About Algamus

ABOUT US

Who is Algamus?

Algamus is a gambling treatment facility with over 30 years of experience that provides compassionate, professional, and comprehensive counseling and gambling-specific residential treatment. We serve men and women from all walks of life and all types of gambling addiction including sports betting, poker, table games, slot machines, online games, and more.

Our comfortable desert home is located in beautiful Goodyear, Arizona. This location offers our clients the opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on life, away from their usual routine.

Founding of Algamus

Algamus was founded by Rick Benson in 1992, in Rick’s own home in Florida. As a recovering compulsive gambler, Rick started renting out the spare rooms in his house to men he met at AA meetings, which he would attend when there were no GA meetings near him.

Over time, Rick decided to make his rooms available to gamblers specifically and went on to receive proper training to become an internationally certified gambling counselor.

The Algamus treatment program now takes place in a desert home in the scenic town of Goodyear, Arizona.

Algamus saved my life and my family. It has taken a few years to earn back the trust and respect I had lost, but I am blessed to be healthier and happier than I would have believed possible.

A special "Thank you" to Rick Benson and crew. I'm humbled by the work that you do.

— Anne A.

Algamus Client in Recovery

I didn't take ownership of having a problem until I went to my first Algamus meeting...When they went around the room and each person described what their game of choice was and how they processed it emotionally and mentally, it was only at that moment that I said, “wow, they are like me.”

— Craig C.

Algamus Client in Recovery

I went to Algamus in August 2021 to stop gambling, but I got so much more. I rediscovered my true self and came to understand the addicted brain and what I need to do to make it well.

— Dan L.

Algamus Client in Recovery

Algamus provided the information, support, and ongoing guidance necessary for me to successfully recover from my addiction. Without them I don’t know if I would be where I am today; 8 months later, free from my addiction for the first time in almost 20 years of struggle.

Remi D.

Algamus Client in Recovery

Algamus provided me the foundation needed to jump start my road to recovery. The programs, interactions with staff and group bonding put me on the path to a better way of life. The program truly saved my life!

Allen P.

Algamus Client in Recovery

We have a high staff-to-client ratio, ensuring that our clients receive the full attention and support that they need. Our staff are all highly trained in treating gambling disorders and the accompanying underlying issues; some staff members are even recovering from compulsive gambling themselves and fully understand the struggles that our clients are experiencing.

At Algamus, we believe in the importance of not only treating the gambling disorder itself but also getting to the root of any underlying mental health disorders in order to increase the chances of a successful recovery. While other recovery programs treat gambling disorder, we define what gambling treatment should be.

About Algamus Gambling Treatment

Who is Algamus?

Founding of Algamus

Our Purpose

Testimonials

— Anne A.

— Craig C.

— Dan L.

Remi D.

Allen P.

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Meet Our Executive Team

Rick Benson

FOUNDER | CPGC, ICGC-II

Jody Pegram

CEO | ICGC-II

Bryan Hullihen

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Ken Litwak

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | MS, LCADC, ICGC-II, CCTP, DRCC, IGDC

Meet Our Full Staff