• Ask whether you or someone nearby may be at immediate risk of harm.
• If there is an urgent danger, contact the appropriate emergency service or go to a safe place.
• If money, devices, or access to an account are increasing the risk of further gambling, consider stepping away from them while you seek support.
• Avoid making major financial decisions while distressed or under pressure.

Write down what is happening in neutral terms. You may wish to note whether the concern involves loss of control, pressure to continue, conflict at home, debt worries, or thoughts of self-harm. Do not share more personal or financial information than is necessary when contacting a support service.

Check the support route before using it. Readers can verify:

• who provides the service and what type of help it offers;
• whether the service is suitable for the person seeking help;
• how privacy and personal information are handled;
• whether contact is available in a format that feels manageable, such as phone, text, or online conversation; and
• what to do if the first contact does not feel suitable.

Readers can review the practical controls available on their gambling accounts and devices. These may include account restrictions, blocking tools, or self-exclusion options. Before accepting a control, read its terms carefully and check what it covers, what information it requires, and whether other routes to gambling remain available. If another person is affected, involve them in decisions about their own account and information.

Avoid borrowing money, chasing losses, or using one gambling activity to respond to another. If finances are part of the concern, keep communication factual and consider seeking independent debt support rather than making a rushed repayment promise.

A useful next step could be speaking with a trusted person, contacting a suitable support organisation, or arranging professional help. Readers can use this urgent gambling support guide as a prompt to compare available routes and decide what to ask. It is reasonable to request clear explanations before sharing details or agreeing to any action.

If the concern involves immediate danger, prioritise emergency help rather than completing a checklist. Keep the process simple: move to safety, contact an appropriate service, and tell a trusted person what support is needed. Seeking help is a practical step, and the right route can be reviewed as circumstances change.