The U.S. highly favors the gambling industry, with Las Vegas at the core of this activity. In 2021, the gross gaming revenue of the gambling industry in the U.S. reached almost 53 billion U.S. dollars, a figure that has steadily grown over recent years as sports betting is now legal at the federal level.
While gambling may seem an innocent leisure, fun activity, between 1 and 2% of the adult American population (2-4 million) will develop a gambling disorder at some point, particularly since this disorder is heavily linked to alcohol and drug addiction.
To get free, confidential and anonymous help to overcome this disorder, find here the best gambling addiction hotlines.
Table Of Contents:
What is Gambling Disorder?
In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), gambling disorder (GD) is a psychiatric and behavioral condition characterized by the inability to control gambling behavior that may lead to serious health, financial and legal consequences.
As with most addictions, gambling disorder is comorbid with other health conditions such as:
- Substance use disorders (Nearly 75%)
- Personality disorder (60.8)
- Nicotine dependence (60.4%)
- Mood disorders (49.6%)
- Anxiety disorders (41.3%)
- Drug use disorders (38.1% )
The interaction between gambling addiction with comorbidities can worsen the severity of each condition and the most effective treatment approach is to address both the gambling addiction and any accompanying mental health issues simultaneously.
Gambling Addiction Hotline List
In almost every state, a gambling disorder hotline is available for people to get help.
There are three very important features of these hotlines: 1) they are all toll-free, 2) confidential, which means your call won’t be recorded, and 3) anonymous, which means that you don’t have to give out personal information to receive help.
Some hotlines, like Gamblers Anonymous Hotline, are available throughout the US; others will be city- or state-based. Below is a complete list of every gambling addiction hotline in the U.S. for you to call every time you need help to overcome addiction to gambling.
IMPORTANT NOTE: A gambling addiction hotline is not an emergency service. In the case of a crisis, please call 911 or 988.
National Gambling Hotline
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has a national, toll-free hotline (standard data rates may apply if you text the helpline) that anyone can call when dealing with addiction problems.
Calls to this number are anonymous and confidential. They’re available around the clock for 365 days. Get help in 240 languages with the National Council on Problem Gambling by calling (1-800-GAMBLER).
Among the services offered by the NCPG, there are:
- Providing information and education on gambling addiction, including its signs and symptoms.
- Referring individuals to specialized local or national organizations, therapists, counselors or support groups.
- It offers various treatment options (counseling, therapy, peer-support programs or residential treatment).
- Guiding individuals on self-exclusion from gambling establishments or online sites.
- Providing financial counseling to manage and address financial issues.
- Offering resources and support for the 3rd parties affected by the gambling disorder.
Gamblers Anonymous Hotline
Another great option to get help for gambling addiction is calling Gamblers Anonymous. This fellowship of men and women offers GA meetings and additional support. They won’t offer any rehab facilities, but they guide the caller to the best GA meetings in the area.
Find your state’s Gamblers Anonymous hotline number to know when to attend a meeting.
Local Gambling Addiction Hotlines
If you are looking for a more centralized option, below are some of the local hotlines to get help:
| State | Hotline | State | Hotline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 1-800-63987837 | Montana | 1-888-900-9979 |
| Arkansas | 1-800-436-2537 | Nebraska | 1-833-238-6837 |
| California | 1-800-426-2537 | New Jersey | 1-800-246-2537 |
| Colorado | 1-800-522-4700 | New Mexico | 1-800-572-1142 |
| Delaware | 1-888-850-8888 | New York | 1-877-846-7369 |
| Florida | 1-888-236-4848 | Ohio | 1-800-589-9966 |
| Georgia | 1-866-922-7369 | Oregon | 1-877-695-4648 |
| Illinois | 1-800-522-4700 | Pennsylvania | 1-800-848-1880 |
| Indiana | 1-800-994-8448 | Rhode Island | 1-877-942-6253 |
| Kentucky | 1-800-426-2537 | Washington | 1-800-547-6133 |
| Michigan | 1-800-270-7117 | Wisconsin | 1-800-426-2535 |
| Minnesota | 1-800-333-4673 |
In a state without a local hotline, feel free to call the National Council on Problem Gambling at (1-800-GAMBLER).
Signs and Symptoms − When to Call a Gambling Addiction Hotline
Addiction is a journey that can quickly go from casual fun to a serious problem.
