You're not alone. Free, confidential help is available for gambling addiction and gambling debt. Recovery is possible.
If you're having thoughts of self-harm or suicide due to gambling debt, please seek immediate help:
Check website for meetings
Free peer support meetings across the UK for people affected by gambling.
gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Gambling debt recovery requires tackling both the addiction and the financial problem simultaneously. You cannot sustainably solve the debt without stopping gambling, and stopping gambling is easier with the stress of debt being managed. Seek both gambling addiction support and debt advice together for the best chance of recovery.
Getting out of gambling debt requires addressing both the addiction and the financial problem simultaneously by stopping gambling immediately using tools like GamBan and Gamstop, and seeking addiction help from gambling support charities or Gamblers Anonymous. Get free debt advice from debt charities who have specialist gambling debt advisors and can help you explore formal debt solutions like an IVA, DRO, or bankruptcy. Protect your income by setting up a basic bank account with no overdraft and blocking gambling transactions.
Yes, you can include gambling debts in an IVA - creditors don't distinguish between 'gambling debt' and other unsecured debts. However, insolvency practitioners may assess gambling debt more carefully to ensure you're genuinely addressing the addiction and not actively gambling. Being honest about gambling is essential - hiding the cause of debts could lead to IVA failure.
Yes, telling creditors about gambling addiction is generally advisable as FCA rules require creditors to treat vulnerable customers with appropriate forbearance. Benefits include creditors may freeze interest, agree to reduced payments, adjust communication methods, and are less likely to take enforcement action. Provide evidence where possible such as a GP letter, Gamblers Anonymous attendance, or registration with gambling support services.
Bailiffs can potentially pursue gambling debts, but only after creditors first obtain a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against you and you fail to pay it. If you're experiencing gambling addiction, you have additional protections - inform bailiffs in writing about your vulnerability and you can apply for Breathing Space (60 days protection from enforcement). If bailiffs are involved, get urgent free debt advice from debt charities or Citizens Advice.
Any level of gambling debt that you cannot afford to repay from your normal income is 'too much' and requires help. Warning signs include using credit to gamble, borrowing from multiple sources, being behind on priority payments, or hiding debts from family. Don't wait for debt to reach a certain level - seek help as soon as gambling is causing financial problems.
Extensive free help is available including addiction support from gambling support charities, Gamblers Anonymous, and NHS gambling clinics, and free debt advice from debt charities who have specialist gambling debt advisors. Practical blocking tools include Gamstop for free self-exclusion from UK licensed online gambling and GamBan software to block gambling sites. Many of these services work together to provide comprehensive support.
Gambling debts can be written off through formal debt solutions like a DRO, bankruptcy, IVA, or administration order - there's no special 'gambling debt forgiveness' scheme. The cause of debt (gambling) doesn't affect eligibility for these solutions - what matters is your current financial situation and inability to repay. However, you must have stopped gambling to maintain these arrangements.
Legally, gambling debt is treated the same as other unsecured consumer debt by creditors and courts. However, gambling debt differs in important ways including the underlying addiction requiring treatment, rapid accumulation, and creditors may treat it more sympathetically if you're seeking treatment as addiction is a vulnerability under FCA rules. Gambling-specific support exists alongside standard debt advice.
Thousands of people have recovered from gambling addiction and gambling debt. You can too. All calls are confidential, and all advice is free. You're not alone.
Support for people dealing with debt and mental health challenges together.
How an IVA can help write off gambling debts you cannot afford to repay.
60 days protection from creditors to get advice and address gambling issues.
Write off gambling debts under £30,000 if you have low income and assets.
Practical help when gambling debts become overwhelming and unmanageable.
Access free, confidential debt advice that understands gambling-related debt.