Problem Gambling Help: Resources, Hotlines & Support

Sports betting should be entertainment, not a source of stress or financial hardship. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, free and confidential help is available 24/7 across all US states. This page provides direct access to professional resources, self-assessment tools, and immediate support options.

Get Immediate Help

National Problem Gambling Hotline

Call or Text: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. All calls and texts are free and confidential. Trained specialists can:

• Provide immediate crisis support
• Connect you with local treatment resources
• Offer guidance for family members
• Help you understand your options

This service is available in all 50 states and is operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Online Chat Support

Visit: ncpgambling.org/chat

Live chat support is available for those who prefer text-based communication. Chat counselors provide the same professional, confidential assistance as phone support.

Recognize the Signs

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of how long they have been betting or how much money is involved. Warning signs include:

Financial Red Flags:

• Betting more than you can afford to lose
• Chasing losses by placing larger or more frequent bets
• Borrowing money to gamble
• Hiding gambling activity from family or friends
• Lying about how much you bet or how often

Emotional & Behavioral Signs:

• Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
• Gambling to escape problems or relieve anxiety
• Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities
• Continuing to bet despite negative consequences
• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy

Relationship Impact:

• Arguments with family or friends about money or gambling
• Isolation from loved ones
• Secrecy about gambling activities
• Broken promises to cut back or stop

If you recognize three or more of these signs in yourself or someone close to you, professional help can make a real difference.

Self-Assessment Tools

Several organizations offer free, confidential self-assessment questionnaires that can help you understand whether your gambling is becoming a problem:

Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen (BBGS) A quick 3-question screening tool available through the National Council on Problem Gambling. Takes less than one minute to complete.

Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) A more detailed assessment that helps identify different levels of risk, from no problem to severe problem gambling.

Gamblers Anonymous 20 Questions A self-assessment used by Gamblers Anonymous to help individuals determine if they have a gambling problem.

These tools are not diagnostic tests, but they can help you decide whether to seek professional evaluation.

Treatment & Support Options

Gamblers Anonymous (GA)

Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others recover from compulsive gambling.

Find a meeting: gamblersanonymous.org/ga-meetings

Meetings are available:

• In-person in most major cities
• Online via video or phone
• 24/7 phone meetings for immediate support

GA is free, peer-led, and based on the 12-step model. No professional credentials are required to attend, and anonymity is protected.

Gam-Anon (Support for Family Members)

Gam-Anon offers support for family members and friends of people with gambling problems. Meetings provide a space to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and connect with others facing similar challenges.

Find a meeting: gam-anon.org

Professional Treatment

Many people benefit from professional counseling or treatment programs specifically designed for problem gambling. Options include:

Outpatient Counseling: Individual or group therapy sessions, usually 1-2 times per week. Allows you to maintain work and family responsibilities while receiving treatment.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): More frequent sessions (3-5 days per week) for individuals who need more structured support but do not require residential treatment.

Residential Treatment: Inpatient programs that provide 24-hour care in a structured environment. Typically last 28-90 days and include individual therapy, group counseling, and life skills training.

Medication-Assisted Treatment: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage urges or co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety.

Contact the National Problem Gambling Hotline (1-800-GAMBLER) to find treatment providers in your area. Many programs accept insurance, and some offer sliding-scale fees based on income.

Self-Exclusion Programs

Self-exclusion allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from gambling venues, online sportsbooks, or both. Once enrolled, you cannot legally gamble at participating locations or platforms for a set period (typically 1-5 years, or lifetime).

How Self-Exclusion Works

Online Sportsbooks: Most regulated US sportsbooks offer self-exclusion through their responsible gambling settings. You can:

• Set deposit limits
• Set time limits for sessions
• Take a temporary break (24 hours to 6 months)
• Permanently close your account

Land-Based Casinos: Many states operate voluntary exclusion programs for brick-and-mortar casinos. Contact your state gaming commission for details.

Multi-State Programs: Some organizations coordinate self-exclusion across multiple states or platforms, providing broader protection.

