Gambling Treatment for Veterans & Service Members

Recovery for Service Members

At Algamus, we understand that gambling addiction can be especially difficult for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.

Our private residential gambling treatment program in Goodyear, Arizona helps veterans and service members work through gambling addiction in a focused, supportive setting. The program is five weeks, with a 30-day minimum stay, and is built specifically for gambling disorder.

For many younger service members and recently separated veterans, sports betting is one of the most common forms of gambling we see. That's why our program looks closely at sports betting treatment and the patterns that can keep someone stuck in the cycle.

Some veterans come to us because gambling-specific residential care through the VA is limited. Others are looking for a private option, want care outside the VA system, or need help sooner than another program can provide.

Why Choose Algamus?

We offer a supportive, non-judgmental space where military personnel and veterans can begin their recovery journey. Our program offers:

Support for co-occurring issues like anxiety and depression
A gambling-specific focus—unlike many programs where gambling is only treated secondarily
Comprehensive, personalized care: From individual sessions with a gambling therapist to daily group therapy, you’ll receive targeted support every step of the way
Acceptance of TRICARE insurance, making it easier for military families to access treatment

We’re not just here to help you stop gambling. We’re here to help you rebuild your life.

Why Are Military Members at Higher Risk for Gambling Addiction?

While gambling addiction affects people from all walks of life, military personnel face a unique combination of risk factors:

High levels of stress, trauma, or PTSD, especially post-deployment
Feelings of isolation or boredom during long assignments
Cultural normalization of risk-taking behaviors within military life

Did you know?

Veterans are significantly more likely to experience problem gambling than the general population, according to a systematic review. In fact, an estimated 56,000 active duty service members meet the criteria for gambling disorder. Despite the risks, gambling disorder is often under-recognized in military settings—and treatment is rarely offered.

For service members and families, this means gambling addiction can go unrecognized for a long time. If you already know gambling has become a problem, you do not have to wait for things to get worse before reaching out for help.

VA Residential Gambling Treatment Options

The VA does offer residential gambling treatment, but gambling-specific residential care is limited.

The first VA residential gambling treatment program opened in Brecksville, Ohio, now part of the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center. Las Vegas later opened the Las Vegas Residential Recovery and Renewal Center, also known as LVR3, which provides residential treatment for substance use and gambling concerns. VA sources describe LVR3 as one of the only VA residential programs focused on gambling addiction.

For some veterans, these programs may be the right fit. For others, location, timing, privacy, or availability may make private treatment a better next step.

Why Gambling-Specific Care Can Be Hard to Find

Many residential programs are built to treat substance use, PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. Those issues are important, and many veterans need support for more than one concern at the same time.

But gambling addiction has its own patterns. Chasing losses, hiding debt, borrowing money, sports betting, online gambling, and believing that one more bet can fix everything are all common parts of the cycle.

That is why gambling-specific treatment matters. In a gambling-focused program, veterans are not trying to explain why gambling became so hard to stop. They are working with counselors and peers who understand the patterns of gambling addiction and how recovery from gambling needs to be approached.

TRICARE, VA Benefits, and Paying for Treatment

Algamus is contracted with TRICARE, along with Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare. Before admission, our team can verify your benefits so you understand what your plan may cover.

For Spouses and Family Members

Many of the calls we receive about a veteran come from a spouse or family member. Sometimes they found gambling activity in a bank statement. Sometimes they discovered a second account, a payday loan, or debt they did not know existed.

If that is what you are seeing, it can be confusing and frightening. It may look like a money problem at first, but gambling addiction is often about more than spending. For many veterans, gambling may also be connected to stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or the difficulty of trying to cope with life after service.

You do not need to have all the answers before you call. You also do not need your loved one to agree to treatment before you reach out. Families often begin with a private conversation about what treatment involves, what it may cost, and how to bring it up in a way that is clear and supportive.

Our family program exists to support families during this difficult stage. If you are still trying to understand what you are seeing, the signs of a gambling problem often show up in the money before they show up in the behavior.

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."

— Anne A.

Algamus Client in Recovery

Algamus Gambling Recovery Program Saved my Life. From the moment I spoke with Rick Benson I knew I was going to be able to get the help I so desperately needed. The entire staff: the house managers, the councilors, the management team, the owners, were caring and compassionate people.

The treatment program is amazing, the staff is the very best! I learned so much valuable information that I use in my daily life. Words are not enough to express my gratitude for Algamus, I have a future because of their program."

Terry Y.

Algamus Client in Recovery

I attended the Algamus rehab program. They have professionally trained therapists that each specializes in areas that I needed to work on in my process of fighting my gambling addiction. I tried to overcome my addiction without any success. That included two previous rehabs. One of the things that also makes the Algamus program stand out is that they are exclusively dealing with gamblers. I am very blessed that I now have 2 1/2 years of recovery and I finally have some peace and serenity. Thank you Algamus."

Sharon L.

Algamus Client in Recovery

A great experience. Thank you to the counselors, management personnel, and house managers who truly care about their clients. They provided the skills, tools, and support necessary for me to begin my journey down the road of recovery from my gambling addiction. You're the best!"

Marie G.

Algamus Client in Recovery

If you are struggling. If you are out of control. If you just want all the craziness of chasing money and falling further and further behind, to stop, let these good people help you! They are so well trained, many former gambling addicts themselves. They know what they're doing. All of my fellows in recovery had different patterns, styles and games and yet the staff worked wonders with them all. They knew the different types we were and how to maximize treatment effectiveness. Last I heard, we were all doing great post-rehab. I know I have placed my last bet in this lifetime."

Dan L.

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

Private Gambling Treatment for Veterans and Service Members

Recovery for Service Members

Why Choose Algamus?

Inquire About the Program

Why Are Military Members at Higher Risk for Gambling Addiction?

Did you know?

VA Residential Gambling Treatment Options

Why Gambling-Specific Care Can Be Hard to Find

TRICARE, VA Benefits, and Paying for Treatment

For Spouses and Family Members

FAQS

Testimonials

— Anne A.

Terry Y.

Sharon L.

Marie G.

Dan L.

Craig C.