Helpline
Gambling Addiction Prevention and Recovery Support Centre
Free, gambling-specific telephone consultation funded by the public betting sector, in Japanese.
0120-683-705
24/7
Support directory
Gambling help in Japan
Japan's support system is built on the Basic Act on Gambling Addiction Countermeasures, which requires national and prefectural plans. Every prefecture has a mental health and welfare centre that offers free consultation on gambling problems, and designated medical institutions provide specialist treatment. The public betting sector funds a 24-hour gambling consultation line. Peer support is available through GA (Gamblers Anonymous) groups across the country and through family groups such as Gam-Anon. Yorisoi Hotline offers free general support, and TELL Lifeline provides an English-language counselling line. Some services are available only in Japanese.
Gambling Addiction Prevention and Recovery Support Centre 0120-683-705 24/7 If you or someone else is in immediate danger or thinking about suicide, call your local emergency number now. Helplines below are for gambling-related support and are generally free and confidential.
Treatment
Prefectural mental health and welfare centres
Each prefecture's centre (seishin hoken fukushi centre) offers free consultation and referral to specialist medical institutions.
Helpline
Yorisoi Hotline
Free general support line for any worry, with options for foreign-language speakers.
0120-279-338
24/7
Helpline
TELL Lifeline
English-language counselling and crisis line run by TELL for the international community.
Peer support
GA Japan (Gamblers Anonymous)
Self-help meetings held across Japan, in Japanese.
Family support
Gam-Anon Japan
Self-help groups for family members and friends of people with gambling problems.
Not sure if you need help?
Take a 2-minute self-test
The PGSI is used by health services worldwide. Anonymous — answers never leave your device.
Start the PGSI →Block access
Self-exclude in Japan
Access-restriction schemes run by public betting bodies; IR entry limits — operator-level, minimum Set by each scheme.
Read the manual →For families
Worried about someone?
How to start the conversation, protect your finances and look after yourself.
Support for families →We list services for information only and are not affiliated with any of them. Numbers and opening hours can change — if a number doesn't connect, check the organisation's official website. Last reviewed October 2026.