⚖ EU Gambling Regulations

Gambling Addiction Treatment and Support Services in the EU: Treatment Options, National Programs, and Country-by-Country Resources

A comprehensive guide to gambling disorder treatment across European Union member states, examining evidence-based treatment options, national support programs, helplines, and resources available to individuals struggling with problem gambling.

Need Help Now?

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available:

  • Gambling Therapy - Free, confidential support in 14+ languages, available 24/7
  • BeGambleAware - UK-based helpline: 0808 8020 133
  • GamCare - UK treatment and support: 0808 802 0133
  • National helplines - See country-specific resources below

Most national helplines are free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Understanding Gambling Disorder

Gambling disorder, also known as gambling addiction or compulsive gambling, is a recognized mental health condition characterized by persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. The World Health Organization (WHO) included gambling disorder in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), which came into effect in January 2022 and is the diagnostic standard used across EU healthcare systems.

Research published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) indicates that gambling disorder affects approximately 0.5-2% of the adult population in European countries, with higher rates among certain demographics including young adults, males, and individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions. For detailed statistics and prevention measures, see our guide to problem gambling statistics and prevention in the EU.

The recognition of gambling disorder as a clinical condition has significant implications for treatment access across the EU. It enables individuals to access mental health services through public healthcare systems, qualifies gambling addiction for insurance coverage in many jurisdictions, and mandates that regulatory frameworks include provisions for treatment funding and research.

Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches

Multiple evidence-based treatment approaches have demonstrated effectiveness for gambling disorder. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) supports research into effective treatment modalities, and EU regulators increasingly require operators to fund treatment services as a licensing condition.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is the most extensively researched and widely recommended treatment for gambling disorder. This approach helps individuals identify and change distorted thinking patterns related to gambling, such as the belief in lucky streaks or the ability to influence random outcomes. Key CBT components include:

CBT for gambling typically involves 8-16 sessions with a trained therapist, though some programs offer abbreviated formats. Research indicates that CBT produces significant reductions in gambling behavior, with effects maintained at follow-up assessments.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered counseling approach that helps individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about changing their gambling behavior. This approach is particularly effective in early treatment stages when individuals may not be fully committed to stopping gambling. Key principles include:

Support Groups and Peer Support

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) and similar peer support groups provide community-based support for individuals in recovery. Following a 12-step model similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, GA offers:

GA meetings are available throughout the EU, with particularly strong networks in the UK, Germany, Netherlands, and Nordic countries. Many meetings now offer online participation options.

Residential and Inpatient Treatment

For severe gambling disorder, particularly when accompanied by suicidal ideation, severe depression, or significant life crisis, residential treatment programs provide intensive support. These programs typically offer:

Residential treatment duration typically ranges from 4 weeks to 6 months, depending on severity and individual needs.

Digital and Online Treatment

Online treatment options have expanded significantly, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. These include:

Gambling Therapy, operated by the Gordon Moody Association, provides free online support in 14+ languages, including live chat, forums, and structured recovery programs accessible throughout the EU.

Self-Exclusion as Part of Recovery

Self-exclusion systems, while not treatment in themselves, are an important tool for individuals seeking to stop gambling. Most EU countries operate national self-exclusion registers that block registered individuals from all licensed gambling operators. For detailed information on self-exclusion systems, see our comprehensive guide to self-exclusion systems across EU countries.

Key self-exclusion systems include:

Country System Coverage Duration Options
Germany OASIS All licensed operators Minimum 1 year, lifetime option
Netherlands Cruks All licensed operators 6 months minimum
Sweden Spelpaus All licensed operators 1 month to permanent
Denmark ROFUS All licensed operators 24 hours to permanent
Belgium EPIS All licensed operators 3 months to permanent
Spain RGIAJ All national operators 6 months minimum

Self-exclusion is most effective when combined with active treatment. Individuals who self-exclude should be proactively offered information about support services, as the act of self-exclusion often indicates readiness for help.

Country-by-Country Treatment Resources

Treatment availability and funding mechanisms vary significantly across EU member states. Below is an overview of key resources in major EU markets.

Germany

Germany has a well-developed treatment network for gambling disorder, with services available through the public health insurance system. For detailed information on Germany's regulatory framework, see our Germany gambling regulations guide.

