NHS Gambling Clinics Explained
People struggling with gambling in England have practical, accessible ways to get help without needing to see a GP in many areas – they can self-refer to a nearby NHS gambling clinic.
The NHS provides free, specialist care for gambling harm in multiple areas of England, not requiring a GP referral to access in most cases. A recent government assessment found self-referral was the second most common route used to reach treatment.
How NHS gambling clinics work
A network of gambling clinics covers parts of the country, including the National Gambling Clinic in London, the Southern Gambling Service in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and the NHS West Midlands Gambling Harms Clinic. People can typically either self-refer online or contact the service directly, or ask a GP to help them with the referral process.
What treatment can involve
The treatment varies, but it often includes specialist Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychological assessment, tools and techniques to support recovery, and support for relationships affected by gambling harm.
The East of England Gambling Service for example says it offers assessment, specialist CBT, tools, family therapy, individual family support, and psychiatric reviews. Out in the North, the NHS Northern Gambling Service adds a five-session family treatment programme.
Where the support goes next
These specialist services provide support both to people affected by gambling harm and their families. The East of England service for instance provides care to individuals, couples and families, and the Northern service offers five sessions to family members, either online or in person.
For most services, a GP referral is not needed. In the North remote video consultations are also available.
What to do if you are outside England
Outside England, the national clinic system is not immediately verified. People in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland should first check the relevant regional or national service or contact a helpline to find out the most reliable route to treatment.
How to start today
The first step is to visit the dedicated NHS gambling page. This lists the NHS gambling clinics as well as local pathways: those with verified eligibility can self-refer using links to clinic websites. Where details are uncertain, the page advises contacting the listed clinic for more information. Local primary care teams may also be able to help.
The National Gambling Helpline is free and confidential, open 24 hours a day: 0808 8020 133. More options on our help page.