Gambling may start as a harmless activity for entertainment and leisure. It can slowly progress to a persistent feeling of needing to participate in the activity to feel self-worth and happiness. The signs of gambling addiction include:
- Frequent preoccupations with gambling.
- Increased gambling with larger amounts of money to feel pleasure.
- Unsuccessful attempts to control or stop gambling.
- Restlessness or irritability when attempting to quit gambling (withdrawal).
- Gambling interferes with major areas of life functioning.
- Gambling to escape from negative emotions.
- Continuously gambling to recoup recent losses (“chasing” losses).
- Lying to significant others about gambling habits.
- Depending on others to finance gambling activities.
- Selling properties, assets or goods to keep gambling.
- Symptoms of substance abuse disorder or a mental health disorder
What to Expect from a Call with a Gambling Addiction Hotline
When someone calls a gambling addiction helpline, a trained professional on the other side of the phone will ask questions to figure out the caller’s situation quickly and accurately.
Some questions may include:
- Are you in danger?
- Can you describe your gambling behavior and its impact on your life?
- Have you experienced any recent gambling-related distress or crises?
- Are you currently in any form of treatment or therapy for your addiction?
- Have you tried any strategies to control or stop your gambling?
- Are there any specific challenges or concerns you are facing regarding your gambling addiction?
- Do you have support systems like friends, family or a support network?
- Are you experiencing any other mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety?
- Do you want to talk or get information about a GA meeting or another specific resource?
- Is there any other information or support you are seeking during this call?
Remember that calling a gambling addiction hotline is only the first step to recovery. Through this call, those struggling with gambling disorder will get the help and support they need, even if they don’t feel ready to go to a facility, a GA meeting or a rehab center.
Gambling Addiction Helpline − Get Help Today
Suppose you are ready to stop your addiction. In that case, there are easy and practical actions you can take to reduce your gambling habits: 1) decide on a budget and stick to it, 2) self-exclude yourself from casinos or gambling sites, 3) identify your triggers, 4) talk to a trustworthy friend, family member or therapist.
If you find it challenging to manage your gambling on your own, there is no shame in seeking professional help. Call any gambling addiction hotline and speak with a trained professional who can assess your situation and guide you toward the most effective treatment options.
The most important step is that first call!
People Also Ask
Why is gambling a mental illness?
Gambling disorder is classified as a mental illness due to its compulsive nature, causing significant distress and impairment in functioning. It’s characterized by persistent and uncontrollable gambling behavior despite negative consequences.
Why can’t gamblers stop?
Gamblers struggle to stop due to the addictive nature of gambling, driven by dopamine release in the brain’s reward system. This leads to a cycle of craving, loss of control and continued gambling despite adverse consequences.
Is gambling a form of depression?
Gambling can exacerbate or coexist with depression, but it is not inherently a form of depression. However, excessive gambling may contribute to depressive symptoms due to financial losses and emotional distress.
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Page Sources
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- US gambling statistics & Trends 2024. (n.d.). https://gamblingindustrynews.com/usa-gambling-statistics/
- Moreira, D., Azeredo, A., & Dias, P. (2023). Risk Factors for Gambling Disorder: A Systematic Review. Journal of Gambling Studies, 39(2), 483-511. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-023-10195-1
- Menchon, J. M., Mestre-Bach, G., Steward, T., Fernández-Aranda, F., & Jiménez-Murcia, S. (2018). An overview of gambling disorder: From treatment approaches to risk factors. F1000Research, 7. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.12784.1
- Petry, N. M., Stinson, F. S., & Grant, B. F. (2021, February 4). Comorbidity of DSM-IV Pathological gambling and other Psychiatric Disorders: Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Psychiatrist.com. https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/comorbidity-dsm-iv-pathological-gambling-psychiatric/
- C. Yau, Y. H., & N. Potenza, D. M. (2015). Gambling Disorder and Other Behavioral Addictions: Recognition and Treatment. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 23(2), 134. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000051
- Clark, L., Averbeck, B., Payer, D., Sescousse, G., Winstanley, C. A., & Xue, G. (2013). Pathological Choice: The Neuroscience of Gambling and Gambling Addiction. The Journal of Neuroscience, 33(45), 17617-17623. https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3231-13.2013
