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Player support programs in Europe and the United States

Shortly

Support is built on three levels:

1. Help services (lines/chats/clinics), 2. Protection tools (self-exclusion, interlocks), 3. Prevention and education.

Below are proven services and where to find them.

Europe: key entry points

United Kingdom (GB)

GamCare - National Gambling Helpline: free 24/7 support and routing to the help network. Online chat, groups, instant messengers.

GAMSTOP - inter-operator online self-exclusion: one application - a block for all licensed online operators GB (6 months, 1 year or 5 years). Recommended along with blocking software.

NHS Gambling Clinics: Government specialty clinics (15 locations in England; self-recording/referral is possible).

Help on self-exclusion schemes (including offline): explanations of the regulator.

Sweden

Stödlinjen - national line/chat (state contractor under the Ministry of Health): confidential consultations, incl. in English, if necessary with a translator.

Netherlands

Loket Kansspel - 24/7 relief center; there is registration for "gambling stop" with refusal to enter licensed sites/halls.

Denmark

StopSpillet - line and chat at Spillemyndigheden (regulator): advice and help navigation.

France

Joueurs Info Service - phone/chat, self-monitoring and exclusion materials.

Spain

FEJAR is a federation of rehabilitation communities (navigation through face-to-face groups and centers).

💡 Note: Different countries have national registries/self-exclusion schemes - these generally apply to licensed sites and sites within a jurisdiction. Check your regulator's rules.

USA: where to go

National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) - national reference and redirection through the National Problem Gambling Helpline (single number/chat; issues support and contacts by state).

Regular self-exclusion programs (online and offline game):

Pennsylvania (PGCB) - separate listings for casino, iGaming, VGT and fantasy; recording online.
New Jersey (DGE) - a single application covers all licensed Internet games and sports (there is also an option for offline facilities).
In a number of states, recording has been simplified (including online for offline casinos).

💡 U.S. realities: self-exclusion operates at the state level; crossing boundaries can remove constraints. Choose a combination: full-time self-exclusion + personal locks. In practice, there are problems with execution - follow the news and complaints to the regulators.

What exactly do these programs give

Immediate support: conversation with a consultant/chat, primary security plan.

Therapy/routing: recording in special clinics/help networks (HHS in England; local suppliers in EU/US).

Self-exclusion: inter-operator and/or state registers, disabling promo, deposit/game block.

Self-help materials and mutual support groups (online/face-to-face).

How to select an entry point (3 steps)

1. Country and status

Find the official resource: national line/centre (example: Stödlinjen SE, Loket NL, Joueurs Info Service FR, GamCare GB; NCPG in the USA).

2. Necessary "rigidity"

If there were breakdowns/debts/night sessions - immediately connect self-exclusion (GAMSTOP GB; US staffing lists) + blockers.

3. Therapy and rhythm

Book a consultation (HHS clinics in England; local providers in the EU/US through aid centres).

Quick plan for 7 days

Day 1: close access - register in the appropriate self-exclusion scheme (GAMSTOP/regular), turn on the blockers, contact the national line.

Day 2: Inventory of finances and disabling "quick replenishments."

Day 3: first consultation/group (online).

Day 4-5: set up time/loss limits, reality-check; 24 hour rule.

Day 6: discuss progress with consultant; adjustment (down only).

Day 7: overview of the week; at risk - extension of timeout/exception.

Frequent questions

Is self-exclusion valid in another country? Generally not; operates within a jurisdiction. Use personal locks and local schemes.

Can I withdraw early? Usually not (that's the point of protection). See schema-specific rules.

Are there any "live" clinics? Yes: in England, a network of NHS clinics; in other countries - through national lines/registers.

Checklist "today"

Found the official center/line of my country and recorded contacts (or chat).
Applied for self-exclusion (online, where available).
Set up locks and disabled promotions.
Planned consultation/group (online/face-to-face).

Europe and the US already have infrastructure that stops momentum (self-exclusion), picks up (lines/chats) and treats (clinics/communities). Your strategy is to connect state/national programs (GAMSTOP, Stödlinjen, Loket, StopSpillet, US staff lists) with personal barriers and regular support. Start today by registering with the self-exclusion scheme and contacting the national line - this is the quickest way to take back control.