The helpline focused on problem gambling recorded a record 1,674 calls last year, representing a 220% increase compared to the previous year. The helpline is operated by the Naberte kurz Center of the Podané ruce Society in collaboration with the Responsible Gambling project. Nearly 15,000 people also sought help directly on the initiative’s website. Since April last year, the helpline has been operating 24/7.
“The growing number of contacts shows that the taboo around admitting gambling problems is gradually disappearing,” said Jan Řehola from the Institute for Gambling Regulation (IPRH). The free and anonymous helpline is used not only by gamblers themselves but also by their loved ones.
“Anyone in need of immediate help, those dealing with potential addiction in the long term, or even those seeking financial advice can call the helpline at +420 777 477 877. The goal is to provide support whenever it is needed. It is not only gamblers who reach out, but also their close relatives and family members, who are often the first to notice signs of possible gambling addiction and want to help,” explains Jan Řehola, director of the Institute for Gambling Regulation, which is behind the Responsible Gambling project.
The helpline is most frequently contacted by people over 45 years old (46%), followed by those aged 25–34 (31%). The least common callers are young adults aged 18–24 (6%). The majority of calls, over one-third, came from Prague, followed by the Olomouc (17%) and South Moravian (15%) regions.
People also seek help through other communication channels, including private and public discussion chats on the Naberte kurz website, the initiative’s social media, WhatsApp, and email communication. Online counseling is provided by trained addiction specialists with many years of experience in the field.
The most common way people reached out for help was through chat or the discussion forum on the Naberte kurz website, with over 560 cases. More than 250 people chose to contact via email, and around 100 people sought help through social media. In total, 14,874 people searched for help on the Naberte kurz Center website.
“We are contacted not only by problem gamblers but also by those who want to keep their gambling under control or start gambling responsibly. Similarly, close relatives of problem gamblers seek advice. The most frequent inquiries concern the Register of Excluded Persons or applications that block gambling content. A major topic is recognizing when gambling has crossed a tolerable limit, whether for the individual themselves or a loved one. Recently, the Panic Button has also become a key issue,” explains Jana Dominika Šatánková, head of methodological and strategic development, professional training mentor at the Naberte kurz Center, and the Helpline.
The Panic Button, also known as the last-resort button, has been mandatory for gambling operators as an additional player protection measure since last year. When activated, it excludes the player from any betting activities for 48 hours across all legal operators.
