Problem Gambling & Gambling Addiction: How to Get Help in Each State
Casino gambling and sports betting can be thrilling hobbies when enjoyed in moderation. Those that don’t practice responsible gambling, though, are susceptible to developing a gambling problem or even a gambling addiction.
Here, you’ll find a guide for problem gambling and a list of available resources. These resources are intended for individuals seeking help or those who suspect a friend or loved one may have a problem. This page includes an explanation of behaviors that may indicate a problem, plus a list of available national and state-specific treatments, help numbers, and resource links.
Is problem gambling the same as gambling addiction?
While problem gambling is not exactly the same as gambling addiction, there are undeniable similarities. Problem gambling can turn into a gambling addiction when left unchecked. That’s why it’s important to learn how to gamble responsibly before a problem gets out of hand.
Also referred to as compulsive gambling or pathological gambling, most gamblers will experience zero problem. Recent estimates suggest that roughly 2.5% of US adults have experienced problem gambling. Around 1% of those adults reportedly have a severe gambling addiction. Young adults and those with an addictive personality are the two demographics especially inclined to issue.
Signs of a gambling problem or addiction
Gambling addiction can be one of the most difficult addictions to spot. The worse someone’s problem is, the more likely they are to hide it.
Fortunately, several habits and signs often arise that can clue you in on a problem. Here are five tell-tale signs that you or a loved one could have a gambling addiction.
1) Gambling to calm anxiety, forget problems, or reduce depression
First and foremost, gambling is a form of entertainment. Whether you enjoy casino gambling, sports betting, or the state lottery, you should be partaking in these activities for fun. If you notice yourself using gambling as a form of income, this is a red flag. Turning to gambling to escape life problems or to cope with anger or depression is also a major warning sign.
2) Spending more time and money gambling
Have you noticed yourself dedicating more time to casino games or spending more money on your sports wagers? This can be another one of the first signs of a problem. Gambling addicts often find themselves needing to wager more in order to feel the same excitement. Moreover, that dopamine rush is achieved even when the wager loses, causing a gambler to up the ante regardless of the outcome.
3) Prioritizing gambling over work, family, or other important activities
A gambling hobby can quickly lead to fixation in those with a problem. Gambling becomes the center of focus, despite any potential negative consequences that may arise. A gambler may start to prioritize his or her gambling urges ahead of important work and family activities.
4) Lying about gambling habits
Feeling the need to cover up the amount of time or money spent gambling can be a major indication of a larger issue. Problem gamblers will often ask loved ones for money when they’re short on funds. But rather than asking for money to fund their ongoing gambling habits, they’ll lie about the reason, saying they need help paying rent or a car bill.
When problem gamblers don’t have someone to hold them accountable, it’s easier for them to justify their actions. This can lead to more severe addiction and a much longer road to recovery.
5) Declining health or financial well-being caused by gambling
One of the most obvious indications of gambling addiction is a decline in financial stability. Gamblers who have lost funds will begin chasing their losses, wagering more to recover what’s been lost. Unfortunately, this often leads to further monetary loss, resulting in added stress and a decline in a person’s overall health.
Nationwide Assistance & Gambling Addiction Resources
While the five red flags listed above are some of the most common signs of gambling addiction, plenty of other potential indicators exist. It’s important to seek help as soon as you recognize there might be a problem. Otherwise, gambling addiction can have a drastic affect on you and your loved ones.
Remember – there’s no shame in asking for help; there’s only recovery.
As gambling continues to expand throughout the US, so do the available gambling addiction resources and treatment options. Specific resources vary by state. However, all states with legal gambling feature some form of addiction prevention and treatment resources. Many other states also have help available.
First, we’ll give you a rundown of the available resources regardless of your location. For information on your state’s specific resources, keep reading.
