Gambling causes severe harm to individuals and families, affecting people of all ages and genders. Many lose large amounts of money and time, fall into heavy debt, and experience ongoing family conflict, often leading to family breakdowns that deeply affect innocent children. The situation worsens when individuals borrow from loan sharks, as threats from debt collectors create fear for both borrowers and their families. Gambling can quickly become addictive, plunging a person’s life into chaos in every aspect: finance, marital relationship, parent–child relationship, interpersonal relationship, and self-esteem are all damaged. As a result, depression, anxiety, self-blame, and loneliness emerge. Some individuals even turn to crime to support their habit, while others, overwhelmed by despair, may attempt suicide in the extreme.

Driven by Christian faith and a desire to address gambling-related harms, a group of British Chinese Christians who had overcome addiction began helping others in 1996. They sought to demonstrate that a life free from gambling is achievable and to provide practical support and companionship to those still struggling. With the support of Chinese Christian leaders and the Bishop Ho Ming Wah Chinese Association, they formally established the Christian Centre for Gambling Rehabilitation on 11 November 1996.

As demand for help steadily increased, the Centre was registered as an independent charity on 27 November 2000. It provides free services to individuals and their affected others to prevent gambling-related harms and promote rehabilitation from gambling, funded by donations and volunteers, and remains committed to expanding its support for those in need. Our service is accessible to all, particularly inclusive of the Chinese community in the UK.

Our Annual Report

Our latest Annual Report may be viewed from Charity Commission.

Organisation Members