Where Can I Get Help for a Gambling Problem?
If betting uses money meant for food, rent or school fees, or you cannot stop, get help now. Set limits or self-exclude in your bookmaker account. Then talk to a free support service in your country, listed on this page.
Signs that betting is becoming a problem
Betting is a problem when it harms your money, work, family or mood. Check yourself honestly against this list.
- You bet money you need for food, rent, transport or school fees.
- You chase losses with bigger stakes to "win it back".
- You borrow money, take loans or sell things to bet.
- You hide betting from your family or lie about it.
- You feel restless or angry when you try to stop.
- You bet to escape stress, sadness or boredom.
One or two of these signs is a warning. Three or more means you should get support now.
Tools that help you stop or limit betting
You can use these tools today, without talking to anyone. They are in the settings of every licensed bookmaker account.
| Tool | What it does | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limit | Caps how much you can deposit per day, week or month | Keeping betting inside your budget |
| Time-out | Pauses your account for a day, a week or a month | A cooling-off break after losses |
| Self-exclusion | Blocks your account for months or years | Stopping completely |
| Blocking app | Blocks betting websites and apps on your phone | Stopping access on all sites at once |
Self-exclude from every account you have, not just one. Delete betting apps and turn off promotional SMS.
Where to get help in your country
These services were checked on 6 November 2026. Numbers can change, so check the service's website if a line does not answer.
| Country | Service | Contact | What it offers |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | National Responsible Gambling Programme | Toll-free 0800 006 008, responsiblegambling.org.za | Free counselling and treatment for gambling problems |
| Nigeria | Gamble Alert | +234 916 295 7989, gamblealert.org | Counselling for gambling problems |
| Nigeria | Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI) | 0809 111 6264 (call or SMS), mentallyaware.org | Free, confidential emotional support |
| Kenya | Befrienders Kenya | +254 722 178 177 (call, SMS, WhatsApp) | Free, confidential emotional support |
| Kenya | one2one | 1190 (call or SMS), one2onekenya.org | Free information and counselling |
| Ghana | Gaming Commission responsible gaming call centre | 054 055 9406, 8am–5pm (reported in 2022) | Advice and support for problem gambling |
| Uganda | National Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board | Through the board's official channels | Complaints about operators and self-exclusion questions |
| Tanzania | 199 Afya Call Centre | 199 (call or SMS) | National health line, can refer you for support |
| Tanzania | Gaming Board of Tanzania | Through the board's official channels | Voluntary exclusion from betting for a set period |
In Uganda, Butabika National Referral Hospital in Kampala offers treatment for addiction and mental health.
If you ever feel you might harm yourself, call emergency services or a crisis line straight away.
How to talk to someone you trust
Talking to one person you trust makes stopping easier. Choose a friend, family member or religious leader.
Tell them how much you have lost and what you want to change. Ask them to help with simple steps, like holding your mobile money PIN for a while.
If someone you love has a betting problem
You can help without fighting. Start by choosing a calm moment to talk.
- Say what you have noticed, without blaming.
- Do not lend money for betting or for betting debts.
- Help them set up self-exclusion and a blocking app.
- Share the services on this page, and call one together.
Look after yourself too. The helplines above also give advice to family members.
Common mistakes
- Waiting for a big win to stop. That win usually does not come, and losses grow.
- Self-excluding from one account but opening another.
- Keeping betting apps installed "just to watch scores".
- Paying for "sure odds" or predictor apps to win money back.
- Trying to stop alone and in secret.
FAQ
Is calling a helpline free?
Toll-free lines such as South Africa's 0800 006 008 are free to call. Other lines may charge normal call rates. Many also accept SMS or WhatsApp.
Can I block myself from betting sites?
Yes. Most licensed bookmakers let you set a time-out or self-exclude from your account settings. Free blocking apps can also block betting sites on your phone.
What if a family member has the problem?
You can call the same helplines for advice. Talk calmly, avoid lending money for betting, and help them find support.
How quickly does self-exclusion start?
Usually straight away. During the period you choose, the operator should block your account and stop marketing to you.
Related guides
- Bankroll management in betting
- Why no bet is certain
- Aviator predictor: real or scam
- How the Aviator game works