First-step support reference

Printable reference · educational reading aid

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One manageable next step

You do not have to complete a bonus, recover a loss or prove a particular level of harm before asking for support. This is a reading aid, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. If someone is in immediate danger, contact your local emergency service now.

• Pause the next action: close the gambling site or app and step away from the device.
• Choose a contact: a listed service or a trusted person you feel safe approaching.
• Start simply: “Gambling is affecting me. What is a useful first step?”
• Ask about coverage, language, opening hours, cost and confidentiality before assuming a service fits.
• Arrange a follow-up: an agreed call, appointment or another source of support.

Understand access barriers

Self-exclusion, device blocking and bank payment controls cover different routes. Confirm the country, participating businesses, products, devices and duration. A restriction within one scheme does not establish a universal block. These tools are distinct from counselling or treatment; ask the service what additional support it can provide.

If you are supporting someone else, keep your own boundaries and seek advice for yourself too. If involving someone close would feel unsafe, use a service privately. If an option does not fit, ask about another local contact rather than treating the first response as the end of the search.

Contacts for this edition

National Problem Gambling Helpline · United States
Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET
https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/
Connect with support and local resources. The NCPG website also provides chat and state-by-state help.

NCPG treatment resources · United States
Find treatment and local help
https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/
Explore counselor, treatment and peer-support directories. Ask the provider about eligibility, costs and confidentiality.

Directory details checked 25 October 2026. The provider controls current contact options and eligibility. Printed details can become outdated; use the official address above to recheck them.

Keep personal notes private

This website does not collect answers to this checklist. If you add names, dates or personal details to a printed copy, store it somewhere appropriate for you. External services have their own confidentiality policies. A setback does not remove your ability to ask for help again; the next action can be another conversation.

Full support guide · Resource finder · Supporting someone close

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