What is Compulsive Gambling?
Problem gambling in the U.S. and Canada is a growing public health issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, or experience. Because every state regulates wagering differently, and because the line between “fun” and “harm” can blur quickly, understanding responsible gambling means knowing exactly where to turn the moment you (or someone you love) needs help.
What You’ll Find in This Guide
Here, you’ll find everything you need to take action right away:
- Immediate-response contacts (national 24/7 helplines, text and chat options).
- One-click links and phone numbers for every state’s official problem-gambling program.
- A clear rundown of responsible-gambling tools—deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion, blocking software, banking safeguards—and step-by-step instructions to activate them.
- Answers to the most-searched questions about problem gambling and finding help, fast.
US National Problem Gambling Resources
| Organization | Contact Info | Website | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Problem Gambling Helpline (NCPG) | 📞 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) 💬 Text: 800GAM 💻 Live Chat Now | ncpgambling.org | 24/7 confidential support; routes to state-level help based on location; available in all 50 states and territories. |
| Gamblers Anonymous (GA) | 📞 1-855-2CALLGA (1-855-222-5542) | gamblersanonymous.org | Peer-based 12-step support groups for people recovering from gambling addiction. In-person, online, and phone meetings. |
| Gam-Anon (Support for Loved Ones) | 📞 1-718-352-1671 | gam-anon.org | Support network for spouses, partners, and families of problem gamblers. Offers coping tools and local/virtual meetings. |
| SAMHSA National Helpline | 📞 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) | samhsa.gov | 24/7 confidential help and referrals for gambling, substance abuse, and mental health treatment across the U.S. |
| FindTreatment.gov (SAMHSA) | 🌐 Search for Local Treatment options | findtreatment.gov | Searchable directory of licensed treatment facilities in the U.S., including centers offering gambling-specific therapy. |
You can call or text 1-800-GAMBLER from anywhere in the U.S., and you’ll automatically be routed to your state’s local support line.
It's available 24/7, free, and 100% confidential.
State-by-State Helplines & Official Resources
The table below lists all 50 states, the correct 24/7 phone line(s), and direct links to that state’s problem gambling help.
| State | Name | Local Helpline | Official resource link* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc. | 📞1-334-277-5100 | alccg.org |
| Alaska | — | — | ncpgambling.org/alaska |
| Arizona |
Arizona Problem Gambling Helpline | 📞1-800-NEXT-STEP 💬 Text: NEXTSTEP to 53342 💻 Live Chat Now | problemgambling.az.gov/ |
| Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc. | 📞480-221-2092 📞 800-777-7207 | azccg.org | |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Problem Gambling Council | 📞501-403-2321 | arpgcouncil.org |
| California | California Council on Problem Gambling | 📞714-765-5804 💬 Text: support to 53342 | calpg.org |
| Colorado | Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado | 📞303-662-0772 | problemgamblingcoalitioncolorado.org |
| Connecticut | Connecticut Problem Gambling Helpline | 📞888-789-7777 | portal.ct.gov/dmhas/programs-and-services/problem-gambling/pgs---home-page |
| Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling | 📞959-230-4034 | ccpg.org | |
| Delaware | Delaware Problem Gambling Helpline | 💬Text: 302-438-8888 (Mon-Fri, 9-5) | deproblemgambling.org/ |
| Delaware Council on Gambling Problems | 📞302-655-3261 | deproblemgambling.org | |
| Florida | Florida Problem Gambling Helpline | 📞888-ADMIT-IT 💬888-ADMIT-IT | gamblinghelp.org |
| Georgia | Georgia Council on Problem Gambling | 📞404-985-6785 | georgiagamblinghelp.org/ |
| Hawaii | — | — | ncpgambling.org/hawaii |
| Idaho | — | — | ncpgambling.org/idaho |
| Illinois | Illinois Council on Problem Gambling | 📞833-937-4274 | illinoisproblemgambling.org |
| Indiana | Indiana Problem Gambling Helpline | 📞800-994-8448 💬INGAMB to 53342 | indianaproblemgambling.org |
| Iowa | Office of Problem Gambling Prevention & Treatment Services | 📞1-800-BETS-OFF | yourlifeiowa.org/gambling |
| Kansas | Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling | 📞785-266-8666 | ksgamblinghelp.com |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling | 📞502-223-1823 | kycpg.org/ |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Problem Gambling Helpline | 📞1-877-770-STOP | ldh.la.gov/office-of-behavioral-health/substance-use-and-gambling-disorders |
| Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling | 📞318-227-0883 | helpforgambling.org/ | |
| Maine | Maine Council on Problem Gambling, Inc. | 📞207-626-3615 ext. 20 | maineproblemgambling.org |
| Maryland | Maryland Council on Problem Gambling | 📞443-292-2809 | mdgamblinghelp.org |
| Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling | 📞667-214-2120 | mdproblemgambling.com | |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline | 📞1-800-327-5050 💬GAMB to 800327 💻gamblinghelplinema.org | masscompulsivegambling.org |
| Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health | 📞617-426-4554 | macgh.org | |
| Michigan | Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline | 📞800-270-7117 | michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/mentalhealth/gambling |
| Michigan Association on Problem Gambling | 📞517-672-6904 | michiganapg.org/ | |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Problem Gambling Helpline |
| — |
| Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling | 📞612-424-8595 | mnapg.org | |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Problem Gambling Helpline | 📞1-888-777-9696 💬MSGAMBLER to 53342 | — |
| Mississippi Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling | 📞601-853-8351 | msgambler.org | |
| Missouri | Missouri Department of Mental Health | 📞888-BETS-OFF | Missouri Dept. of Mental Health |
| Montana | Montana Problem Gambling Helpline | 📞888-900-9979 | — |
| Montana Council on Problem Gambling | 📞406-438-1276 | mtproblemgambling.org | |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Problem Gambling Helpline | 📞1-833-BETOVER | — |
| Nebraska Council on Problem Gambling | 📞402-890-0504 | problemgambling.nebraska.gov/professional-resources/ | |
| Nevada | Nevada Council on Problem Gambling | 📞702-369-9740 | nevadacouncil.org |
| New Hampshire | NH Council on Problem Gambling | 📞603-724-1605 | nhproblemgambling.org |
| New Jersey | Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey | 📞609-588-5515 | 800gambler.org |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Problem Gambling Helpline | 📞1-888-696-2440 | — |
| New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling | 📞505-897-1000 |
| |
| New York | New York Problem Gambling Helpline | 📞1-877-8-HOPENY 💬HOPENY | nyproblemgambling.org |
| North Carolina | North Carolina Council on Problem Gambling | 📞336-370-6952 | morethanagame.nc.gov |
| North Dakota | Gambler ND | 📞1-877-702-7848 | gamblernd.com |
| Ohio | Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline | 📞1-800-589-9966 💬4hope to 741741 💻gamblinghelpohio.org | gamblinghelpohio.org |
| The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio | 📞614-750-9899 | pgnohio.org | |
| Ohio Problem Gambling Online Resource Directory | — | www.gamblinghelpohio.org | |
| Ohio for Responsible Gambling | — | www.beforeyoubet.org | |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Association on Problem Gambling and Gaming | 📞405-801-3329 | oapgg.org |
| Oregon | Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline | 📞1-877-MY-LIMIT 💬503-713-6000 (M-F, 9 am-9 pm) 💻opgr.org | opgr.org |
| Pennsylvania | Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania, Inc. | 📞215-643-4542 | pacouncil.com |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Problem Gambling Helpline | 📞401-499-2472 | — |
| Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling |
| ricpg.com | |
| South Carolina | 📞1-877-452-5155 | daodas.sc.gov/services/treatment/gambling-addiction-services-2/ | |
| South Dakota | 📞1-888-781-HELP | lottery.sd.gov/responsible-play/ | |
| Tennessee | — | — | |
| Texas | — | — | |
| Utah | — | — | |
| Vermont | — | vtgamblinghelp.org/ | |
| Virginia | Virginia Problem Gambling Helpline | 📞1-888-532-3500 | — |
| Virginia Council on Problem Gambling | 📞804-827-0921 | vcpg.net | |
| Washington | Washington Problem Gambling Helpline | 📞1-800-547-6133 💬1-800-547-6133 💻evergreencpg.org | evergreencpg.org |
| West Virginia | — | — | — |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Problem Gambling Helpline | wi-problemgamblers.org | |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Council on Problem Gambling | 📞307-620-2655 | www.wyomingcpg.org |
Problem Gambling Support in Canada
In Canada, each province and territory manages its own gambling regulations and provides resources for individuals facing gambling-related challenges. If you or someone you know is dealing with a gambling problem, it's crucial to know where to find help. Below is a detailed table listing the primary support services for problem gamblers available in each region, including helpline numbers and official websites for pathological gambling.
