Many people experiencing gambling harm prefer other forms of support, including self-help treatment, peer support, or self-exclusion.
Self-help treatments: Many try to manage their gambling on their own using self-help treatments. Most self-help programs are now available online or through app. These programs are often based on CBT and include helpful information along with practical skills to support change.
Peer support: Some people find it helpful to talk to others who have experienced gambling harm. Many people prefer self-help groups like Gamblers Anonymous and SMART Recovery. Peer support from gambling harm services and online forums can also help people connect with other people who share similar experiences.
Self-exclusion: Self-exclusion programs help people take a break from gambling by blocking their access to gambling venues or betting sites. For land-based gambling, people can ban themselves from multiple venues. For online gambling, BetStop is a free national self-exclusion program that allows people to block themselves from all licenced online betting services.