Gambling treatment options

Gambling treatment options at a glance

There are several treatment options for problem gambling, and many people combine two or three. A helpline call can lead to counseling, counseling often pairs well with a peer group, and blocking tools help keep the space clear while you recover.

You don't need a diagnosis or a crisis to reach out. If you're wondering whether gambling is becoming a problem, that's reason enough. Our self-assessment and signs of a gambling problem can help you decide.

How to start treatment: a simple first-step plan

1. Call, text or chat with 1-800-MY-RESET. Say as much or as little as you're comfortable with.
2. Ask what support is available in your state, including any free counseling.
3. Put a barrier in place the same day: blocking software, a cool-off or self-exclusion.
4. Pick one peer option to try this week, such as a Gamblers Anonymous meeting or GamTalk.
5. Book an appointment with a counselor or your doctor, and mention gambling directly.
6. Tell one person you trust what you're doing, so you're not carrying it alone.
7. Review how things are going after a month and add or change support if you need to.

The responsible gambling hub links every tool and service named on this page, and how do I stop gambling answers the first question most people ask.

The National Problem Gambling Helpline

The National Council on Problem Gambling runs the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738). It's free and confidential, open 24/7, and you can call, text or use chat through the NCPG helpline chat (opens in a new tab).

The helpline is a good front door to treatment because it can connect you with resources in your area. NCPG says it's not a crisis line, so if you're in danger or thinking about self-harm, call or text 988 or call 911. The older 1-800-GAMBLER number no longer reaches the national line. Read more on our national problem gambling helpline page.

State problem gambling treatment programs

Many states fund their own problem gambling services, often through a health department or a state council. These programs usually run a helpline and can connect you with local counselors.

Program details change, so confirm on your state's own site. Find your state on our state problem gambling programs page. For example, Ohio's helpline (opens in a new tab) and New York's HOPEline (opens in a new tab) both publish their services online. If your state isn't listed, 1-800-MY-RESET can help.

Counseling and therapy for gambling problems

Counseling gives you one-to-one time with someone trained to help you understand why you gamble, what triggers urges and how to handle them. Sessions may be in person, by phone or by video, and some programs offer group counseling as well.

Many counselors use talking therapies that focus on thoughts and habits, such as cognitive behavioral approaches. Common topics include spotting triggers, challenging beliefs like "I'm due a win", planning for high-risk moments and rebuilding routines. Our explainers on the gambler's fallacy and chasing losses cover two of the thinking traps counselors often discuss.

Finding a counselor

• Ask 1-800-MY-RESET or your state helpline for a referral.
• Use SAMHSA's National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or findtreatment.gov.
• Ask your primary care doctor, especially if mood or sleep are also affected.
• Ask about cost, insurance and whether sessions are available remotely.

If anxiety, depression or substance use are part of the picture, look for a provider who can address those too. See gambling and mental health.

Peer support groups: Gamblers Anonymous, GamTalk and SMART Recovery

Peer groups let you hear from people who've been where you are. They're free and can be used alongside counseling or on their own.

• Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship where people share experience to stop gambling, with in-person and online meetings at Gamblers Anonymous (opens in a new tab). See our Gamblers Anonymous page.
• GamTalk is an online forum where people with gambling problems share experiences, support and advice. See our GamTalk page.
• SMART Recovery is a science-based self-management program for addictive behaviors.

Groups vary in style, so if the first meeting doesn't feel right, try another. What is Gamblers Anonymous explains what a first meeting usually involves.

Treatment and support for families

A gambling problem affects the people around it, and family members can get help whether or not the person gambling is ready. 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 talking to family about gambling cover how to raise concerns, protect household money and look after yourself.

Self-exclusion and blocking tools as part of treatment

Barriers don't treat the reasons behind gambling, but they give treatment room to work by making impulse play harder. Most people find a mix works best.

Offshore casinos aren't licensed by any US state, so there's no state regulator to enforce their exclusion tools. Device blocks fill that gap. See blocking software, state self-exclusion lists and self-exclusion at offshore casinos.

Gambling treatment options by cost and access

Cost and convenience decide which treatment options people actually stick with. Here's what each one costs and how you reach it, using only what the services publish.

A low-cost starting combination is the helpline, one peer group and a blocker, which together cost nothing or little more than Gamban's monthly price. Counseling can be added once you know what your state funds. Compare blockers on the Gamban and BetBlocker pages.

Choosing the right treatment option for you

The best starting point is the one you'll actually use. Think about what feels manageable this week.

• Want to talk to someone today, anonymously? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET.
• Prefer to read and write rather than talk? Try GamTalk or helpline chat.
• Want structure and regular contact? Ask for a counselor referral.
• Want to meet people who understand? Try a Gamblers Anonymous meeting.
• Worried about debt as well? Pair treatment with the steps on gambling and debt.

Setbacks are common in recovery and aren't a reason to give up. If you gamble again, get back in touch with your support and tighten your barriers. Is gambling addiction treatable explains more.

Urgent help and crisis support

If you're thinking about suicide or harming yourself, or feel unsafe, call or text 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911. Both are available around the clock.

After the immediate danger has passed, the treatment options above are ready when you are. The SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) also offers 24/7 referral for mental health and substance use treatment.

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).