We’re Here for You This Christmas

Jake highlights why Christmas can be such a difficult time for people struggling with gambling, as well as how GamCare and our partners can help.

We know that the Christmas period poses a heightened risk to people struggling with gambling. Money worries are often top of mind at this time, compounded this year by the tier system in place which may leave people isolated and away from their support networks. Research from the first lockdown has also found that some gamblers were not only gambling more but gambling heavier amounts as well.

We are teaming up with Gamban and GAMSTOP to provide a trio of services for free to help gamblers kick-start the recovery journey this Christmas. Our new TalkBanStop campaign is backed by ex-footballer and recovering gambling addict Michael Chopra, who highlights why it’s so important to get both support and practical tools in place if you want to stop gambling.

Alongside free GAMSTOP self-exclusion, blocking gambling accounts and ensuring people don’t continue to receive direct marketing from gambling companies, Gamban blocking software is now available free for anyone calling the National Gambling Helpline or coming through our support and treatment services. Gamban can block gambling sites and apps on up to 15 devices, including throughout the household.

GamCare offers 24/7 support all year through the National Gambling Helpline – over the phone, or live chat for those struggling with privacy – and our trained advisers can offer support and connection to practical tools for anyone worried this Christmas, either for themselves or their loved one. The combination of support, backed by whole of the National Gambling Treatment Network, with practical tools such as Gamban blocking software and GAMSTOP self-exclusion is really vital, adding additional layers of protection for anyone struggling to control their gambling.

What other services are available to help?

Alongside our support and treatment services nationwide, GamCare has many other resources to help you and your loved ones. A chat with our Advisers is a good place to start if you are unsure what might help; our team will listen to what’s going on for you, and talk you through all of the options available online, over the phone or in your local area.

Online, our free GameChange course is available for anyone concerned about their gambling who would like to explore this at their own pace. Working through a series of modules online, you’ll have regular check-ins with our therapists too, so you have a chance to talk through what you have learned and reflected on.

We also have a range of quizzes available that help you assess your motives for gambling, mythbusting popular conceptions about gambling and helping you weigh your options so you can assess what action you need to take. Do you think it’s time for a change? Take our Game Changer quiz to find out.

Our self-help resources can also help if you want to change your relationship with gambling, these are available to download and/or print here.