Where to Get Help
If you’re dealing with gambling addiction, it’s essential to know where to get help. Many countries have national, nonprofit, and charity organizations that offer support, aside from groups like Gamblers Anonymous. You can also take action by installing gambling blockers on your devices or using self-exclusion tools reputable online casinos provide.
Help for People with Gambling Disorders in the USA
According to research, several million Americans deal with compulsive gambling issues. Of these, two million meet severe gambling criteria, while four to six million meet mild or moderate criteria. Another significant issue is that only a small percentage of players and bettors displaying gambling addiction signs (around 8%, according to research) seek help.
If you’re one of them, get in touch with some of the listed organizations to get expert assistance:
-
The National Council on Problem Gambling
The National Council on Problem Gambling is an organization providing a helpline and resources to connect individuals with problem gambling services across the US.
www.ncpgambling.org
Phone: 1-800-GAMBLER
Text: 800GAM
-
Addiction Center
The Addiction Center offers online help, guides and an extensive directory to help gamblers find treatment centers for problem gambling.
https://www.addictioncenter.com/
Phone: (870) 515-8609
-
Office of Addiction Services and Support
This state-run agency provides prevention, recovery and treatment services for gamblers in New York facing gambling addiction.
https://oasas.ny.gov/
Phone: 1-877-8-HOPENY
Text: 467369
-
California Department of Public Health
Gamblers in California can turn to the California Department of Public health to find information and resources including mental health and addiction services.
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/
Phone: 1-800-GAMBLER
Text: 53342
Chat: 800GAMBLER
-
Gateway Foundation
The Gateway Foundation is a nonprofit organization offering Illinois residents exhaustive treatment for disorders and gambling addiction.
Phone: 877-505-HOPE (4673)
-
Nevada Council on Problem Gambling
Gamblers in Nevada can reach out for support from the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling via helpline or make use of comprehensive educational resources focusing on problem gambling.
www.nevadacouncil.org/Phone: 1-800-GAMBLER
Text: 800GAM
-
The Mississippi Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling
The Mississippi Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling offers a range of support services including education, prevention and treatment for gambling addiction.
https://www.msgambler.org/
Phone: 1-888-777-9696
Text: 53342
Help for People Coping with Gambling Issues in Brazil
According to a study, 68% of people take part in it. Further, the same study found that 16% of gamblers experienced financial losses. Of these, about 32% sold their belongings, 29% borrowed from friends or family, and 25% dipped into their savings to cover losses or continue to gamble. Nevertheless, only 2% consider themselves gambling addicts.
If you’ve recognized the warning signs and would like to gamble responsibly, contact the following organization:
-
Instituto Brasileiro de Jogo Responsável
A national organization in Brazil committed to the promotion of responsible gambling while offering support for sufferers and loved ones facing problem gambling. https://ibjr.org.br/ Phone: 0800 721 81 81 Email: [email protected]
Help for Individuals with Problem Gambling in India
Research indicates that over 12 million people in India currently engage in online gambling. Experts predict that this number will increase by 8.5% annually through 2027. Although no exact data exists, estimates indicate that more than 7% of the population struggles with gambling-related problems. As digital infrastructure expands and more people gain access to electronic devices, these issues will likely increase.
On the bright side, there are many organizations where you can get help to gamble responsibly, including:
-
Tele MANAS
Tele MANAS is a national mental health helpline in India. The helpline offers free support and services for mental health, including problem gambling. https://telemanas.mohfw.gov.in/ Phone: 14416
-
Jeevan Aastha Helpline
Problem gamblers can rely on 24/7 support from Jeevan Aastha Helpline. https://www.jeevanaastha.com/ Phone: 1800 233 3330
-
Snehi Helpline
Snehi offers free psychological support and counselling ranging from stress and anxiety to gambling addiction. https://www.snehi.org.in/ Phone: +919 5822 08181 Text: 95822 08181
-
ICall Psychosocial Helpline
Gamblers can rely on ICall Psychosocial Helpline for counseling to support any issues faced with problem gambling. https://icallhelpline.org/ Phone: 915 298 7821
-
Voice That Cares
Voice That Cares is an organization that focuses on offering free and confidential counseling services. https://www.rocf.org/voice-that-cares/ Phone: 8448 8448 45
-
Pukar Foundation
Pukar Foundation is an NGO (non-governmental organization) that provides mental health support and counseling services in Mumbai. https://www.pukarfoundation.org/ Phone: 966 389 6669
-
Kashmir Lifeline
Gamblers located in Kashmir can contact the Kashmir Lifeline, an organization that specializes in offering support and counseling to people facing mental health issues including addiction. https://www.kashmirlifeline.org/ Phone: 1800 180 8020
Depending on the help center, services may be available in different languages, including Bengali, Tamil, Hindi, Marathi, and English.
