TOP charities against ludomania

Shortly

Effective aid is based on three types of organizations:

1. Support and treatment (hotlines, consultations, groups, programs), 2. Prevention and education (for young people, parents, specialists), 3. Science and standards (research, practice audits, industry training).

Below is a list of charitable and non-profit players whose activities are known for sustainable programs, openness and a focus on harm reduction.

1) Support and treatment

GamCare (UK)

What they do: national line and online chat, free consultations, routing to the help network, family programs.

Who is suitable: people in the UK and those who need an understandable "first entry" and self-help materials.

How to prepare for contact: briefly describe the frequency of the game, losses/debts, the level of emotions, are there any security risks.

Gordon Moody (UK) + Gambling Therapy (International)

What they do: resident and outpatient programs for severe cases; Gambling Therapy - free online chats/forums in different languages.

Who is suitable: with severe symptoms, repeated breakdowns, when you need a structural program or an anonymous online dialogue.

National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG, США)

What they do: national reference for the problem game, redirection to regional resources, materials for families.

Who is right for: US residents to find help by state and basic navigation.

FEJAR (Spain)

What they do: federation of rehabilitation associations; face-to-face groups and family support.

Who is right for: Spanish-speaking users looking for local offline communities.

Reference centres by EU countries

Examples: Stödlinjen (Sweden), Loket Kansspel (Netherlands), StopSpillet (Denmark), Joueurs Info Service (France).

What they do: hotlines/chats, local service navigation, self-exclusion material.

2) Prevention and education

YGAM — Young Gamers & Gamblers Education Trust (UK)

What they do: train teachers, parents and specialists to recognize risks in adolescents; curricula and resources.

Who is suitable: schools, universities, public organizations and families.

Responsible Gambling Council (Canada, international work)

What they do: educational campaigns, trainings and assessment of responsible play practices; projects for operators, communities and authorities.

Who is suitable: specialists, municipalities and companies that implement harm reduction measures.

3) Science and standards

International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG)

What they do: Grants and research in gaming addiction, educational programs for clinicians and the industry.

Who is right for: researchers, clinics, regulators and operators who need evidence-based approaches.

4) How to choose an organization for your situation

Where do you live? Start at the national line or center of your country/state - they know the local network of clinics and groups.

Need an urgent de-escalation? Choose hotlines/chats (anonymous, 24/7, "plan for the coming hours").

Need a structure program? See funds with resident/outpatient courses (e.g. Gordon Moody).

Are there teenagers/young people? Prevention Funds (YGAM) and local education programs.

Are you an operator/specialist? Look for standards, training and audit practices (RGC, ICRG).

5) What to ask the foundation before starting

What format of assistance is available? (chat/phone/face-to-face/video)

Is it free and for whom? (residents of the country, certain areas, age restrictions)
How is my data protected? (confidentiality, can I remain anonymous)
Is there help for the family? (individual sessions and groups)
What's the order? (and what to do while you wait for your session)

6) Mini circulation plan (15 minutes)

1. Write down a short story: how often you play, what amounts/debts, control attempts, main triggers, level of emotions (0-10).

2. Safety: If there are thoughts of self-harm - local emergency services first.

3. Communication: choose your country's line/chat or international online service.

4. Technical protection: enable timeout/self-exclusion at the operator and a blocker on the device, "night silence."

5. Next step: Sign up for a consultation/group and ask a loved one for a "follow-up call" in the evening.

7) Tips for families and loved ones

Separate support: look for groups/materials specifically for relatives.

Financial boundaries: Don't close debts instead of a person without a rehabilitation plan; help build a budget and restrictions.

Communication without reproaches: "observation → feeling → need → request."

Signs of the "red zone": night sessions, secrecy, debts, bargaining with limits - a reason to seek external help.

8) Checklist "where to go by region" (save)

UK: GamCare (line/chat), Gordon Moody (programmes), Gambling Therapy (online).

USA: NCPG (single sign-on → state resources).

ЕС: Stödlinjen (SE), Loket Kansspel (NL), StopSpillet (DK), Joueurs Info Service (FR), FEJAR (ES).

Internationally online: Gambling Therapy (chats/forums), educational materials RGC/ICRG/ygam for prevention.

💡 If your country is not on the list, look for: "country name + responsible gambling helpline/problem gambling help" on the website of your local regulator, health ministry or mental health association.

9) How to understand that the fund is reliable

Public reporting and transparent sources of funding.

A clear privacy policy, respect for self-exclusion and the "24-hour rule."

Lack of aggressive marketing and "miracle promises."

Visible partnerships with clinics, universities, regulators.

Real communication channels (phone, chat, mail) and adequate response times.

10) Templates for first case

To chat/line:

💡 "Hello. I play X once a week, over the last month deposits are about ___, debts ___, emotions ___/10. I want to stop and understand where to start today. Need a plan and local assistance contacts"

For yourself (in notes):

💡 "The limit is the ceiling, not the target. Today - stop and self-exclusion. All decisions are postponed until tomorrow"

For a loved one:

💡 "It's hard for me, and I seek help. Please ask me in the evening if I have included a timeout and if I have booked a consultation"

11) Frequent mistakes and how to avoid them

Wait for the "perfect moment." We need not an ideal, but the first call/chat today.

Rely only on willpower. Combine fund assistance + self-exclusion + blockers + financial constraints.

Ignore the family. Support for loved ones accelerates stabilization and reduces stress.

Set unrealistic goals. Move weeks: zero deposits, sleep, diary, 1-2 support sessions.

Charities are a "bridge" between the hot seat and sustainable change. National lines and online chats take the edge off, therapeutic and resident programs give structure, educational and research foundations support the quality of care. Choose an entry point in your country, connect technical barriers and schedule a first consultation - this is the fastest and safest start to the recovery path.