Where to Get Help for Gambling Addiction Today

Whether you're looking for yourself or someone you care about, you're not alone in this. Gambling disorder affects approximately 5 million Americans, yet only about 8% ever seek help. The reasons vary from shame, denial, fear of judgment, or simply not knowing where to start.

This guide is designed to change that. We'll walk you through every option available, from free resources you can access today to intensive treatment programs that can help you rebuild your life.

You don't have to figure this out alone, and you don't have to have all the answers right now. Let's start with where you are.

Immediate Help: Crisis Resources

If you're in crisis or need someone to talk to right now, these resources are available 24/7, free of charge, and completely confidential.

National Problem Gambling Helpline

Call or text: 1-800-522-4700

Operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling, this helpline serves as a one-stop hub connecting you with local resources. 

The network includes contact centers covering all 50 states and U.S. territories. 
When you call, you'll speak with trained specialists who can provide support, information, and referrals to treatment services in your area.

What to expect when you call:

• Confidential conversation with a trained specialist
• No judgment, no pressure
• Information about treatment options in your area
• Guidance on self-exclusion programs
• Resources for family members affected by someone else's gambling

If You're Having Thoughts of Suicide

Gambling disorder carries the highest suicide risk of any addiction. Studies show that roughly one in two people with gambling disorder will think about suicide, and one in five will attempt it. If you or someone you know is struggling with these thoughts, please reach out immediately.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
• Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1
• Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741

The pain that gambling addiction creates is real, but it's also temporary. With the right support, people recover. The financial damage can be repaired. Relationships can be rebuilt. Your situation is not hopeless, even if it feels that way right now.

What Are Your Options: The Spectrum of Treatment

Treatment for gambling addiction isn't one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends on the severity of your addiction, your personal circumstances, and what level of support you need.

Here's an overview of what's available, from least to most intensive.

Self-Help Resources

For some people, especially those in the early stages of recognizing a problem, self-help tools can be a starting point. These include self-exclusion programs, gambling blocking software, and educational materials.

Peer Support Groups

Programs like Gamblers Anonymous offer free, ongoing support through meetings with others who understand what you're going through. These can be used alone or alongside professional treatment.

Outpatient Therapy

Working with a therapist who specializes in gambling addiction allows you to receive professional treatment while continuing to live at home and maintain your daily responsibilities.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

These programs provide 9 or more hours of structured therapy per week while still allowing you to live at home. They're suitable for those who need more support than weekly therapy but don't require 24-hour supervision.

Residential Treatment

The most intensive option, residential treatment provides a controlled, supportive environment where you can focus entirely on recovery, away from triggers and the stresses of daily life.

How do you know which level of care is right?

Generally, consider residential treatment if you've tried to stop on your own without success, if you have co-occurring mental health issues, if your financial or legal situation has become unmanageable, or if you need physical distance from gambling environments to begin healing.

Free and Low-Cost Resources

Cost should never be a barrier to getting help. Several resources are available at no charge.

Gamblers Anonymous (GA)

Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship of people who share their experiences, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others recover from gambling addiction. Founded in 1957, GA now has over 1,000 groups across the United States.

What GA offers:

• Free meetings—in person and online
• A structured 12-step program for recovery
• Connection with others who truly understand gambling addiction
• Sponsor relationships for one-on-one support
• "Pressure relief" groups that help members address financial and legal problems

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling. 

There are no dues or fees. Meetings are available seven days a week in most areas, and virtual meetings make it possible to attend from anywhere. Visit gamblersanonymous.org to find a meeting near you.

SMART Recovery

If the 12-step approach doesn't feel like the right fit for you, SMART Recovery offers a science-based alternative. SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) uses cognitive-behavioral techniques to help people overcome addictive behaviors. 

The program focuses on self-empowerment and teaches practical skills for managing urges and building a balanced life.

Gam-Anon: Support for Family Members

Gambling addiction doesn't just affect the person gambling. It impacts everyone close to them. Gam-Anon is a 12-step fellowship for family members, friends, and loved ones affected by someone else's gambling problem. In Gam-Anon, members find relief from anxiety by accepting that they are not responsible for another person's gambling and learning healthy ways to cope while still supporting their loved one's recovery.

State-Funded Programs

Many states offer free or low-cost gambling treatment services funded through gaming revenues. 

