Gambling Harms

Gambling is a common feature for many people in the UK, with up to half of adults estimated to gamble each year. The most popular form of gambling is lotteries, and the most common reason for gambling includes the chance to win big money.

Gambling can include betting, playing bingo, slot machines, fixed-odds betting terminals, and lotteries. Most gambling activities can take place in person or online.

However, gambling has the potential to harm any one, at any time.

Gambling harms can be varied and may include financial harms and relationship harms. Gambling can also impact mental and physical health, employment and education, criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.

Gambling harms often extend beyond the person that gambles. 1 in 12 people are either directly or indirectly currently experiencing gambling harms, this may include family members, children, friends or colleagues.

You or someone you know may be experiencing a number of these harms. 

Support is available for anyone who is affected by gambling. 

Local support

Are you worried about the effect gambling might be having on you or the people around you? You are not alone, it’s not your fault, and support is available locally in Doncaster.

NHS Northern Gambling Service

The NHS Northern Gambling Service provides specialist addiction therapies and treatment for adults who are experiencing gambling harms and addiction, as well as therapy for any related mental health difficulties. 

A warm and friendly non-judgemental team await, that are well trained and knowledgeable to help.

The only criteria for referral is that you are concerned about gambling and experiencing some harm. This can include support for family members or friends that may be affected by someone elses gambling.

You can call on 0300 300 1490 or email at email referral.ngs@nhs.net

For more information, visit Home - NHS Northern Gambling Service

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others do the same.

For support without a referral, Gamblers Anonymous meet 7-9pm every Tuesday at Jubilee Hall, Our Lady of Perpetual Help R C Church, Bentley, Doncaster, DN5 0AT

You can call on 07498 320 707 or email at doncaster@gamblersanonymous.org.uk

For more information, visit the Gamblers Anonymous website

NECA

NECA, in partnership with GambleAware provide a range of free support in Doncaster for anyone negatively affected by gambling harms directly or indirectly.

You can call 01423 740 723 or email at gambling.yorkshire-humber@neca.co.uk 

For more information, visit NECA Gambling – Yorkshire & Humber – Neca

National Support and Information

Chapter One

Chapter One is your place to find information that will help you understand the causes of gambling harm, and where to access the right help. Free from gambling industry influence.

Gambling Understood

Gambling Understood aim to encourage and empower people to talk and seek further information about gambling harms as well as signposting where to get help, and normalising getting help.

Gam-Anon

Gam-Anon is a fellowship of men and women who are husbands, wives, partners, relatives or close friends of someone with a gambling addiction who also have been affected by gambling.

Support to block access

We know that blocking access to gambling companies can also support people who are experiencing gambling harms, there are a few websites that you can use:

 Gamstop

GAMSTOP is a free service that will block you from opening or accessing gambling accounts in your name with all licensed online UK gambling companies. You can sign up for six months, one year or five years.

 Gamban

Gamban is online software that you install to restrict your phone, laptop, or computer from accessing gambling websites. Gamban is free for all UK residents through TalkBanStop. This is an important part of managing your online safety.