Responsible Gambling: Free Help by Country

If gambling is costing you more money or time than you want, free and confidential help is a phone call away. In England and Scotland, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133; in Wales, the NHS Wales Gambling Helpline on 0808 2819 265. Both are free, 24 hours a day. Below you will find the main helpline for each country our readers come from, the national self-exclusion schemes and what each one covers, and tools that work wherever you live.

Free helplines by country

Family members and friends can call the same services for advice. Peer support is also available through Gamblers Anonymous meetings, in person and online.

Self-exclusion schemes and what they cover

A national self-exclusion scheme blocks you from every operator that the scheme’s regulator licenses, in one step. Each scheme stops at its own border: an operator without that country’s licence is not connected to it.

Cruks registration is online with DigiD, which takes effect immediately, or by paper form. OASIS self-exclusion can be requested from the Regierungspräsidium Darmstadt or through any licensed German provider. In Ireland, the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland plans a National Gambling Exclusion Register for licensed online gambling; as of October 2026 it describes the register as one that will be set up, so use operator self-exclusion, bank blocks and blocking software in the meantime.

None of the casinos listed on 99 Casinos is connected to GAMSTOP, Spelpaus, ROFUS, Cruks or OASIS. If you have excluded yourself in your home country, do not look for a way around it: install blocking software instead.

Tools that work anywhere

• Limits in your account. Set deposit, loss and session limits before you play. Most licensed operators also offer time-outs and their own self-exclusion.
• Blocking software. Gamban and the free BetBlocker block gambling sites on your devices, including sites outside national schemes.
• Bank blocks. Many banks let you block gambling payments in their app.
• Talk to someone. A helpline call is free, confidential and does not commit you to anything.

Recognising a problem

Consider getting help if you gamble with money meant for bills, raise your stakes to win back losses, feel restless when you are not gambling, or hide it from people close to you. Borrowing to gamble is a clear warning sign. Bonuses with high wagering, explained in our guide to welcome bonuses, can keep you playing longer than you planned.

Age limits

You must be at least 18 to gamble in most countries, and older in some places, such as 19 for online gambling in Ontario. Licensed operators check your age and identity before you can withdraw.

How 99 Casinos handles this

Every page that lists casinos carries an 18+ notice and a local help resource. Our rating method gives weight to player protection tools, and our editorial policy rules out claims that any strategy guarantees a profit. Read more about 99 Casinos, or contact us if a page on this site worries you.

Common questions

What is the gambling helpline number in the UK?

In England and Scotland, the National Gambling Helpline run by GamCare on 0808 8020 133; in Wales, the NHS Wales Gambling Helpline on 0808 2819 265. Both are free and open 24 hours a day.

Does GAMSTOP block every gambling site?

No. GAMSTOP covers online operators licensed by the Gambling Commission in Great Britain. Sites without a UK licence are not connected to it, so blocking software and bank blocks are the extra layer.

Can I cancel a self-exclusion early?

Usually not. GAMSTOP cannot be deactivated before its minimum period ends and does not lapse automatically afterwards. Spelpaus cannot be ended early, and Cruks cannot be lifted in its first 6 months.

Is there a gambling helpline in Ireland?

Yes. The national helpline promoted by GamblingCare.ie is 1800 936 725, free and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Where can I get help if my country is not listed?

Gambling Therapy, a free service of the charity Gordon Moody, offers online support and forums in more than 30 languages for anyone, anywhere.