National Council on Problem Gambling
- Call: 1-800-GAMBLER
- Text: 800GAM
- Chat: www.1800gamblerchat.org
The NCPG also offers a Screening Tools page with three helpful problem gambling assessment tools. These self-tests will help you determine whether you have a problem, but they don’t replace professional evaluation by a trained clinician.
• The Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen (BBGS): Three questions to help people decide whether to seek formal evaluation
• DSM-5 Addictive Gambling Criteria: The American Psychiatric Association criteria for diagnosing gambling addiction
• NORC Diagnostic Screen for Gambling Problems: A simple 10-question self-test adapted from DSM IV criteria to help evaluate gambling behavior
Gamblers Anonymous
Also referred to as GA, Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences and struggles with gambling addiction. The program follows a similar format to Alcoholics Anonymous, offering a variety of open and closed meetings depending on your individual situation and needs.
Since gambling addiction is not as widespread an issue as alcohol and narcotics addiction, available resources are still evolving. Various Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous programs can be found online and in person, regardless of your location. However, the same can’t yet be said for Gamblers Anonymous.
In-person Gamblers Anonymous meetings have become more popular following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these physical meetings are still few and far between in some areas. Those that don’t have access to an in-person meeting can join one of the various online GA meetings taking place each day.
- Call Gamblers Anonymous: 213-386-8789
Gam-Anon
Rather than providing help to problem gamblers themselves, Gam-Anon offers support for family members and loved ones affected by gambling addiction. The program specializes in the impact these issues can have on those surrounding gambling addicts, offering a safe space for all those affected to address concerns and begin the healing process.
GamTalk
Gambling addicts consistently report more effective, long-term recovery when they have a support group to lean on. GamTalk provides an online forum for problem gamblers to share their experiences and seek support.
This site shouldn’t be used as the sole solution for curbing gambling problems. Rather, it should supplement other available tools such as Gamblers Anonymous.
State-Specific Help Numbers & Resources
Many U.S. states have their own problem gambling helplines and resources. You can search for these resources on the websites of state health departments or by contacting state-specific organizations that deal with addiction.
For more information about problem gambling in your state, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling Help By State resource finder.
Every legal, regulated gambling state in the US provides its players with a problem gambling helpline and website. In addition, most legal states also offer a self-exclusion program. Self-exclusion allows users to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling activities for a certain period, or in some cases, for life. It is important to note that self-exclusion requirements vary by state, and some states may require in-person registration.
Alabama Responsible Gambling Resources
Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling
Alabama Department of Public Health
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Alabama
Alaska Responsible Gambling Resources
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Alaska
Arizona Responsible Gambling Resources
Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling
Arizona Office of Problem Gambling
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Arizona
Arkansas Responsible Gambling Resources
Arkansas Problem Gambling Council
Arkansas Department of Health & Human Services
California Responsible Gambling Resources
California Council on Problem Gambling
California Dept. of Public Health: Office of Problem Gambling
California Health and Human Services Agency
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in California
Colorado Responsible Gambling Resources
Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado
Colorado Department of Human Services
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Colorado
Connecticut Responsible Gambling Resources
Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Arizona
Helpline: 1-888-789-7777
Delaware Responsible Gambling Resources
Delaware Council on Gambling Problems
Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Delaware
District of Columbia Responsible Gambling Resources
Florida Responsible Gambling Resources
- Helpline: 888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848)
- Text: 888-ADMIT-IT (236-4848)
- Live Chat: www.gamblinghelp.org (24/7)
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Florida
Georgia Responsible Gambling Resources
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Georgia
Hawaii Responsible Gambling Resources
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Hawaii
Idaho Responsible Gambling Resources
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Idaho
Illinois Responsible Gambling Resources
Illinois Council on Problem Gambling
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Illinois
Illinois Problem Gambling Helpline
Indiana Responsible Gambling Resources
Indiana Council on Problem Gambling
Indiana Family and Social Services Administration
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Indiana
Iowa Responsible Gambling Resources
Iowa Gambling Treatment Program
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Iowa
Iowa Problem Gambling Helpline