Key resources:

Treatment is covered by statutory health insurance (Krankenkasse) when gambling disorder is diagnosed. The German Interstate Treaty on Gambling requires licensed operators to contribute to prevention and treatment funding.

Netherlands

The Netherlands has significantly expanded treatment services since legalizing online gambling in 2021. For detailed regulatory information, see our Netherlands gambling regulations guide.

Key resources:

Dutch law requires licensed operators to fund a prevention and treatment levy, ensuring sustainable funding for treatment services.

Sweden

Sweden offers comprehensive gambling addiction treatment through the public healthcare system, with additional services funded by industry levies.

Key resources:

Spain

Spain has developed treatment networks particularly targeting online gambling addiction, which has grown since market liberalization. See our Spain gambling regulations guide for regulatory details.

Key resources:

France

France provides gambling addiction treatment through the addiction medicine network (addictologie), integrated with substance use disorder services. See our France gambling regulations guide.

Key resources:

Italy

Italy has established specialized gambling addiction services (Gioco d'Azzardo Patologico - GAP) within the public health system. See our Italy gambling regulations guide.

Key resources:

UK (Reference Market)

While the UK has left the EU, it remains a reference market for gambling addiction treatment with extensive services:

Key resources:

UK services are often accessible to EU residents through Gambling Therapy's multilingual online platform.

Regulatory Mandates for Treatment Funding

EU gambling regulators increasingly require licensed operators to contribute to problem gambling treatment and prevention. This creates sustainable funding streams for services independent of annual government budget allocations.

Operator Contributions

Common funding mechanisms include:

Responsible Gambling Requirements

Beyond funding, regulators mandate that operators implement responsible gambling measures that connect at-risk players with treatment. These requirements, detailed in our guide to responsible gambling operator requirements in the EU, include:

Barriers to Treatment Access

Despite availability of effective treatments, significant barriers prevent many problem gamblers from accessing help:

Stigma

Gambling disorder remains stigmatized, with many individuals reluctant to seek help due to shame, fear of judgment, or concern about employment consequences. Unlike substance use disorders, gambling addiction leaves no physical signs, enabling concealment and delayed treatment-seeking.

Awareness Gaps

Many problem gamblers and their families are unaware that gambling addiction is a treatable condition or that free support services exist. This is particularly acute in countries with newer gambling markets or limited public health campaigns.

Geographic Disparities

Treatment availability varies significantly between urban and rural areas. Specialized gambling addiction services are concentrated in major cities, requiring some individuals to travel significant distances for in-person treatment.

Language Barriers

In countries with significant immigrant populations, treatment services may not be available in all relevant languages. Pan-European services like Gambling Therapy address this by offering support in multiple languages.

Co-occurring Conditions

Many individuals with gambling disorder also experience depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders. Treatment systems that address gambling in isolation may be less effective than integrated approaches.

Emerging Treatment Innovations

Digital Therapeutics

Smartphone apps and online programs are increasingly used as adjuncts to or substitutes for traditional therapy. These tools offer accessibility advantages and can provide support between formal treatment sessions.

Pharmacological Approaches

While no medications are specifically approved for gambling disorder in the EU, some psychiatric medications (particularly opioid antagonists like naltrexone) show promise in clinical trials and may be prescribed off-label for gambling disorder, particularly when co-occurring with other conditions.

Early Intervention

Regulators and operators are developing systems to identify at-risk gambling before it becomes disordered. Behavioral analytics, deposit limit patterns, and AI-driven detection aim to enable early intervention. See our guide to artificial intelligence in EU gambling regulation for more on these technologies.

Supporting Someone with Gambling Problems

Family members and friends play a crucial role in recovery from gambling disorder. Key guidance includes:

Conclusion

Gambling addiction is a serious but treatable condition. Across the EU, a range of evidence-based treatment options are available, from cognitive behavioral therapy and counseling to peer support groups and residential programs. National helplines provide free, confidential access to information and referrals.

The recognition of gambling disorder as a clinical condition, combined with regulatory requirements for operator contributions to treatment funding, has strengthened the treatment infrastructure across EU member states. However, stigma, awareness gaps, and geographic disparities continue to prevent many individuals from accessing help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, reaching out to a national helpline or online service like Gambling Therapy is an important first step. Recovery is possible, and professional support significantly improves outcomes.

Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or therapeutic advice. If you are experiencing gambling-related problems, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional or contact a gambling support service directly.

Immediate Support Resources:

Last Updated: January 2026