GamCare Support at FsCasino | Confidential UK Help
Independent support
GamCare is there when you need it
An overview of GamCare and the wider safer gambling network in the UK, including the National Gambling Helpline, BeGambleAware and GAMSTOP.
→ Visit gamcare.org.ukWhere you can turn
National Gambling Helpline
Free, confidential support 24/7 on 0808 8020 133, run by GamCare advisers.
GAMSTOP
Free self-exclusion scheme covering every UK-licensed online gambling site.
BeGambleAware
Independent charity funding treatment and prevention services across Great Britain.
Gamban
Blocking software that prevents access to thousands of gambling sites and apps.
How the main UK safer gambling services compare
| GamCare | GAMSTOP | BeGambleAware | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free of charge | |||
| Self-exclusion | - | - | |
| One-to-one counselling | - | ||
| Operates 24/7 | |||
| Information for friends and family | - |
24/7
Helpline hours
Free
All services
0808 8020 133
Helpline
GAMSTOP
Self-exclusion
What GamCare actually does
GamCare is the leading provider of information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms in Great Britain. The charity runs the National Gambling Helpline, available around the clock on 0808 8020 133, alongside a live chat service and a network of trained advisers. Conversations are confidential, free of charge and open to anyone, whether you are worried about your own gambling or about someone close to you.
Beyond the helpline, GamCare offers structured treatment through a national network of partners. That includes one-to-one counselling, group programmes and family support. You do not need a referral to get started; you can self-refer at any time through gamcare.org.uk or by ringing the helpline. The first conversation is simply about listening and helping you work out what kind of support fits your situation best.
GAMSTOP for self-exclusion
GAMSTOP is the national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in the UK. Every operator licensed by the UK Gambling Commission has to participate, so a single registration blocks you across every UK-licensed site for the period you choose. You can sign up for six months, one year or five years through gamstop.co.uk, using your name, date of birth, address and email.
Once you are registered, attempts to open new accounts or to log into existing ones at UK-licensed operators are blocked automatically. GAMSTOP is free, run independently and operates alongside any in-account tools your individual operator offers. It is one of the most decisive single steps you can take if you want a hard break from online gambling.
BeGambleAware and treatment funding
BeGambleAware is an independent charity that commissions and funds prevention and treatment services across England, Scotland and Wales. The website begambleaware.org provides clear information about gambling, the risks involved and the services available. BeGambleAware does not deliver treatment directly; instead, it funds organisations like GamCare and the National Health Service gambling clinics so that confidential help remains free at the point of use.
Blocking software like Gamban
Software such as Gamban and BetBlocker complements GAMSTOP by blocking gambling websites and apps on the device level. Once installed, the software is difficult to remove, which is the point. It works on phones, tablets and computers, and covers tens of thousands of gambling sites worldwide. For many people, layering blocking software on top of GAMSTOP creates a much more robust safety net than relying on a single tool.
Calling the helpline is the hardest part. After that, the adviser does all the heavy lifting and walks you through what comes next.
GamCare
National Gambling Helpline
When should I contact GamCare?
Reach out as soon as gambling starts taking up more of your time, money or thoughts than you are comfortable with. Common warning signs include spending more than you planned, chasing losses, borrowing to gamble, hiding gambling from friends or family, and feeling restless when you cannot play. You do not need to wait for a crisis to call; the helpline is there for early conversations too.
The first call is free, anonymous if you prefer, and there is no commitment to follow any particular path afterwards. Advisers will listen, ask a few questions to understand your situation and outline the options that might help, from simple self-help tools through to full treatment programmes.
How does GAMSTOP differ from the in-account self-exclusion tool?
The in-account self-exclusion at FsCasino only covers this single operator and lasts for the period you choose, from 24 hours upwards. GAMSTOP, by contrast, blocks every gambling website and app licensed by the UK Gambling Commission for a minimum of six months. Once you register, you are excluded from new sign-ups and existing accounts across the whole UK-licensed market.
Many people use both. The in-account tool is great for a short break, while GAMSTOP is the right choice when you want a longer, system-wide pause that takes the decision out of any single operator's hands.
Is help available for friends and family?
Yes. GamCare and BeGambleAware both offer dedicated information and support for people affected by someone else's gambling. The helpline, live chat and structured programmes are open to partners, parents, children and friends. Sessions can take place individually or jointly with the person who gambles, depending on what is helpful.
Practical guidance covers how to start the conversation, how to protect household finances and how to look after your own wellbeing. The general advice is to be open without being accusatory, to avoid ultimatums and to encourage rather than push the other person towards professional support.
Does it cost anything to use these services?
The National Gambling Helpline, GamCare's live chat, structured counselling commissioned by GamCare, GAMSTOP self-exclusion and BeGambleAware's information are all free at the point of use. Funding comes from independent sources including the gambling industry's regulatory settlements, charitable donations and government investment, but the services remain confidential and independent of any individual operator.
Blocking software such as Gamban carries a small annual licence fee, usually under £30 a year. Even there, GamCare and many treatment providers can issue free licences to people in treatment. If cost is a barrier, mention it during your first conversation with the helpline; there is almost always a route to free support.
Take the first step today
Call 0808 8020 133 free of charge, or chat with an adviser at gamcare.org.uk.