Responsible Gambling Help Centers in Canada
In Canada, more than 60% of people take part in some form of gambling. For most, it’s just a harmless way to pass the time. But between 1% and 2% end up facing moderate to severe gambling problems. On average, Canadians spend about $6.75 each month on gambling and betting.
Support services for players dealing with gambling addiction are available in most Canadian cities. Some of them are:
-
Problem Gambling Resources Network
This resources network serves as a hub of information and support services for people facing problem gambling in Alberta. https://problemgamblingalberta.ca/ Phone: 1 866 461 1259
-
ConnexOntario Help Line
Gamblers in Ontario can expect quality information and resources, free of charge and completely confidential, focusing on addiction and problem gambling. https://connexontario.ca/ Phone: 1 866 531 2600
-
Gambling: Help and Referral
Gamblers and their families in Quebec can turn to Gambling: Help and Referral for confidential help and referral services related to problem gambling. https://aidejeu.ca/en/ Phone: 1 800 461 0140
-
British Columbia Problem Gambling Help Line
British Columbia Problem Gambling Help Line offers 24/7 support and serves as an information hub, referring gamblers to treatment services in the province. https://www.gamblingsupportbc.ca/ Phone: 1 888 795 6111
-
GamTalk
Peer-to-peer support can be found on GamTalk, where individuals facing gambling problems can share their experiences and connect for community-based support. https://www.gamtalk.org/
Help for Compulsive Gamblers in the UK
Research indicates that fewer than 1% of people in the UK have gambling problems. However, more than a million adults are at risk of developing problem gambling issues. Further, one in nine Britons suffer from gambling addiction, either directly or indirectly.
Some responsible gambling help centers in the UK are:
-
National Health Service (NHS)
A healthcare system in the UK that is publicly funded. The NHS is instrumental in providing access to addiction services, specifically gambling addiction clinics. https://www.nhs.uk/ Phone: 111
-
National Gambling Helpline
Operated by GamCare, this 24/7 helpline service is free and provides confidential support and advice for anyone, directly or indirectly, affected by problem gambling. Phone: 0808 8020 133
-
National Gambling Clinic
The National Gambling Clinic is an NHS-funded clinic that offers specialized and confidential treatment for problem gambling. Phone: 0207 381 7722 Email: gambling@[email protected]
-
GamCare
The leading provider of free information, support, and advice for gamblers seeking support for gambling addiction. https://www.gamcare.org.uk/ Email: [email protected]
-
GamLEARN
GamLEARN specializes in offering resources and training to both professionals and gamblers focusing on gambling addiction and related topics. https://www.gamlearn.org.uk/ Phone: 078 254 33 199 Email: [email protected]
FAQs
Gambling urges can fade over time, especially with the proper support, treatment, and lifestyle changes. However, they may not disappear completely. In that case, you need to be self-aware and lead a healthy life to stay in control.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is considered one of the most effective treatments for gambling addiction. It helps you recognize and change unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors tied to gambling.
Gambling addicts can overcome their addiction, even though there’s no traditional cure for the disorder. With determination, proper treatment, and support from loved ones, those struggling with compulsive gambling can build healthy, fulfilling lives.
Some people can beat problem gambling without outside help. But, it requires a lot of willpower and meaningful lifestyle changes. Staying away from environments or situations that trigger the urge to gamble and delaying acting on impulse until it passes can be a good way to start.