They will now be able to reach our highly trained advisers 24 hours a day, who can offer immediate support, advice and referral to our network of treatment services nationally.” With the 24-hour nature of gambling, people sometimes feel at their most isolated overnight, when other support services are closed. As such, we are delighted to be able to extend the hours of operation of the National Gambling Helpline to further support those affected by gambling related harm. Advisers can provide support online, by telephone and, should people want them to, they can also connect callers with local treatment services.Īnna Hemmings, CEO at GamCare, comments that: “It is important that treatment and support services reflect the availability of gambling. Helpline advisers respond to caller’s needs, giving them space to listen and explore their issues in confidence. The new extended helpline hours reflect this degree of availability and will mean that expert support is available 24/7, 365 days a year, to those who need it.

A wide range of gambling activities are now available throughout the night, a time when people experiencing problems may feel the most isolated.

Consisting of both a live chat and Freephone channel, the National Gambling Helpline provides advice, information and support around the clock to those suffering from gambling related harm, whether their own or someone else’s.The Gambling Commission estimates there are around 340,000 problem gamblers nationally, with up to 2 million at risk of developing a gambling issue. In 2018/9, the National Gambling Helpline, on 0808 8020 133, received over 30,000 calls, and this figure is rising year on year. The Helpline is operated by GamCare, the leading national gambling support charity, and funded by GambleAware. The National Gambling Helpline is extending its hours and will now operate 24-hours a day from the 1 October 2019.

National Gambling Helpline to operate 24 hours a day

Gambling 24 hours