Pachinko should be a fun piece of Japanese culture, not a problem. If it, or any gambling, is starting to worry you or someone close to you, these services are free and confidential. Many offer chat or text, which is handy when you’re overseas.
United States
National Problem Gambling Helpline (National Council on Problem Gambling): 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738). Call, text or chat, 24/7, with support in more than 240 languages. It replaced the old 1-800-GAMBLER number (NCPG).
United Kingdom
National Gambling Helpline (GamCare): 0808 8020 133, free, 24/7 (GamCare).
Canada
Support is organised by province.
- Ontario: ConnexOntario, 1-866-531-2600, 24/7 (ConnexOntario).
- Other provinces and territories: the Responsible Gambling Council keeps a directory of provincial helplines (RGC).
New Zealand
Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655, 24/7, or free text 8006 (Gambling Helpline).
Singapore
National Problem Gambling Helpline (NCPG): 1800-6-668-668, 8am–11pm, with webchat (NCPG).
Calling from Japan
Toll-free numbers in other countries may not work from a Japanese phone (we haven’t confirmed each one). Chat, text or the service’s website may be easier while you’re travelling.
Related: set a pachinko budget · is pachinko gambling?.
Quick answers
Is there a gambling helpline I can call from Japan in English?
TELL Lifeline offers English-language support in Japan, and RSN runs a Japanese-language helpline specifically for pachinko and pachislot. Our responsible play page lists numbers and hours. Your home country's service may also offer chat or text, which works from abroad.
What is the US gambling helpline number?
The National Problem Gambling Helpline, run by the National Council on Problem Gambling, is 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), by call, text or chat, 24/7.
What is the UK gambling helpline number?
The National Gambling Helpline, run by GamCare, is 0808 8020 133, free and open 24/7.
Sources
- NCPG (US) – About the National Problem Gambling Helpline
- GamCare (UK) – Get support
- ConnexOntario (Canada) – gambling treatment
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – help for Canadians
- Gambling Helpline (New Zealand)
- NCPG Singapore – National Problem Gambling Helpline and webchat
Facts on this page were last checked against these sources on 4 October 2026. Rules, prices and venues change, so always follow the signs and staff at the venue.
