JLJL77 Gambling Counseling: Who to Call in the Philippines

Gambling counseling starts with one call. Gambling can stop being fun long before you can say why, and a mental health hotline is the quickest way to talk to a trained person about it. This page lists the numbers the Philippine bodies publish, what each line is for, and what happens when you dial. If you are looking for the full plan, start with the full plan to stop online gambling, then come back here for the call.

Which mental health hotline fits your situation

Pick the line by what you feel right now, not by how serious it sounds.

1. You are in danger or thinking of self-harm: call emergency services, or the NCMH crisis line on 1553.
2. Gambling is causing stress, debt or arguments: call the National Problem Gambling Helpline.
3. You want other people who understand: call Gamblers Anonymous Philippines or look at its meetings.
4. You want a free listener at any hour: In Touch Community Services’ own page lists a free, anonymous 24/7 crisis line.

The 1553 hotline: the NCMH crisis line

The National Problem Gambling Helpline’s own pages print the National Center for Mental Health crisis line as “Dial 1553 or 1800-1888-1553”. They describe it as providing immediate emotional support and connecting people to appropriate mental health services. The Department of Health Cordillera’s own page lists three NCMH mobile numbers as well.

The NCMH sets the hours and any call charge for 1553, so read both on its own site before you plan around them. For anything urgent, dial first and check later.

Gambling hotline Philippines: the National Problem Gambling Helpline

PAGCOR’s responsible gaming page lists the National Problem Gambling Helpline as an accredited help center with the landline (02) 8248-9568 and the e-mail support@npgh.ph. The helpline’s own site calls it a joint project of PAGCOR and Seagulls Flock Organization, and says it is not an emergency or crisis service, which is why it points crisis callers to 1553.

Its own pages describe what you get: confidential, non-judgmental conversations, PRC licensed mental health professionals, referrals to treatment and recovery services, and support for families. The site lists 24/7 support, and it says the helpline is not limited to severe cases, to casino gamblers or to adults.

Gambling counseling: what happens on the call

The helpline’s own page sets out the steps in order. Knowing them makes the first dial easier.

1. You speak with a trained para-counselor.
2. Your concerns are treated with confidentiality and respect.
3. You are not required to give personal information.
4. The counselor helps assess your situation and connects you with support services.
5. If necessary, you may be referred to treatment, counselling or recovery programmes.

Write down what you want to say beforehand: how long it has been going on, what it has cost you and what you want to change. You can read it out. Nobody on the line expects a neat story.

Crisis line and other numbers worth saving

Gamblers Anonymous Philippines publishes +63 915 938 2808 and an e-mail, talktous@gaphilippines.com, for anyone who needs immediate assistance. In Touch Community Services publishes a free and anonymous 24/7 crisis line at +63 2 8893 7603. PAGCOR’s responsible gaming desk lists ResponsibleGaming@pagcor.ph for exclusion questions.

After the call

A call is a start, not a finish. Use the next hour well.

1. Write down what the counselor suggested and any number you were given.
2. Tell your person what you did, even in one line.
3. Take a short cooling off break with phone timers while you wait for the next contact.
4. Read about gambling rehab in the Philippines if a referral comes up.

The responsible play page here explains what this site asks of you if you ever return to a lobby. Everything here is for adults aged 21 and over.