Guide

Gambling debt:
what to do first.

Debt can make it feel like gambling is the only way out. It isn't. Debts can be sorted out slowly, with help, and there are free services whose whole job is helping you do it. Here's where to start.

If it's pulling hard right now: UK 0808 8020 133 · US 1-800-522-4700 · Australia 1800 858 858 · South Africa 0800 006 008 · other countries. Free, confidential, 24/7.

← All guides · Updated 24 October 2026

First: stop it growing

The most important step is the one that stops new debt. Trying to win your way out almost always makes it bigger.

Shut the doors to gambling: self-exclusion, a bank gambling block, and close your betting accounts.
Don't take new credit to cover old debt without advice first, especially payday loans or borrowing from people who pressure you.
Don't ignore letters. It's tempting, but it usually makes things worse. A debt adviser can deal with them alongside you.

Then: get free debt advice

Free, confidential debt charities can look at everything you owe, work out what you can afford and talk to the people you owe for you. They've seen gambling debt many times and won't judge you. Avoid companies that charge fees for this.

UK: StepChange, National Debtline or Citizens Advice. In England and Wales, a debt adviser can also tell you whether the Breathing Space scheme, which pauses most interest and enforcement for a while, could help you.
US: a nonprofit credit counselling agency, for example through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
Australia: the free National Debt Helpline.
South Africa: a registered debt counsellor. The National Credit Regulator lists them.

What to have ready

A list of everyone you owe, roughly how much, and any missed payments.
Your income and essential spending: rent or mortgage, energy, food, transport.
Any letters you've been avoiding. Bring them unopened if you need to.

It doesn't have to be perfect. The adviser will help you fill in the gaps.

Priority debts come first

Some debts have worse consequences if you fall behind: rent or mortgage, energy, council tax or local taxes, and court fines. An adviser will usually help you deal with these before credit cards or loans, even if those feel more urgent because of the calls.

Protect the money you have

Ask your bank to lower your daily cash limit and block gambling payments.
Consider letting someone you trust help manage money for a while, or set up bills to go out on payday.
Move savings somewhere that's slow to reach.

Look after yourself too

Debt and gambling together can feel crushing. If you're having thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out now: in the UK call Samaritans on 116 123, in the US call or text 988, or see helplines in your country. You deserve support, and this can get better.

When you're ready, here's a plan for the first 72 hours.

Sources and further help

Updated 24 October 2026. Checked against the sources above. How we write these guides. You vs The House is a support tool, not medical advice. If you're struggling, a helpline or your doctor can help.