Gambling and mental health
Gambling and mental health affect each other in both directions: stress, low mood or loneliness can make gambling feel like an escape, and heavy gambling can bring anxiety, guilt and sleepless nights. If either side feels out of balance, free help is available 24/7, and in a crisis you can call or text 988 right now.
By the Best USA Casinos team. Updated . Facts and offers checked October 28, 2026.
Key takeaways
- If you feel unsafe or think about harming yourself, call or text 988 or call 911 now.
- Gambling to escape stress, boredom or sadness is a common warning sign.
- Mood and gambling problems can be treated together; you don't have to fix one first.
- 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) offers free, confidential gambling support by call, text or chat.
- SAMHSA's helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), refers people to mental health and substance use treatment.
- Crisis line
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, 24/7
- Gambling helpline
- 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738)
- Helpline note
- NCPG says 1-800-MY-RESET is not a crisis line
- Treatment referral
- SAMHSA 1-800-662-HELP (4357); text ZIP to 435748
- Peer support
- Gamblers Anonymous, GamTalk, SMART Recovery
If you need help right now
If you're thinking about suicide or harming yourself, or you feel unsafe, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, chat at chat.988lifeline.org, or call 911. These are available 24 hours a day.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-MY-RESET, is a great place for gambling support, but the National Council on Problem Gambling says it is not a crisis hotline. In an emergency, 988 and 911 come first. You can call the gambling helpline once you're safe.
How gambling and mental health affect each other
The link between gambling and mental health runs both ways, which is why it can be hard to tell which came first. Many people describe gambling as a way to switch off from worry, grief, loneliness or boredom. The relief is short, and the losses that follow can add new stress.
Over time this can become a loop. Low mood leads to gambling, gambling leads to losses and secrecy, and those bring more guilt and anxiety. Breaking the loop at any point helps, whether that's getting support for your mood, putting limits on gambling, or both at once.
| Stage | What it can feel like | A way to break the loop |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | Stress, sadness, boredom, loneliness | Notice the feeling and pause before acting on it |
| Gambling to escape | Short relief, time passes quickly | Blocking software or a cool-off removes easy access |
| Losses and chasing | Panic, urge to win it back | Stop for the day; losses are the cost, not a debt to recover |
| Hiding and guilt | Shame, isolation, poor sleep | Tell one trusted person or call 1-800-MY-RESET |
| Worse mood | Anxiety, hopelessness | Talk to a doctor or counselor; in crisis call or text 988 |
Our longer explainer on gambling and mental health covers the background, and chasing losses explains why trying to win money back deepens the loop.
Mental health warning signs linked to gambling
These signs don't diagnose anything on their own, but if several sound familiar it's worth talking to someone.
- Gambling to cope with stress, sadness, anger or loneliness.
- Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut back.
- Thinking about gambling much of the day, or losing sleep over it.
- Feeling low, ashamed or anxious after sessions.
- Pulling away from friends, family or activities you used to enjoy.
- Using alcohol or other substances to manage the feelings around gambling.
- Feeling hopeless about money or the future.
For a fuller checklist, see signs of a gambling problem or try our short self-assessment.
Steps to protect your mental health if you gamble
Small, practical changes can make it easier to keep gambling in its place and to notice when your mood is the one driving the decision.
- Check in with yourself before you play: are you bored, stressed, upset or lonely? If so, choose something else for now.
- Set a time and money limit before every session, and stop when you reach either one.
- Avoid gambling when you've been drinking or when you're very tired.
- Use account tools such as deposit limits, time-outs and reality checks wherever you play.
- Plan a few go-to alternatives for hard moments: a walk, a call with a friend, exercise, a hobby.
- Keep a short note of how you felt before and after gambling for two weeks, then look for patterns.
- If the notes show gambling usually follows low mood, talk to a doctor, counselor or the helpline.
Our guides to reality checks, cool-off periods and deposit limits explain how each tool works.
A two-week mood and gambling diary you can start today
A short diary is one of the simplest ways to see whether mood is driving gambling. Keep it on paper or in a phone note, fill it in once a day, and don't judge the entries while you write them.
| Day | Mood before | Gambled? | Time and money | Mood after |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Stressed after work | Yes | 90 minutes, $40 deposited | Guilty, couldn't sleep |
| Tuesday | Okay | No | None | Settled |
| Wednesday | Lonely, home alone | Yes | 2 hours, $60 deposited | Low, irritable |
| Thursday | Tired | No, went for a walk instead | None | Calmer |
After two weeks, look for patterns. If most gambling days start with stress, loneliness or low mood, that's useful information to share with a doctor, counselor or the helpline. Add up the dollar column too, since seeing the total in one place often helps. Our guides to keeping gambling records and the gambling budget suggest what to track, and the self-assessment can help you decide on next steps.