Benefits of Self-Exclusion

• Creates a physical or digital barrier between you and gambling
• Removes temptation during vulnerable moments
• Can help you focus on recovery without constant triggers
• Demonstrates commitment to change, which can rebuild trust with family

Self-exclusion is confidential. Your name will not be publicly disclosed, and participating venues are legally required to protect your privacy.

Setting Limits & Safer Gambling Practices

If you choose to continue gambling, setting clear limits can help you stay in control:

Financial Limits:

• Decide in advance how much you can afford to lose
• Never gamble with money needed for bills, rent, or essentials
• Avoid using credit cards or loans to fund gambling
• Set deposit limits on all sportsbook accounts

Time Limits:

• Set a timer when you start betting
• Take regular breaks (at least 15 minutes every hour)
• Avoid gambling when tired, stressed, or emotional
• Do not gamble as a way to cope with problems

Behavioral Strategies:

• Keep gambling separate from other activities (do not bet while working, eating, or spending time with family)
• Track every bet in a journal or app
• Review your results regularly and honestly
• Celebrate wins without immediately reinvesting them

Social Support:

• Tell a trusted friend or family member about your limits
• Ask them to check in with you regularly
• Be honest if you break a limit
• Do not isolate yourself if gambling becomes stressful

State-Specific Resources

Most US states offer dedicated problem gambling resources:

State Hotlines & Websites: In addition to the national 1-800-GAMBLER line, many states operate their own helplines and treatment referral services. Contact information is usually available through your state gaming commission or department of health.

State-Funded Treatment: Some states provide free or low-cost treatment programs for residents. Eligibility and availability vary by state.

Local Support Groups: GA and other peer support groups operate in most major cities and many smaller communities. Check local listings or contact the national organizations for meeting schedules.

For Family & Friends

If someone you care about is struggling with problem gambling, you are not alone. Here are ways you can help:

Do:

• Express concern without judgment
• Offer to help them find resources
• Set boundaries around money and lending
• Take care of your own mental health
• Attend Gam-Anon or other support groups for families

Avoid:

• Lecturing, blaming, or shaming
• Covering their debts or bailing them out repeatedly
• Threatening ultimatums you cannot follow through on
• Taking control of all their finances without their consent
• Ignoring your own needs and well-being

Recovery is possible, but it requires the person with the gambling problem to take ownership of their healing. Your role is to support, not to fix.

Financial & Legal Assistance

Problem gambling often creates financial and legal challenges. Resources are available:

Financial Counseling:

• National Foundation for Credit Counseling: nfcc.org
• Free or low-cost budget counseling
• Debt management plans
• Bankruptcy guidance if needed

Legal Aid:

• Many communities offer free legal clinics for low-income individuals
• Can help with debt collection, eviction, or family law issues related to gambling

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs):

• Many employers offer confidential counseling and referral services
• Check with your HR department

Crisis Support

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger due to problem gambling:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call or Text: 988 Available 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.

Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 Free, 24/7 support for people in crisis.

Additional Resources

National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) Website: ncpgambling.org Comprehensive information, research, and treatment locator.

Responsible Gambling Council Website: responsiblegambling.org Evidence-based resources and prevention programs.

International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems Website: youthgambling.com Resources specifically for young people and parents.

American Psychiatric Association - Gambling Disorder Website: psychiatry.org Clinical information about gambling disorder diagnosis and treatment.

Remember

• Problem gambling is a recognized medical condition, not a moral failing
• Treatment works, and recovery is possible
• You do not have to face this alone
• Help is available 24/7, free and confidential
• Taking the first step to reach out is a sign of strength, not weakness

Take Action Now

If you are ready to get help:

1. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (available 24/7)
2. Visit ncpgambling.org for online chat and resources
3. Find a Gamblers Anonymous meeting at gamblersanonymous.org
4. Enroll in self-exclusion through your sportsbook or state gaming commission
5. Tell someone you trust and ask for their support

Recovery starts with a single step. You deserve support, and help is available right now.

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Disclaimer: This page provides general information and resources. It is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 988 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) or seek immediate medical attention.