The National Council on Problem Gambling's state-by-state directory can connect you with resources in your area. Services vary by state but may include free counseling, support groups, and helpline services.

Professional Treatment Options

While self-help resources can be valuable, many people need professional treatment to overcome gambling addiction, especially given that 96% of problem gamblers also meet the criteria for another mental health condition. Professional treatment addresses both the gambling behavior and any underlying issues driving it.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is the most frequently studied and effective treatment for gambling disorder. 

This approach helps you identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that keep you gambling. CBT for gambling typically includes correcting cognitive distortions (like believing you're "due for a win"), developing problem-solving skills, and building relapse prevention strategies.

Motivational Interviewing

Often used alongside CBT, motivational interviewing helps you find your own internal motivation to change. 

Rather than being told what to do, you work with a therapist to explore your ambivalence about gambling and strengthen your commitment to recovery.

Group Therapy

Led by a trained therapist (unlike peer support groups), group therapy provides a structured environment to share experiences, learn from others, and develop new coping strategies.

 
Many people find that hearing others' stories helps them recognize their own patterns.

Family and Couples Counseling

Gambling addiction affects relationships deeply. Family therapy helps repair damaged trust, establish healthy boundaries, and create a home environment that supports recovery. 

It also helps family members process their own emotions and learn how to support their loved one without enabling.

When Residential Treatment Is the Right Choice

For many people with severe gambling addiction, outpatient treatment isn't enough. Residential treatment provides 24-hour support in a structured environment, completely removed from gambling triggers and the stresses of daily life.

Residential treatment may be right for you if:

• You've tried to stop gambling on your own without lasting success
• Outpatient treatment hasn't worked
• You have co-occurring mental health issues (depression, anxiety, other addictions)
• Your financial or legal situation has become unmanageable
• You need physical distance from casinos, betting apps, or other triggers
• You're experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide

What makes residential treatment effective is the immersive nature of the experience. 

You're not trying to change your relationship with gambling while still surrounded by the same environment, stresses, and triggers that contributed to your addiction. Instead, you have space to focus entirely on recovery, with professional support available around the clock.

At Algamus, we've specialized exclusively in gambling addiction treatment for over 30 years.

 
Unlike general addiction treatment centers that focus primarily on drugs and alcohol, we understand the unique nature of gambling disorder, the financial devastation, the cognitive distortions, and the shame that often comes with this "hidden addiction." 

Our residential program offers a 5-week stay at our facility in Goodyear, Arizona, where certified gambling counselors guide you through CBT, 12-step integration, group therapy, and individualized treatment planning.

Practical First Steps You Can Take Today

Recovery is a process, and you don't have to take every step at once. Here are concrete actions you can take right now to begin limiting access to gambling and creating space for change.

Self-Exclusion Programs

Self-exclusion allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from casinos, online gambling sites, or both. When you self-exclude, the gambling operator is legally required to deny you entry or access and remove you from marketing lists.

For land-based casinos: Most states have self-exclusion programs administered by their gaming commission. The process typically involves completing a form, providing identification, and choosing a ban period (usually ranging from one year to lifetime). Visit your state's gaming commission website to learn how to enroll.

For online gambling: Each online casino or sportsbook has its own self-exclusion option, typically found in the "Responsible Gambling" section of their website. You'll need to self-exclude from each site individually.

For Arizona specifically: The Arizona Department of Gaming offers two types of self-exclusion—one for casinos and one for event wagering and fantasy sports. You can complete both if needed.

Gambling Blocking Software

Technology can be a powerful tool for recovery. Gambling blocking software prevents access to gambling websites and apps across all your devices.

• Gamban: Blocks access to thousands of gambling sites and apps. Available for all devices.
• BetBlocker: A free service that helps users restrict access to gambling websites and apps by scheduling blocks during specific times or altogether.
• GamStop (UK): If you gamble on UK-licensed sites, this free service blocks you from all of them with a single registration.

Financial Safeguards

Limiting access to money can create a crucial barrier between you and gambling urges.

• Contact your bank: Ask about gambling transaction blocks. Many banks can block payments to gambling merchants.
• Freeze your credit: Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to prevent anyone (including yourself) from opening new credit accounts.
• Consider third-party financial management: Some people in recovery benefit from temporarily having a trusted person manage their finances.
• Remove gambling apps and delete saved payment information: Add friction between yourself and gambling.

