Gambling harm

Gambling is common in the UK. Many people gamble for fun or to try to win money. But for some, gambling can cause harm.

Gambling harms are the negative effects gambling can have on a person’s health, wellbeing, and life. These harms can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, or income.

Harms can be different for different people. Some people may experience only one type of harm, while others may face several at the same time. Harms can impact your physical health, your mental health, your relationships or your finances as examples.

You can make the noise stop

Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Blackpool Council alongside their partners have come together to create the 'You can make the noise stop' campaign.

This campaign shows the harms that can be caused by gambling, the ways the industry tries to get people to gamble more, and how gambling can affect others.

Support services

Free, confidential support is available to residents across Lancashire who feel they are affected by gambling harm, including those living in Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool.

Samaritans

Samaritans provide free, confidential emotional support to anyone experiencing distress, struggling to cope, or feeling suicidal. If gambling is seriously affecting your mental health and you need help urgently:

GamCare – the National Gambling Helpline

GamCare offer free support for anyone affected by gambling, including affected others.

NHS Northern Gambling Service

The NHS Northern Gambling Service provides free and confidential specialist treatment and support for people experiencing gambling-related harms, including support for any related concerns like anxiety, low mood, or alcohol or drug use.

  • If you are experiencing harm relating to gambling and are looking for help, you can make a self-referral by completing the online form here: Self referral form.

  • If you are affected by someone else's gambling, or if you are a professional wishing to refer a person affected by someone else's gambling, you can make a referral by completing the online form here: Affected other referral form.

  • If you experience any difficulties completing the referral form, contact the NHS Northern Gambling Service via email at referral.ngs@nhs.net or call 0300 300 1490

  • For more information visit The NHS Northern Gambling Service.

For more information on further support available for Blackpool residents, visit Healthier Blackpool.

For more information on further support available for Blackburn with Darwen residents, visit Be Well BwD.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a tool used by those who have recognised that their gambling is harmful to them and wish to be supported to stop gambling.

Self-exclusion from Online Gambling

Registering for GAMSTOP will stop you setting up gambling accounts for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.

To register for free, visit GAMSTOP 

Self-exclusion from just one gambling website or app

  • Go to the website of the gambling business.
  • Find a page called ‘Responsible Gambling’ or ‘Safer Gambling’.
  • Follow the instructions for self-exclusion.
  • If you cannot find out how to self-exclude, contact the company’s customer services.

Self-exclusion from one arcade, betting shop or casino

  • Visit the venue you want to self-exclude from.
  • Speak to the shop manager or a member of staff, let them know you want to self-exclude.
  • You don’t need to take any money, bank or credit cards with you.
  • Take a couple of passport size photos to go on the form; this can help the staff to identify you.
  • Get a copy of the self-exclusion form for your records.

Self-exclusion from more than one bookmaker/betting shop in your area

  • To self-exclude from a number of venues in your local area, call the Self Exclusion Helpline on 0800 294 2060.
  • To self-exclude from all physical UK Casinos, visit Sense self exclusion.
  • To self-exclude from all physical bingo venues in the UK, visit Bingo Industry Self-Exclusion Scheme.