Kansas Responsible Gambling Resources
Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Kansas
Kentucky Responsible Gambling Resources
Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Kentucky
Louisiana Responsible Gambling Resources
Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling
Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Louisiana
Maryland Responsible Gambling Resources
Maryland Problem Gambling Helpline
Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Maryland
Massachusetts Responsible Gambling Resources
Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health
Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline
Massachusetts Self-Exclusion: TBD
Play My Way program
Massachusetts Office of Problem Gambling Services
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Massachusetts
Michigan Responsible Gambling Resources
Michigan Association on Problem Gambling
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Michigan
Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline
Minnesota Responsible Gambling Resources
Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling
- Helpline: 800.333.HOPE (4673)
- Text “HOPE” to 53342
Minnesota Department of Human Services
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Minnesota
Mississippi Responsible Gambling Resources
Mississippi Council on Problem & Compulsive Gambling
- Helpline: 888-777-9696
Mississippi Department of Health
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Mississippi
- Mississippi Problem Gambling Helpline
Missouri Responsible Gambling Resources
Missouri Department of Mental Health
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Missouri
Montana Responsible Gambling Resources
Montana Council on Problem Gambling
- Helpline: 888-900-9979
Montana Department of Health and Human Services
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Montana
Nebraska Responsible Gambling Resources
Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling
- Helpline: 833-BETOVER (238-6837)
Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Nebraska
Nevada Responsible Gambling Resources
Nevada Council on Problem Gambling
Nevada Problem Gambling Helpline
Nevada Self-Exclusion: Call 1-800-522-4700
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Nevada
New Hampshire Responsible Gambling Resources
New Hampshire Council on Problem Gambling
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in New Hampshire
New Jersey Responsible Gambling Resources
New Jersey Department of Human Services
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in New Jersey
New Mexico Responsible Gambling Resources
New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling
Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in New Mexico
New York Responsible Gambling Resources
New York Problem Gambling Helpline
- NYS HOPEline: 1-877-8-HOPENY
- New York Self-Exclusion
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in New York
North Carolina Responsible Gambling Resources
North Carolina Council on Problem Gambling
North Carolina Division of Mental Health
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in North Carolina
North Dakota Responsible Gambling Resources
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in North Dakota
Ohio Responsible Gambling Resources
The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio
- Helpline: 1-800-589-9966
- Ohio Self-Exclusion
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Ohio
Oklahoma Responsible Gambling Resources
Oklahoma Association on Problem Gambling and Gaming
Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Oklahoma
Oregon Responsible Gambling Resources
Oregon Council on Problem Gambling
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Oregon
Pennsylvania Responsible Gambling Resources
Pennsylvania’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs
Rhode Island Responsible Gambling Resources
Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling
Problem Gambling Services of Rhode Island
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Rhode Island
South Carolina Responsible Gambling Resources
South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in South Carolina
South Dakota Responsible Gambling Resources
South Dakota Department of Social Services
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in South Dakota
Tennessee Responsible Gambling Resources
Tennessee Problem Gambling Helpline
Tennessee Self-Exclusion: Call 1-800-889-9789
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Tennessee
Texas Responsible Gambling Resources
Texas Department of State Health Service
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Texas
Utah Responsible Gambling Resources
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Utah
Vermont Responsible Gambling Resources
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Vermont
Virginia Responsible Gambling Resources
Virginia Council on Problem Gambling
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Virginia
Washington Responsible Gambling Resources
Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling
Washington State Health Care Authority
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Washington
West Virginia Responsible Gambling Resources
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
The Problem Gamblers Help Network of West Virginia
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in West Virginia
Wisconsin Responsible Gambling Resources
Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling
Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Wisconsin
Wyoming Responsible Gambling Resources
Wyoming Council on Problem Gambling
Fact Sheet: Gambling & Problem Gambling in Wyoming