Tell Someone You Trust

Shame thrives in secrecy. Telling one trusted person about your struggle—whether that's a family member, friend, doctor, or therapist—can be the most important first step. You don't have to have a plan figured out. Simply saying "I'm struggling with gambling and I need help" is enough.

How to Choose the Right Treatment for You

With so many options available, choosing the right treatment can feel overwhelming. Here's what to consider.

Questions to Ask When Evaluating Programs

• Does the program specialize in gambling addiction, or is it a general addiction treatment center?
• What credentials do the counselors have? (Look for Certified Problem Gambling Counselors—CPGC—or Internationally Certified Gambling Counselors—ICGC)
• What therapeutic approaches are used? (CBT has the strongest evidence base)
• What is the staff-to-client ratio?
• Is there an aftercare program for continued support?
• Does the program address co-occurring mental health issues?
• Is the program accredited? (Look for JCAHO accreditation)

Why Gambling-Specific Treatment Matters

Gambling addiction is different from substance addictions in important ways. There's no physical detox, but the psychological grip can be just as powerful. 

The cognitive distortions unique to gambling such as believing you can beat the odds, chasing losses, magical thinking about "luck" all require specialized therapeutic approaches. 

And the financial devastation that often accompanies gambling addiction creates stressors that counselors trained in substance abuse may not fully understand.

When you choose a program that specializes in gambling, you're working with people who truly understand your experience.

Insurance and Payment Options

Many health insurance plans cover gambling addiction treatment, though coverage varies. 

Contact your insurance provider directly to understand your benefits, or ask the treatment program to verify your coverage. Most reputable programs will help you navigate insurance verification.

If you don't have insurance or your coverage is limited, ask about sliding scale fees, payment plans, or state-funded treatment options.

What to Expect in Recovery

Recovery from gambling addiction is a journey, not an event. Understanding what lies ahead can help you prepare.

The Role of Aftercare

Treatment doesn't end when you leave a program. Aftercare, ongoing support following formal treatment, is essential for long-term success. This might include continued therapy, GA meetings, check-in calls with counselors, or alumni support programs.

At Algamus, every client receives an individualized aftercare plan developed during treatment, with regular follow-up calls to support the transition back to daily life.

Relapse Prevention

Relapse is not failure, it's a common part of the recovery process for many people. What matters is how you respond. A solid relapse prevention plan includes identifying your personal triggers, developing healthy coping strategies, knowing who to call when urges hit, and having practical barriers in place (like self-exclusion and blocking software).

Rebuilding Your Life

Recovery creates space to rebuild what gambling took away. 

This includes repairing relationships damaged by addiction, addressing financial problems (often with the help of a financial counselor), rediscovering interests and hobbies that don't involve gambling, and developing a new sense of purpose and identity beyond "gambler."

This rebuilding takes time. Be patient with yourself. The financial damage can be repaired. The relationships can heal. People do recover from gambling addiction and go on to live fulfilling lives.

You've Already Taken the First Step

By reading this far, you've already done something many people struggle to do - you've acknowledged that help is needed and started learning about your options. That takes courage.

The path forward may feel uncertain, but you don't have to walk it alone. Whether you start with a phone call to the National Problem Gambling Helpline, attend your first GA meeting, or reach out to a treatment program like Algamus, what matters is that you take the next step.

At Algamus, we've been helping people recover from gambling addiction for over 30 years. We understand the shame, the financial devastation, and the feeling that there's no way out. We've seen people arrive at our door having lost everything—and we've watched them rebuild their lives.

If you're ready to talk with someone who understands, our certified gambling counselors are available to answer your questions with no pressure or obligation. You can reach us at 941-778-2496 or visit our admissions page to learn more.

Recovery is possible. Help is available. You don't have to do this alone.

Quick Reference: Key Resources

Helplines

• National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (call, text, or chat)
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357

Support Groups

• Gamblers Anonymous: gamblersanonymous.org
• Gam-Anon (for family members): gam-anon.org
• SMART Recovery: smartrecovery.org

Blocking Tools

• Gamban: gamban.com
• BetBlocker: betblocker.org

Residential Treatment

• Algamus Gambling Treatment Center: algamus.org | 888-558-7024