Family guide — gambling harm (Ireland)

If you are worried right now

• Emergency: 999 (or 112)
• Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7)
• Gambling Care National Helpline: 1800 936 725 (Free, confidential)
• Pieta (crisis counselling): 1800 247 247 (24/7)

This website is not monitored in real time.

What you may be noticing

Secrecy around money or accounts; missed bills; mood swings; broken promises about stopping; tension at home. These are common patterns, not personal failures.

What can help

1. Look after yourself first — Gam-Anon and family-friendly services support family members directly.
2. Protect the household — separate finances where you can; consider a MABS appointment for money advice.
3. Plan the conversation — lead with care, avoid ultimatums in the moment, set clear boundaries.
4. Offer practical blocks — operator self-exclusion, bank card blocks, device tools.
5. Keep the door open — you cannot force someone to stop, but you can help them feel less alone.

Where to turn in Ireland

• Gambling Care National Helpline — 1800 936 725 (free, confidential)
• Extern Problem Gambling — free one-to-one support
• Gam-Anon Ireland — peer support for family
• MABS — free, confidential money advice
• HSE addiction services — referral via GP