Breakeven (Wings)
Wings is an online support group programme run by Breakeven, for women who gamble or are affected by someone else’s gambling. Self-referral only.
LGBTQ+ Support – Switchboard
Switchboard offers LGBTQ+ specific gambling support through a national programme. Self-referral only, for LGBTQ+ people.
Phone: 0800 0119 100
Money and Debt Support
If gambling has caused financial pressure, free and confidential debt advice is available:
- StepChange – practical debt advice and repayment support
- Citizens Advice – help with money, benefits, housing and employment issues
Addressing money worries can reduce stress and make recovery feel more manageable.
Last Updated on 27 May 2026