If you have a gambling problem, or know someone who does, you can find national gambling addiction hotlines and state resources for gambling hotlines on this page.
If you are struggling with problematic gambling, you might consider contacting a gambling addiction hotline. Gambling hotlines are a great starting point if you want immediate support and need help identifying resources. There are national gambling hotlines available and there are also state and local resources. Any of these can provide a wealth of information about gambling addiction and how to get help.
When Should You Call a Problem Gambling Hotline?
If you realize that you have a problem controlling your desire to gamble or your gambling impulses, it can be a good idea to call a gambling problem hotline. The sooner you contact a hotline or reach out for help, the better the outcomes are likely to be. Even if you don’t believe that you are addicted, but you are experiencing problems in your life, calling a gambling hotline might be beneficial.
Other signs that mean you might benefit from calling a gambling problem hotline are:
- You are secretive about your gambling
- You don’t care about the consequences of gambling
- Your family and loved ones have expressed concerns
What Kinds of Questions Will I Be Asked?
Some of the questions you may be asked if you call a gambling hotline include:
- Whether or not you’re currently safe and not in a life-threatening situation
- If you need crisis counseling at that moment
- What the extent of your gambling problem is and how long it’s been going on
- Specific situations that you might be in as a result of a gambling addiction
- If you would like to receive help or referrals for local treatment programs or support
Benefits of Calling a Gambling Addiction Hotline
There are several gambling hotline benefits. First, when you have any problematic behavior or addiction that you aren’t in control of, you have to take a first step toward change. Calling a gambling hotline can be a simple first step if you aren’t ready to do anything else yet.
When you have a gambling problem, it can feel overwhelming, and you may not know where to turn for help or support. A gambling hotline can provide you with information and resources that can help you make an informed decision on the best next step.
Are Gambling Hotlines Free?
Most gambling hotlines are toll-free. If a helpline for gambling isn’t free, then you may want to choose another option for help. There should never be a charge for contacting a hotline or helpline.
Is My Call Confidential?
If you call a gambling helpline, your call should be completely confidential and no one should contact you in the future if you ask for them not to.
National Gambling Hotline
The National Problem Gambling Helpline, operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), is available to you and can be reached via phone or text at 1-800-522-4700. The National Helpline is confidential and available 24 hours a day. Additionally, there is an online helpline chat available on the NCPG website.
Self-help resources including Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon are options for you as well. Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step program for men and women who struggle with gambling. Gam-Anon is a group for family members and loved ones of compulsive gamblers.
Gambling Hotline Finder
If you would like to access the Gambling Hotline Finder, it’s available on the help and treatment page of NCPG. The list provides state-by-state resources if you’re searching for local help with your gambling problem.
Local Gambling Hotlines
If you are looking for a local gambling hotline, the following are resources for each state, although this is not a complete list. These resources can give you a good starting point to get help for gambling addiction.
Alabama
Alabama Council On National Compulsive Gambling, Inc.
334-277-5100
Arkansas
Arkansas Department of Public Health, Office of Problem Gambling
1-800-GAMBLER
Arizona
Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling
800-777-7207
California
California Council on Problem Gambling
1-800-426-2537
Colorado
Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado
1-800-522-4700
Connecticut
Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling
959-230-4034
Delaware
Delaware Council on Gambling Problems
888-850-8888
Florida
Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling
888-236-4848
Georgia
Georgia Council on Problem Gambling
1-866-922-7369
Illinois
Illinois Council on Problem Gambling
800-522-4700
Indiana
Indiana Council on Problem Gambling
800-994-8448
Kansas
Kansas Coalition on Problem Gambling
800-522-4700
Kentucky
Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling
800-426-2537
Louisiana
Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling
318-227-0883
Maine
Maine Council on Problem Gambling
207-520-0293
Maryland
Maryland Council on Problem Gambling
1-800-522-4700
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling
617-426-4554
Michigan
Michigan Association on Problem Gambling
1-800-270-7117
Minnesota
Northstar Problem Gambling Alliance
800-333-4673
Mississippi
Mississippi Council on Problem & Compulsive Gambling
601-853-8351
Montana
Montana Council on Problem Gambling
888-900-9979
Nebraska
Nebraska Council on Compulsive Gambling
833-238-6837
New Jersey
Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey
1-800-246-2537
New York
New York Council on Problem Gambling
877-846-7369
North Carolina
North Carolina Council on Problem Gambling
1-800-522-4700
Ohio
The Problem Gambling Network of Ohio
1-800-589-9966
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Association on Problem & Compulsive Gambling
1-800-522-4700
Oregon
Oregon Council on Problem Gambling
1-877-695-4648
Nevada
Nevada Council on Problem Gambling
800-522-4700
New Mexico
New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling
800-572-1142
Pennsylvania
Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania
800-848-1880
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling
877-942-6253
Virginia
Virginia Council on Problem Gambling
1-800-522-4700
Washington
Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling
800-547-6133
1-800-GAMBLER
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Council on Problem Gambling
800-426-2535
Wyoming
Wyoming Council on Problem Gambling
1-800-522-4700
If you’re struggling with problematic gambling, national and state resources are available. The above organizations can give you an idea of where to begin if you’re looking for gambling addiction hotlines. If you are struggling with gambling addiction in addition to a substance use disorder, contact The Recovery Village at 866.425.5431 and learn more about treatment for co-occurring disorders.
Gamblers Anonymous. “Homepage.” Accessed January 24, 2019.
Jabr, Ferris. “How the Brain Gets Addicted to Gambling.” Scientific American, November 2013. Accessed January 24, 2019.
Segal, Jeanne, Ph.D., Smith, Melinda, M.A., Robinson, Lawrence. “Gambling Addiction and Problem Gambling.” HelpGuide, November 2018. Accessed January 24, 2019.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.