How to stop gambling without paying for it
You never have to pay to get better. Some tools charge, and some of those are good, but everything that matters can be done for free.
Block it
BetBlocker is free. Your phone's built in controls are free. A DNS filter has a free tier. Start with how to block betting sites on your iPhone or on Android.
Lock yourself out
Self exclusion from every sportsbook is free at every operator. In the UK, GAMSTOP is free. In Australia, BetStop is free. Your bank can usually add a gambling block to your card for free.
Pause at the moment of the urge
Hold The Bet is free with no account. Write your number and your reason once, and it is there when you reach for the next bet, with a 30 second timer and a one tap text to a person you trust.
Free. No account. Takes two questions.
Open your cardTalk to someone
Helplines are free and open all hours. Gambling Therapy and Gamblers Anonymous are free too.
Help, right now
- 1-800-GAMBLERUS, call, text 800GAM, or chat at ncpgambling.org/chat, 24/7
- 988US / Canada, crisis, call or text
- Gamblers AnonymousMeetings everywhere, gamblersanonymous.org
- GamCareUK, 0808 8020 133, 24/7
- Gambling Help OnlineAustralia, 1800 858 858, 24/7
- Gambling Support BCCanada (BC) 24/7 · gamblingsupportbc.ca
- ConnexOntarioCanada (Ontario), 1-866-531-2600, 24/7 · connexontario.ca
- gamblingtherapy.orgWorldwide, free online support
If a plan asks for a card
A free trial that turns into a subscription is not free. If you are already paying for something that is not working, you can stop. Cancelling is not giving up. Nothing here costs money, and nothing on this site will ever put recovery behind a paywall.