Money worries, debt and mental health
Financial stress is one of the biggest ways gambling affects mental health. Hidden losses, overdue bills and borrowed money can sit heavily on sleep, relationships and work.
Dealing with the money side calmly, one step at a time, often eases the pressure. Our pages on gambling and debt and gambling and money set out practical steps, from protecting essential bills to talking to lenders.
Gambling, alcohol and other substances
Alcohol and other substances can lower inhibitions and make it harder to stick to limits you set while sober. Some people also use them to dull the feelings that follow heavy losses.
If gambling and substance use are both part of the picture, you can get help for both together. The SAMHSA National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), listed on a February 2026 gambling disorder referral sheet (opens in a new tab) from the Division on Addiction, offers free, confidential 24/7 treatment referral for mental health and substance use, and you can text your ZIP code to 435748. SMART Recovery (opens in a new tab) also runs a science-based self-management program for addictive behaviors.
Where to get support for gambling and mental health
Different services suit different needs. You can use more than one at the same time.
| Service | Contact | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | Call or text 988; chat.988lifeline.org | Crisis, thoughts of self-harm, feeling unsafe |
| National Problem Gambling Helpline (NCPG) | Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738); chat at ncpgambling.org | Gambling worries, local referrals |
| SAMHSA National Helpline | 1-800-662-HELP (4357); text ZIP to 435748 | Mental health and substance use treatment referral |
| Gamblers Anonymous | In-person and online meetings | Peer support to stop gambling |
| GamTalk | Online forum | Sharing experiences with others |
| State programs | For example, Arizona 1-800-NEXT-STEP; New York 1-877-8-HOPENY | Local counseling and services |
Learn more about the national problem gambling helpline, Gamblers Anonymous, GamTalk and state problem gambling programs. Helpline details are on the NCPG National Problem Gambling Helpline (opens in a new tab) page.
Talking to a doctor or counselor about gambling
Many people find it easier to start with their mood or sleep than with gambling, and that's fine. A primary care doctor or counselor can help with both, and treatment can address gambling and mental health together.
- Be honest about how often you gamble and how much it costs, even roughly.
- Mention how you feel before and after gambling.
- Say if you've had thoughts of harming yourself, so they can help you stay safe.
- Ask about counselors who work with gambling problems, or call 1-800-MY-RESET for a referral.
Our page on treatment options explains what counseling, peer groups and other support can look like, and is gambling addiction treatable answers a common worry.
When someone you love is struggling
Living with someone whose gambling is out of control can take a toll on your own mental health. Worry, anger and money stress are common, and you deserve support too.
Gam-Anon is a support group for family and friends of people with gambling problems, listed on the NCPG peer support resources (opens in a new tab) page. Our pages on help for families and how to help a friend who gambles offer practical ideas. If someone you love talks about self-harm, call or text 988 together.
Reducing access while you recover
When your mood is low, easy access to gambling makes it harder to resist. Putting barriers in place on a good day protects you on a hard one.
Device blocking software such as Gamban stops gambling sites and apps from loading. Self-exclusion closes your accounts for a set time; see state self-exclusion lists and self-exclusion at offshore casinos. Offshore casinos aren't licensed by any US state, so there's no state regulator to enforce their tools, which makes device-level blocks especially useful. Every tool is linked from the responsible gambling hub.
21+ (18+ where allowed). Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: responsible gambling tools and free help. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Frequently asked questions
How does problem gambling affect mental health?
Problem gambling can affect mental health in several ways, especially when losses, secrecy or debt build up. People often describe anxiety, guilt, low mood and poor sleep linked to heavy gambling. The link can also run the other way, with stress or sadness leading to gambling as an escape. If this sounds familiar, call or text 1-800-MY-RESET for free support. See signs of a gambling problem and our gambling and mental health guide.
Should I call 1-800-MY-RESET or 988 in a mental health crisis?
In a mental health crisis, call or text 988, because NCPG says 1-800-MY-RESET is not a crisis hotline. It's a free, confidential 24/7 helpline for gambling concerns, by call, text or chat. If you're in crisis, thinking about self-harm or feel unsafe, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911. Our page on the national problem gambling helpline explains what the gambling line offers and what 1-800-MY-RESET is.
Why do I gamble when I feel stressed or down?
Gambling can offer a short break from difficult feelings, which is why many people turn to it when stressed, bored or sad. The relief fades quickly, and losses often add to the stress. Noticing this pattern is an important first step. Try checking your mood before playing and choosing another activity when you're upset. The self-assessment and cool-off periods guide can help.
