Skip to main content
BigDeal
Gambling information, advice and support for young people

Need help?

Get in touch

If you’re worried about gambling – your own or someone else’s – the first step is to ask for help. We’re here to support you, so whatever you’re dealing with, you won’t be alone.

What to expect when you contact us

Young People’s Support Service Referral

Live chat

Get one-to-one advice and support with our free online chat service, open 24 hours a day.

Phone support

You can speak to an adviser on the National Gambling Helpline (run by GamCare) 24 hours a day for free on 0808 8020 133. Our live chat service also operates 24 hours a day.

WhatsApp Chat

Chat with a Helpline Adviser one-to-one support 24 hours a day via our WhatsApp service on

020 3031 8881. (Mobile Only)

Are you aged 18-25 years old?

As an 18-25 year old, you have a variety of different support options should you need it – we’ve already mentioned the Young People’s Support Service, but if you would like support in your local area or face-to-face the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) has a range of different providers who can offer you support. Click the link to find out more about the NGSN and their providers.

What happens when I seek help?

Your main questions answered..

Our live chat is a confidential online chat service. It’s a safe space for advice and guidance 24 hours a day.

The National Gambling Helpline (often referred to as the Helpline) is a phone line which lets you talk directly to one of our trained advisers. They will provide a safe space for you to talk freely, and will offer you advice and guidance.

The Young People’s Service is a dedicated team that helps young people between the ages of 11-18 with gambling-related harms. The team can help if you are struggling with gambling yourself or if you are affected by someone else’s gambling. The Young People’s Service can also provide information and advice to parents and professionals.

We do not share information and we want to keep everything you say confidential, but sometimes, if we are concerned about your safety or the safety of someone else, we may have to break confidentiality. If we do need to share information, in most situations we would discuss this with you and explain the reason we need to share.

If you contact the Helpline or live chat, then it is not guaranteed that you will speak to the same adviser. If you are put into contact with the Young People’s Service, then you will be assigned your own adviser.

Referral form

Young People Service

Our Young People’s Service is here to support anyone aged 18 and under from anywhere in the UK. We work with young people directly, with parents and carers and professionals and volunteers who support young people. Click here to go to the brief referral form:

Are you worried about someone you care about?

An occasional bet can be fun, but for some people gambling can become an addiction. Do you think that a friend or family member, boyfriend or girlfriend might be struggling to control their gambling? Get in touch if you would like to chat.