Bingo should be a night’s entertainment, not a way to make money or win back losses. Most people play without problems. But gambling can get out of hand quietly, and the earlier you talk to someone, the easier it is to put right. Everything on this page is free, and all of it is confidential.
If you’re in crisis right now, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, any time of day or night.
Signs it might be time to take a break
- Spending more than you planned, or more than you can afford to lose
- Chasing losses with bigger or more frequent deposits
- Borrowing money, or using money meant for bills, to gamble
- Hiding how much you play from people close to you
- Feeling anxious, low or irritable when you’re not playing
- Playing to escape problems rather than for fun
If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone, and help doesn’t require a diagnosis or a crisis. A conversation is a perfectly good place to start.
Talk to someone today
National Gambling Helpline (run by GamCare) Free advice, support and information, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Phone: 0808 8020 133 Also on live chat and WhatsApp (same number) via gamcare.org.uk.
Helpline for callers in Wales Phone: 0808 2819 265
GambleAware Advice, self-assessment tools and the National Gambling Support Network, which can refer you to treatment near you.
gambleaware.orgNHS treatment
You can refer yourself to an NHS gambling service. You don’t need to see your GP first, though a GP can also refer you.
NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic (London) Crowther Market, 282 North End Road, London SW6 1NH Phone: 020 7381 7722 Open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. For urgent help outside those hours, contact your GP, go to A&E, or call the CNWL Out-of-Hours Urgent Advice Line on 0800 0234 650.
cnwl.nhs.ukNHS Northern Gambling Service Covers the north of England, with clinics in Liverpool, Manchester, Preston, Leeds, Sheffield and Newcastle, plus video appointments wherever you are. Support for family members too. Phone: 0300 300 1490
northerngamblingservice.nhs.ukMore NHS guidance on gambling harm is on the NHS website.
Block gambling, for as long as you need
GAMSTOP lets you exclude yourself from every online gambling site licensed in Great Britain in one go, for six months, one year or five years. It’s free to register.
gamstop.co.ukOn the sites themselves, UK-licensed bingo sites let you switch on tools from your account, including:
- Deposit limits, daily, weekly or monthly
- Time-outs or “take a break” for a short pause
- Reality checks that remind you how long you’ve been playing
- Self-exclusion for a longer break from that site
Set a deposit limit before you claim a welcome offer, not after. It’s the easiest way to make sure £10 stays £10.
Blocking software on your phone or computer can stop gambling sites loading at all. GamCare’s website explains the options.
Worried about money
Gambling and debt often travel together. These services give free, independent advice:
- MoneyHelper, the government-backed money guidance service: moneyhelper.org.uk
- Debt Support Trust: 0800 058 0226
Many banks also let you block gambling payments on your debit card from your banking app.
If someone you care about is gambling
It’s hard to watch, and you’re allowed to ask for help for yourself. The National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) supports family and friends as well as people who gamble, and both NHS services above work with partners and families.
How BingoScorer handles gambling
- We only review sites licensed by the Gambling Commission for players in Great Britain.
- We show the significant terms next to every offer, so there are no surprises after you deposit.
- Every page carries 18+ messaging and a link to GambleAware.
- We earn commission from some links, and we’re open about it. It never changes a score.
Gambling is for adults only. If you’re under 18, you shouldn’t be on gambling sites, and licensed operators will verify your age before you can play.