The Keys
If tonight is a hard one
This is the emergency page from the front of the book, reproduced free. Five things to do in the next ten minutes. You don't have to feel ready and you don't have to have decided anything.
01
If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services
If you are thinking about ending your life or you're afraid of what you might do, this comes before everything else on this page. In the UK dial 999, in the US and Canada 911, in Australia 000. You can also call a crisis line: Samaritans 116 123 (UK, free, 24/7), 988 (US and Canada), Lifeline 13 11 14 (Australia).
02
Call a gambling helpline — they answer at night
These lines are free, confidential and staffed by people who have heard this exact call many times. You do not have to be ready to stop. You do not need a plan. You only need to say what's happening.
03
Tell one person where you are
Not a full confession, not tonight — just one message to one human being so you are no longer alone with it. This is the single move that changes the most. Silence is what makes the next hour dangerous.
04
Put money and cards out of reach
Hand your cards to someone. Move money to an account you can't access instantly. Turn on your bank's gambling block. Sign up to a self-exclusion scheme — GAMSTOP in the UK, BetStop in Australia, state programmes in the US and Canada. Make the next bet slow and awkward.
05
Let every big decision wait until morning
No confessions to everyone at once, no drastic solutions, no borrowing to fix it, no ultimatums about yourself. Nothing decided at 3am is decided well. Eat something, drink water, sleep if you can. The decisions will still be there and you'll be able to make them.
You are not the only person doing this tonight, and you are not beyond help. Getting through the next hour is enough of a plan.
Support directory
Free help, by country
Every service listed in the back of the book. Nothing here costs money and nothing here needs an account.
United Kingdom
All free. The helpline is 24/7.
National Gambling Helpline (GamCare)
Free, confidential support and treatment referrals, 24 hours a day.
0808 8020 133GAMSTOP
Free self-exclusion from all UK-licensed online gambling for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.
gamstop.co.ukGamblers Anonymous UK
Free peer meetings, in person and online, most days of the week.
gamblersanonymous.org.ukGordon Moody
Free residential and intensive treatment for severe gambling harm.
gordonmoody.org.ukNHS gambling treatment
Free specialist NHS gambling clinics; self-referral available.
nhs.uk — search 'gambling addiction'GamFam
Support specifically for family members and loved ones.
gamfam.org.ukSamaritans
Any crisis, any hour. Free to call and they will not rush you.
116 123StepChange
Free, independent debt advice — the money side needs its own plan.
stepchange.org
United States
All free and confidential.
National Problem Gambling Helpline
Call, text or chat, 24/7, all 50 states.
1-800-522-47001-800-MY-RESET
Helpline for gambling problems and referral to local treatment.
1-800-697-3738
Gamblers Anonymous
Free meetings nationwide plus online meetings around the clock.
gamblersanonymous.orgGam-Anon
For partners, family and friends of someone gambling.
gam-anon.org988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 in any mental health crisis, 24/7.
988State self-exclusion programs
Most states run voluntary self-exclusion for casinos and online betting — search your state gaming commission.
Your state gaming commission
Canada
Provincial services, all free.
ConnexOntario
Free 24/7 gambling, mental health and substance use support and referrals.
1-866-531-2600Gambling: Help & Referral (Quebec)
Free confidential help line, 24/7.
1-800-461-0140
BC Problem Gambling Help Line
Free counselling and support across British Columbia.
1-888-795-6111
AHS Addiction Helpline (Alberta)
Free 24/7 help for gambling and addiction.
1-866-332-2322
Gamblers Anonymous Canada
Free peer meetings across the country and online.
gamblersanonymous.org9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or text 988 anywhere in Canada, 24/7.
988
Australia
All free and available nationally.
Gambling Help Online
Free counselling by phone and chat, 24/7, plus free ongoing support.
1800 858 858BetStop
The national self-exclusion register — block yourself from all licensed Australian online betting.
betstop.gov.auGamblers Anonymous Australia
Free peer meetings in most states, plus online.
gaaustralia.org.auLifeline
Crisis support and suicide prevention, 24/7.
13 11 14Beyond Blue
Free mental health support and counselling, 24/7.
1300 22 4636National Debt Helpline
Free, independent financial counselling.
1800 007 007
Phone numbers and services change. If a number here doesn't connect, search for your national gambling helpline or contact your local health service. This page is general information, not medical advice.