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Problem Gambling Resources in the United States

Land-based and online gambling is spreading across the country, but sadly, funding for problem gambling hasn’t kept pace with the increase in betting opportunities. As an affiliate in the legal US online gambling space, BettingUSA.com recognizes our responsibility to advocate for robust responsible gaming policies and adequate funding of problem gambling research and treatment programs.

It is for these reasons that BettingUSA has partnered with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to launch the 1% Initiative.

Below you will find a comprehensive list of national and state-level problem gambling resources. Some states provide free or subsidized problem gambling treatment.

See the following state listings (a-z) for more information or call the NCPG Helpline for information and referral options in your state.

The NCPG Helpline is a free, nationwide information and referral resource. It is available 24/7 from anywhere in the US. Calls, texts and chats are tollfree and confidential.

National Problem Gambling Resources

The federal government does not provide funding or support for problem gambling resources in the United States.

Substance abuse and mental health disorders are supported by the federal government through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), but problem gambling is the sole domain of non-governmental organizations at the national level.

At the state level, public funding of problem gambling services has increased year over year since the Association of Problem Gambling Service Administrators (APGSA) began tracking problem gambling services in 2006. According to its 2016 survey, 40 states now provide funding to problem gambling resources.

National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) was formed in 1972 and its stated purpose is “to serve as the national advocate for programs and services to assist people and families affected by problem gambling.”

The NCPG is also involved in education to federal, state, tribal and international governments and agencies. The NCPG takes a neutral stance on gambling legalization; it is neither for nor against legal gambling.

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step program for people who wish to stop gambling. In its own words, “Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.”

Gamblers Anonymous hosts meetings across the nation that are free to attend. There are no membership dues, but Gamblers Anonymous does accept voluntary donations.

Gam-Anon

Gam-Anon is a 12-step program designed for the friends, spouses and loved ones of problem gamblers. Gam-Anon holds meetings across the country and charges no dues or fees.

Gam-Anon describes itself as follows:

“Game-Anon is an anonymous fellowship that offers self-help recovery for anyone whose life has been affected by someone with a gambling problem. In Gam-Anon, family and friends learn effective ways of coping whether or not the gambler seeks help or even recognizes the existence of a gambling problem.”

National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG)

The National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) was established in 1996 to support the study of problem gambling and to search for the most effective treatments for problem gambling.

As the NCRG explains, its “mission is to help individuals and families affected by gambling disorder by supporting the finest peer-reviewed, scientific research into gambling disorder; encouraging the application of new research findings and to improve prevention, diagnostic, intervention and treatment strategies; and advancing public education about gambling disorder and responsible gaming.”

Association of Problem Gambling Service Administrators (APGSA)

The Association of Problem Gambling Service Administrators (APGSA) is a national membership organization of state administrators of public funds for problem gambling services. Established in 2000, the APGSA seeks to support the development of problem gambling services.

The APGSA conducts the only national survey of problem gambling services in the US regarding types of services offered in each state, funding information, state contacts and more. The information published as a result of the survey is the most comprehensive single resource for information on problem gambling services in the United States.

GamTalk

Website: GamTalk.org

GamTalk is an online support resource for those with gambling problems. GamTalk users share their recovery stories, share advice with one another, provide links to gambling treatment resources and more.

GamTalk also hosts a 24/7 chat room along with scheduled, moderated chats. The website is free to use and is funded by donations and sponsorship agreements.

Gambling Therapy

Gambling Therapy is an international online problem gambling website with live chat, e-mail support and active discussion forums.

State Problem Gambling Resources

Gamblers and their loved ones have access to multiple local program gambling resources in most states.

Alabama

Alaska

Alaska lacks a dedicated state-level problem gambling service and the state provides no funding for such services. The Gamblers Anonymous website lists a single meeting location in Anchorage. Gamblers may also take advantage of self-help resources and community discussions at GamTalk.org and GamblingTherapy.org.

The Alaska Department of Health and Human Services may also be able to point gamblers to helpful resources, but it does not have a unit dedicated specifically to problem gambling.

Arizona

Arkansas

Arkansas lacks a dedicated problem gambling service and does not provide funding to problem gambling services. Those who need help may still contact the National Council on Problem Gambling, Gamblers Anonymous or consider self-help resources such as GamTalk.org and GamblingTherapy.org.

The Arkansas legislature cut funding for problem gambling services in 2015 through a bill introduced by Senator Alan Clark. He justified the bill by saying he found “a very strong consensus that the money wasn’t accomplishing much” and would be better put to use funding college scholarships.

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Hawaii is a traditionally anti-gambling state and as such, the state has set aside no funds for problem gambling resources. Gamblers Anonymous hosts a handful of meetings every week across Hawaii. Problem gamblers may contact the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), Gamblers Anonymous, Gam-Anon.org and GamTalk.org for help, resources and community discussion.

Idaho

  • Call the Idaho CareLine at 211 for community health information and referral services
  • Resources in Idaho

Idaho suffers a dearth of problem gambling resources. The state does not provide funding for problem gambling services and the lottery does not appear to offer a self-exclusion program. However, Gamblers Anonymous does host meetings across the state. Gamblers may also visit Gam-Anon.org and GamTalk.org for self-help services and community discussion.

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Texas does not provide funding for problem gambling services and there are few local resources dedicated to problem gambling. The TX Department of Health & Human Services provides various behavioral and mental health services, including counseling.

Residents may also seek help from the National Council on Problem Gambling (1-800-522-4700), local Gamblers Anonymous Chapters or participate in community discussions at GamTalk.org and GamblingTherapy.org.

Utah

Utah does not provide funding for problem gambling services and there are no state-level organizations dedicated to problem gambling. However, Gamblers Anonymous hosts meetings in Utah and gamblers may visit GamTalk.org and GamblingTherapy.org for online self-help services. Gamblers may also call the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-522-4700 for anonymous 24/7 help.

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

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