Can gambling problems and depression be treated together?
Yes, gambling problems and mood concerns can be treated at the same time, and you don't need to sort out one first. A doctor or counselor can help with both, and the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) gives referrals for mental health treatment. 1-800-MY-RESET can point you to gambling-specific counseling. See treatment options and is gambling addiction treatable for more.
What should I do if a friend talks about self-harm because of gambling losses?
Take it seriously and help them reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline right away by call, text or chat, or call 911 if they're in immediate danger. Stay with them if you can and listen without judging. Once they're safe, gambling support through 1-800-MY-RESET and peer groups can help with what comes next. Our pages on help for families and helping a friend who gambles have more guidance.
Does drinking make gambling problems worse?
Alcohol can make it harder to stick to limits, because it lowers inhibitions and clouds judgment about time and money. Some people also drink to cope with gambling losses, which can deepen both problems. Avoid gambling when drinking, and if both feel out of control, SAMHSA's helpline at 1-800-662-HELP offers referrals for substance use and mental health. See deposit limits and help and support.
Are there online support groups for gambling and mental health?
Yes, several free options run online. GamTalk is an online forum where people with gambling problems share experiences and support, Gamblers Anonymous holds online as well as in-person meetings, and SMART Recovery offers a science-based self-management program for addictive behaviors. NCPG's helpline also offers chat. Read about GamTalk and Gamblers Anonymous to see which suits you.
How do I protect my mental health while I still gamble?
Gamble only when you're in a settled mood, and set time and money limits before you start. Avoid playing when you're stressed, drinking or tired, use reality checks and deposit limits, and take regular days off. Treat losses as the cost of entertainment, never as something to win back. If gambling starts to drive your mood, pause and get support. See gambling and money and the reality checks guide.
Can gambling cause sleep problems?
Yes, gambling can disrupt sleep, and losing sleep over gambling is one of the mental health warning signs on this page. Late-night sessions push bedtimes back, and worry about losses or hidden debt can keep you awake long after you stop. Poor sleep then makes mood and self-control worse the next day, which feeds the loop. Setting a device curfew helps, and so does removing easy access at night. Our guides to blocking software and cool-off periods explain how to put a barrier between you and late-night gambling.
Is gambling disorder a mental health condition?
Yes, clinicians treat problem gambling as a recognized condition, often called gambling disorder, and it can be treated like other mental health concerns. The Division on Addiction's February 2026 referral sheet, for example, lists national help routes specifically for gambling disorder, from 1-800-MY-RESET to SAMHSA's treatment referral line. Seeing it as a health issue rather than a moral failing can make it easier to ask for help. Treatment can address gambling and mood together. Our treatment options page explains what care involves, and the signs of a gambling problem page can help you spot it.
Does health insurance cover gambling and mental health treatment?
Coverage varies by plan, so ask your insurer directly whether counseling for gambling problems and related mood concerns is included. If cost is a barrier, other routes exist. Many states run problem gambling programs that may fund counseling, and SAMHSA's National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), gives free referrals for mental health and substance use treatment. The National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET can also point you to local gambling counselors. Our guide to state problem gambling programs lists contacts, and treatment options explains the kinds of care.
Can I call 988 about gambling?
Yes, if gambling has left you feeling unsafe, hopeless or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 whatever the cause. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 by call, text or chat at chat.988lifeline.org. For gambling worries that aren't a crisis, such as urges, debt or wanting a counselor, the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET is the better fit, since NCPG says it isn't a crisis line. Call 911 if you're in immediate danger. Our help and support page lists every line in one place.
How does a partner's gambling affect my mental health?
A partner's gambling can bring anxiety, anger, money stress and broken trust, and those effects on your own mental health are real. Many partners describe constant worry about bills, checking bank accounts and feeling responsible for keeping things together. You deserve support whether or not your partner seeks help. Gam-Anon, listed among NCPG's peer support resources, is a group for family and friends of people with gambling problems. Our help for families page and the guide to talking to family about gambling offer practical next steps.
What is the difference between SAMHSA's helpline and 1-800-MY-RESET?
SAMHSA's National Helpline gives referrals for mental health and substance use treatment, while 1-800-MY-RESET is the National Problem Gambling Helpline, focused on gambling. Both are free, confidential and open 24/7. SAMHSA is at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or text your ZIP code to 435748. NCPG's line takes calls and texts at 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), with chat at ncpgambling.org. If gambling and mood or drinking are tangled together, contacting both is reasonable. Our pages on the national problem gambling helpline and what 1-800-MY-RESET is explain each service.