Canada-Wide Problem Gambling Helplines by Province and Territory
| Province/Territory | Helpline Number | Resource Name | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 📞(780) 461-1259 | Alberta Problem Gambling Resources Network | problemgamblingalberta.ca/ |
| British Columbia | 📞1-888-795-6111 | Gambling Support BC | gov.bc.ca/gambling-support-bc |
| Manitoba | 📞1-800-463-1554 | Addictions Foundation of Manitoba | afm.mb.ca/programs-and-services/gambling/ |
| New Brunswick | 📞1-800-461-1234 | Gambling Information Line | gnb.ca |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 📞1-888-899-4357 | Problem Gambling Help Line | health.gov.nl.ca |
| Northwest Territories | 📞1-800-661-0844 | NWT Help Line | — |
| Nova Scotia | 📞1-888-429-8167 | Provincial Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line | novascotia.ca |
| Nunavut | 📞1-800-265-3333 | Kamatsiaqtut Help Line | nunavuthelpline.ca |
| Ontario | 📞1-866-531-2600 | ConnexOntario | connexontario.ca |
| Prince Edward Island | 📞1-855-255-4255 | Problem Gambling Help Line | princeedwardisland.ca |
| Quebec | 📞1-800-461-0140 | Gambling: Help and Referral | aidejeu.ca/en/ |
| Saskatchewan | 📞1-800-306-6789 | Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline | spgh.ca/ |
| Yukon | 📞1-844- 533-3030 | Canadian Mental Health Association of Yukon | lotteriesyukon.com/playing-lottery/gambling-responsibly |
If you're experiencing a gambling problem, don't hesitate to reach out to the appropriate helpline in your state, province, or territory. Each service offers confidential support and can guide you to your needed resources.
Self-Exclusion & Blocking – How to Take a Break
- State-run exclusion list – Visit your state regulator’s page (links above) → look for “Voluntary Self-Exclusion.” Typical lockout: 6 months – lifetime.
- Operator-level exclusion – Every licensed US sportsbook/casino has a one-click “Self-Exclude” in its responsible-gaming menu.
- App & device blockers – Install BetBlocker (free) or Gamban (paid) to shut down gambling sites across all browsers and apps.
- Financial tools – Ask your bank to block gambling transactions; most US card issuers will do it on request.
Frequently Asked Questions About Problem Gambling
Understanding Gambling Addiction and Diagnosis
What is a gambling disorder?
A gambling disorder is classified by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition as a behavioral addiction. It’s marked by repeated, problematic gambling behavior that leads to negative consequences in work, finances, or relationships.
How do I know if I have a gambling addiction?
If you find it hard to control how often or how much you gamble, feel irritable when you try to stop, or need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel satisfied, you may be facing a gambling addiction. This is different from casual betting—it’s persistent, compulsive, and can lead to serious harm.
Is compulsive gambling a mental illness?
Yes. Compulsive gambling is considered a type of addictive disorder, sharing similarities with substance abuse in how it affects the brain’s reward system. It may occur alongside bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, or other mental disorders.
How is a gambling problem diagnosed?
A mental health professional can assess your symptoms based on criteria from the statistical manual. If you regularly chase losses, hide your gambling activities, or experience trouble in your relationships, it’s time to seek help.
Treatment Options and Support Systems
What are the best gambling addiction treatment options?
Effective treatment options include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address distorted thinking
- Gambling addiction treatment programs tailored to individuals
- Peer-based support groups like Gamblers Anonymous
- Financial counseling for money problems
- Medication for co-occurring mental health conditions
Is there professional treatment available for compulsive gamblers?
Yes. Many clinics offer licensed problem gambling treatment services, often linked with substance abuse treatment programs. Visit FindTreatment.gov to locate care near you.
How can support groups help a loved one with a gambling addiction?
Support groups like Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon help both the compulsive gambler and their family members recover together. These groups provide emotional support, share relapse-prevention tools, and reduce the stigma around addiction.
Can I self-exclude from gambling establishments and online platforms?
Yes. Every U.S. state offers self exclusion programs that ban you from casinos or online gambling platforms. These tools are critical for compulsive gamblers and should be paired with counseling or therapy.
What resources are available if I need immediate help?
Call the National Council Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, or chat online. They provide 24/7 confidential access to resources, referrals, and urgent intervention across all U.S. states.
Risk Factors and Consequences
Who is most at risk for developing a gambling problem?
Those with personality disorders, substance use history, or past mental health issues are more likely to develop gambling disorders. Middle aged people, veterans, and individuals in high-stress environments are also at increased risk for a gambling problem.
What are the consequences of compulsive gambling?
Compulsive gamblers often face:
- Job loss and financial instability
- Bankruptcy legal problems
- Strained relationships
- Escalation to crime or theft
- Suicide attempts in severe cases
Does gambling addiction affect relationships?
Yes. The inability to control bets or set limits on gambling money leads to broken trust, secrecy, and conflict. Many family members suffer emotional stress, isolation, and financial harm due to a loved one’s behavior.
What environmental factors can lead to compulsive gambling?
Easy access to gambling establishments, exposure to advertising, and unregulated online gambling environments all increase the risk factors for addiction—especially when combined with poor control or lack of social support.
Related Articles
A Comprehensive Guide to Gamblers Anonymous: Finding Help and Recovery
Raising Awareness and Support: Problem Gambling Awareness Month
Alarming Gambling Addiction Statistics You Need to Know
Effective Gambling Addiction Treatments: A Guide to Overcoming Compulsive Gambling
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Paruyr Shahbazyan started his business career as an entrepreneur in 2000. Over 13 years, he learned business and leadership, which laid the foundation for his career.
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