How to stop gambling – 9 tips to quit & save money

1. Acknowledge what’s really going on

You might see yourself as someone who’s just had a run of bad luck, or someone who ‘is a little too fond of a flutter’, or maybe you’re only now starting to notice how often, or how much you’re gambling.

Whether you identify as an occasional gambler, someone with a growing concern, or someone who feels gambling is taking control, what matters most is this:

You’re here because a part of you already knows something isn’t right.

Recognising that is a huge step forward.

Reaching out, seeking help, or even watching this video means you’ve already begun the process of taking back control. That awareness is the first breakthrough, and it’s one of the strongest signs that you are looking to change.

2. Acknowledge the impact – and begin repairing it

It’s possible that your gambling has affected the people you care about. They may have felt worry, stress, or uncertainty. They may have struggled to understand what you were going through or how to help.

But here’s the important part:

You don’t have to stay stuck in guilt.

Recognising the impact of your actions isn’t about beating yourself up, it’s about taking ownership so you can move forward.

Your family may feel exhausted, confused, or even powerless, just as you have at times. But healing starts with you.

Take care of your own wellbeing first, your finances, your mental health, your stability.

When you’re on steady ground, you’ll be in a much stronger position to support the people you love and rebuild trust.

This isn’t about blame. This is about growth, responsibility, and the first steps toward repairing what matters most.

3. Confide in someone you trust

Gambling can create a lot of stress, not only for you, but also for the people around you.

Often, loved ones don’t know how to help, and you may not feel ready to talk about what’s going on. That’s more common than you think.

Many people struggle to recognise the moment when gambling starts to take control.

Whether you see yourself as someone who gambles occasionally, someone who worries about slipping into unhealthy patterns, or someone who feels stuck – what matters is that you’re here now, and you’re ready to make a change.

Needing support doesn’t mean you’re weak. It doesn’t mean you’ve failed.

Gambling addiction can affect people from all backgrounds, and admitting you need help is one of the bravest steps you can take.

Opening up to someone you trust – a partner, a close friend, or a family member, can make an enormous difference.

Sharing what you’re experiencing lifts the weight off your shoulders and allows others to support you through your recovery.

You don’t have to do this alone.

4. Be honest with loved ones – and be prepared for emotion

When you choose to confide in someone close to you, remember that they may already have sensed that something wasn’t quite right. Sharing the truth can bring relief, but it can also stir up strong emotions, surprise, worry, frustration, even anger.

If that happens, try not to take it personally, they are normal responses.

Their reaction isn’t about blaming you, it’s a sign of how much they care and how deeply they’ve been affected. Strong feelings are natural when someone they love has been struggling.

What matters most is this:

You’re taking responsibility now, and that is a powerful step.

Give them space to express how they feel, and resist the urge to fall into self-criticism or self-pity. Emotions settle.

With time, as they see you genuinely addressing the issue, those initial reactions often shift toward support and understanding.

Being honest isn’t easy – but it’s a major part of rebuilding trust and moving forward together.

5. Reach out for help – sooner rather than later

If you’re thinking about making a change, there’s no better time to start than now.

Putting things off usually makes the situation feel heavier and more stressful.

Getting help doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can be as simple as talking to a professional, joining a support group, or speaking with someone who understands what you’re going through.

Taking that first step now can make everything else easier.

You’re not alone – and support is available whenever you’re ready to reach for it.

6. Don’t be discouraged – the right help is out there;

If you’ve already reached out for support and didn’t get the results you hoped for, it’s understandable to feel disappointed.

But it’s important to remember this: you didn’t fail.

Asking for help takes real courage, and trying again is a sign of strength, not weakness.

There are many different ways to get support, including programmes created and led by people who’ve been through gambling addiction themselves. Some methods feel more relatable, more practical, and more empowering because they come from people who truly understand the emotional weight and misery gambling can bring, often through their own lived experience.

Organisations like Allen Carr’s Easyway offer shame-free, positive, and supportive programmes designed to help people feel free from addiction, rather than constantly fighting against it.

The right approach can make a life-changing difference, so keep going. You deserve support that truly works for you.

7. Give trust time to grow

As you begin your recovery, your loved ones may still feel cautious. You might notice them checking in on you more closely or being protective of their finances or routines. This isn’t a judgment of you – it’s a natural response to what they’ve been through.

Try not to take it personally.

They’re doing what they need to feel safe again, and that’s okay. Trust doesn’t rebuild overnight; it grows gradually as they see your actions and commitment over time.

The calmer, and understanding you can be with their need for reassurance, the smoother this process will feel for everyone.

In the big picture, a little patience and openness is a small price to pay for restoring harmony and strengthening your relationships.

You’re taking positive steps, and trust will follow.

8. Talk openly – it helps everyone heal

As things begin to settle, your loved ones may want to talk about what you’ve all been through.

These conversations can sometimes bring up strong emotions, sadness, frustration, even anger – as they start to process their own experiences.

If this happens, try to stay calm and open. It’s healthier for them to express how they feel than to hold everything inside.

The more you talk honestly, listen patiently, and work through these moments together, the stronger your relationships can become.

Open communication is one of the most powerful tools for rebuilding trust and creating a healthier future for everyone involved.

9. Look forward toward a life of freedom

As you free yourself from gambling addiction, you’re giving your future a completely new foundation. Life will still have its ups and downs, everyone faces challenges – but without addiction, the lows won’t feel as overwhelming, the highs will feel infinitely higher, and the everyday moments will feel lighter and easier.

Living without addiction doesn’t make life perfect, it simply makes life freer, clearer, and far more manageable.

You’re setting yourself up for a healthier, calmer, and more confident future.

To break free completely, choose a method that has helped thousands of people do exactly what you’re trying to do now.

Learn more about the Allen Carr’s Easyway method and the support available. Or let us arrange a free chat with an Easyway Therapist, who has been through gambling addiction too, so you can find out more, and decide if Easyway is for you.

Choose your programme