Gambling Treatments on the NHS 2026: How to Get Specialist Help

Gambling Treatments on the NHS 2026: How to Get Specialist Help

The NHS runs specialist gambling treatment clinics across the UK. These clinics provide free, evidence-based treatment for gambling addiction. Referrals are typically made through your GP.

This guide explains how to access NHS gambling treatment, what to expect during treatment, and other free treatment options.

The NHS gambling treatment programme

The NHS launched a national gambling treatment programme in 2019, with the first specialist clinics opening in 2020. The programme now includes:

• Specialist gambling treatment clinics
• Community-based treatment providers
• Digital treatment options
• Training for NHS staff

The NHS is committed to expanding gambling treatment services. The 2023 Gambling Act review included additional funding for NHS gambling clinics.

Where NHS gambling clinics operate

NHS gambling clinics currently operate in:

England

• London (Central and North)
• Manchester
• Leeds
• Sheffield
• Birmingham
• Bristol
• Southampton
• Newcastle
• And more

The NHS is expanding clinics across England. Check with your GP or the NHS website for the latest locations.

Scotland

• Edinburgh
• Glasgow
• Other locations

Wales

• Cardiff
• Other locations

Northern Ireland

• Belfast
• Other locations

Coverage is expanding. If you can't access a specialist clinic, your GP can refer you to alternative treatment.

How to access NHS gambling treatment

Step 1: See your GP

The first step is to see your GP. Your GP will:

• Assess your gambling problems
• Discuss treatment options
• Refer you to a specialist clinic or alternative treatment
• Provide ongoing support

Your GP can prescribe medication for co-occurring conditions (depression, anxiety) and refer you to mental health services.

Step 2: Referral to specialist treatment

Your GP will refer you to a specialist clinic or community treatment provider. The referral typically takes 1-4 weeks to process.

Step 3: Initial assessment

The specialist clinic will conduct an initial assessment:

• Detailed history of your gambling
• Mental health assessment
• Co-occurring conditions
• Treatment goals

The assessment is comprehensive. It helps the clinic develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Step 4: Treatment

Treatment typically involves:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Family therapy (where appropriate)
• Medication for co-occurring conditions

Treatment is provided free of charge on the NHS.

Step 5: Ongoing support

After initial treatment, ongoing support is available:

• Follow-up appointments
• Group therapy
• Relapse prevention
• Long-term monitoring

The NHS commits to long-term support, not just initial treatment.

What to expect from NHS gambling treatment

First appointment

The first appointment is typically a comprehensive assessment:

• 60-90 minutes
• Detailed history
• Treatment plan
• Goal setting

The first appointment is more about assessment than treatment. The clinician gathers information to develop a personalised plan.

Ongoing therapy

Ongoing therapy sessions:

• 45-60 minutes
• Weekly or bi-weekly
• 8-16 sessions typical
• CBT-based approach

The number of sessions varies based on individual needs. Some people need more sessions, others fewer.

Group therapy

Group therapy may be offered:

• 6-10 participants
• Weekly sessions
• Peer support
• Shared learning

Group therapy is effective and provides peer support.

Family involvement

Family members may be involved:

• Joint sessions
• Family therapy
• Education about gambling addiction

Family involvement improves outcomes.

Other free treatment options

GamCare

GamCare provides free gambling treatment and support:

• 24/7 live chat
• One-to-one counselling (free, but waiting list)
• Online forums
• Self-help resources

GamCare isn't NHS but is government-funded and free for users.

IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies)

IAPT is the NHS's primary mental health service:

• Available through GP referral
• Provides CBT and other therapies
• Treats depression, anxiety, and other conditions

If your gambling is related to mental health issues, IAPT can help. Some IAPT services have gambling-specific practitioners.

Local substance use services

Many local substance use services also treat gambling addiction:

• Community drug and alcohol teams
• Local authority commissioned services

These services are typically free of charge.

Private treatment (paid)

Private treatment is available for those who can afford it or have private health insurance:

• Private therapists specialising in gambling
• Private clinics
• Online therapy platforms

Private treatment can be faster to access than NHS but is more expensive.

What NHS gambling treatment covers

What's covered

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Family therapy
• Medication for co-occurring conditions
• Group therapy
• Relapse prevention

What's not typically covered

• Residential treatment (the NHS refers to Gordon Moody for this)
• Long-term therapy beyond initial treatment
• Treatment for partners/family (although some clinics offer this)
• Some alternative therapies (e.g., art therapy, equine therapy)

NHS treatment focuses on evidence-based approaches. The most effective treatments are CBT, MI, and related therapies.

Waiting times for NHS gambling treatment

Waiting times vary by region:

• Some clinics: 2-4 weeks for initial assessment
• Other clinics: 4-12 weeks for initial assessment
• Ongoing therapy: typically starts within 2-4 weeks of assessment

The NHS is working to reduce waiting times. The 2023 Gambling Act review included funding for additional capacity.

If waiting times are too long, consider:

• GamCare (24/7 chat and online support)
• Self-help resources
• Private treatment (if affordable)
• GP-provided support (medication, advice)

Digital treatment options

The NHS and partner organisations offer digital treatment:

NHS-approved apps

Some apps are NHS-approved for gambling treatment:

• Gamban: gambling block software
• Bet Blocker: free gambling block software
• Mindgram: mindfulness and recovery

Check the NHS apps library for approved options.

Online therapy

Online therapy is available through:

• IAPT (self-referral in some areas)
• Private online therapy platforms
• GamCare's online counselling

Online therapy can be more accessible than in-person.

Self-guided programmes

Self-guided programmes are available:

• BeGambleAware self-help resources
• GamCare self-help workbook
• NHS information pages

Self-guided programmes work for some people, especially those with milder gambling problems.

What to bring to your first GP appointment

If you're seeing your GP about gambling:

Documents

• Notes about your gambling history
• Recent bank statements (showing gambling transactions)
• List of any medications you're taking
• Insurance details (if applicable)

Information to share

• How long you've been gambling
• How much you typically gamble
• Impact on your life (financial, relational, occupational)
• Any previous attempts to stop
• Co-occurring mental health conditions
• Family history of gambling problems

Questions to ask

• What treatments are available?
• What's the waiting time?
• What can I do while waiting?
• Are there any support groups I can join now?
• What if I have a crisis while waiting?

Your GP is there to help. Don't be embarrassed to discuss gambling problems. GPs are used to these conversations.

Help (UK)

If you want to access NHS gambling treatment:

• NHS 111: for non-emergency medical advice
• Your GP: for referral to specialist treatment
• National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (free, 24/7)
• GamCare: gamcare.org.uk (free support, including while waiting for NHS treatment)

NHS gambling treatment is free and effective. Don't let waiting times put you off. Start with GamCare while you wait for NHS treatment.