Gambling services
GamCare counselling
If you’re worried about a gambling addiction, or affected by someone else’s problem gambling, our specialist GamCare counselling services can help you. Through our youth and teen gambling services we can give you the help, advice and support you need if you or your family members are affected by gambling.
At NORCAS we work together with you to help you achieve your aims and set goals for your recovery. We’ll give you an initial assessment and then offer you up to 24 free and confidential counselling sessions. This will help you explore the immediate problems as well as any deeper issues, which may be influencing your gambling behaviour.
This service is available at all our major centres and we may be able to arrange appointments in other areas. Please call us on our freephone number 0808 208 1701 for more details.
Other support for gambling
You can call GamCare, our partner in Norfolk, on their national helpline number 0808 8020 133. Lines are open 7 days a week from 8 am to 2 am.
You can also get support at www.gamcare.org.uk. You’ll find a range of online services, including support from other young people like you, a forum and a chat/support room.
Gambling info
Is it legal?
- Gambling activities are legal in the UK, but you need to be 16 to play the lottery or scratch cards, and 18 to go into a betting shop.
- The Gambling Act 2005 allows operators to provide gambling facilities using equipment based in Great Britain.
- The Gambling Commission has Codes of Practice that aim to protect children and other vulnerable people.
What the gambling industry must do
- Gambling operators must protect children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling.
- They must have policies and procedures to promote socially responsible gambling, like age verification, research, education and treatment.
- They must also provide information about responsible gambling and where to get further help and advice.
How to get help from GamCare
- GamCare is a registered charity and specialises in providing advice, support and counselling to help reduce the problems gambling can cause.
- GamCare has chosen NORCAS as its partner in Norfolk. Together we provide a non-judgmental and free service to anyone, experiencing problems with gambling, including young people, families and carers.
The signs of problem gambling
- An obsession with gambling.
- Using gambling to escape from problems.
- Arguing about money or avoiding talking about money problems.
- Restlessness and irritability when not gambling.
- Not eating or sleeping properly, or over-eating.
- Getting into more and more debt.
- Not spending time with your family.
Read more about the symptoms of problem gambling in our gambling leaflet.
You can also call us on 0808 208 1701 if you think you might have a problem.
How you can gamble responsibly
- Never forget, you’re not investing your money, you’re buying entertainment.
- Before you play, set strict limits on how much you’re going to spend – and stick to them.
- Always quit while you’re still ahead.
- Only gamble with money that you can afford to lose.
- Don’t gamble if you’re feeling stressed or bored.
- Keep up with other hobbies and interests. Don’t let gambling take over your life.
- Make time for your friends and other people around you.