Problem gambling — when gambling ceases to be entertainment and becomes compulsive, causing financial, emotional and relationship harm — affects an estimated 430,000 people in the UK. It is a recognised addiction with serious consequences, but it responds well to psychological treatment and recovery is achievable with the right support.
See therapies that may helpProblem gambling activates the same brain reward pathways as substance addictions. Cognitive distortions about luck and control, chasing losses, and using gambling to escape emotional pain all maintain it. The average person with a gambling problem waits 7–10 years before reaching out for help — shame is a major barrier.
Signs of problem gambling include:
Problem gambling responds well to psychological treatment:
GamCare (gamcare.org.uk) provides free counselling and a helpline (0808 8020 133). NHS clinics for gambling disorder exist in several regions — ask your GP for referral. Self-exclusion from online gambling sites via Gamstop is an important practical harm reduction step.
Showing 9 therapies linked to Gambling problems.
| Therapy | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive Behavioural Therapist |
strong
|
Core use for gambling problems. |
| Counsellor |
strong
|
Core use for gambling problems. |
| Psychotherapist |
strong
|
Core use for gambling problems. |
| Arts Therapist |
moderate
|
Arts therapy used in gambling recovery. |
| EMDR Practitioner |
moderate
|
EMDR for gambling with trauma component. |
| EFT Practitioner |
moderate
|
EFT in gambling recovery. |
| Hypnotherapist |
moderate
|
Used as adjunct in gambling recovery. |
| Mindfulness Practitioner |
moderate
|
Mindfulness in gambling recovery. |
| NLP Practitioner |
moderate
|
NLP for gambling recovery. |
Yes — gambling disorder involves the same neurological mechanisms as substance addictions, including activation of brain reward pathways, tolerance, withdrawal-like states and compulsive engagement despite harm. It is classified as a behavioural addiction in DSM-5 and ICD-11.
The gambler's fallacy is the belief that past random events influence future ones — for example, believing a roulette wheel is 'due' to come up black after a run of reds. Random events are independent. CBT for gambling specifically addresses this and other cognitive distortions that maintain problem gambling.
Some people achieve recovery through Gamblers Anonymous and self-help resources. For many, professional CBT significantly improves outcomes. Given the severity of consequences gambling disorder can cause, professional help is strongly recommended where available.
Gamstop is a free self-exclusion scheme that allows people to restrict their gambling across all UK-licensed online gambling websites simultaneously, for periods of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. It is an important practical harm reduction tool and works best as part of a broader recovery plan.
Disclosing gambling problems is frightening but often a turning point in recovery. Being honest about the extent of the problem and having a plan for how you intend to address it — including seeking professional help — makes the conversation more productive. GamCare offers specific guidance on disclosing to family members.