What Is Gamblers Anonymous?
This is an independent, informational guide for UK readers and is not affiliated with the organisations mentioned. It is provided for general information only.
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is a free fellowship of people who support each other to stop gambling and stay stopped, using a twelve-step approach. It's run by its members rather than professionals, holds meetings across the UK and online, and the only requirement to join is a desire to stop.
A peer-support fellowship
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is a free fellowship of people who share their experience, strength and hope to help each other stop gambling and stay stopped. It is run by its members, not by professionals.
It follows a twelve-step approach, similar to other 'Anonymous' fellowships, and the only requirement to join is a desire to stop gambling.
How meetings work
GA holds local meetings across the UK, alongside online meetings, where members talk openly in a confidential, non-judgemental setting. There are no fees — the groups are self-supporting through members' own contributions.
You can simply turn up to a meeting; there's no need to refer yourself in advance.
Support for families
A sister organisation, Gam-Anon, supports the partners, family and friends affected by someone else's gambling, recognising that the harm reaches beyond the person gambling.
GA can sit alongside other help, such as the National Gambling Helpline and professional treatment.
Trying a meeting
Many people feel nervous before a first meeting, but you can just listen at first — there's no pressure to speak. Online meetings can make a first step easier.
If a particular group doesn't suit you, it's fine to try another.
What makes GA distinctive is that everyone in the room has been where you are, which many people find more powerful than advice from anyone else. It isn't the only route — it works well alongside the helpline and professional treatment — but for a lot of people that shared understanding is exactly what helps them stop.
Is Gamblers Anonymous free?
Yes — there are no fees; the groups are self-supporting through members' own voluntary contributions.
Do you need a referral to attend Gamblers Anonymous?
No — you can simply attend a local or online meeting; the only requirement is a desire to stop gambling.
Is there support for families at Gamblers Anonymous?
Yes — the sister organisation Gam-Anon supports partners, family and friends affected by someone's gambling.
Do I have to speak at a Gamblers Anonymous meeting?
No — you can simply listen, especially at first; there's no pressure to share before you're ready.
Related guides: National Gambling Helpline, How to stop gambling, Signs of problem gambling
18+ only. Gambling should be fun, not a way to make money. If you are worried about your gambling, or affected by someone else's, free and confidential help is available from the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, from BeGambleAware.org, and through the self-exclusion scheme GAMSTOP. You must be 18 or over to gamble.