Getting Help
- Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline provides referrals to licensed problem gambling treatment services for those seeking professional counseling, as well as referrals to recovery support services. To find outpatient counseling or support services, call (800) 327-5050, text “GAMB” to 800327, or visit gambling.helplinema.org/pg-search.
- National Problem Gambling Helpline provides information about local resources for those seeking help for a gambling problem in all 50 states, Canada, and the US Virgin Islands. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or find local treatment options online at ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/help-by-state.
- Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is a community of self-help recovery support groups based on the same 12-step concept as Alcoholics Anonymous. To find a meeting near you, visit gamblersanonymous.org/ga/locations. To talk to a GA representative in your area, call your local hotline number found at gamblersanonymous.org/ga/hotlines.
- Bettors Anonymous (BA) is a community of self-help recovery support groups based on the same 12-step concept as Alcoholics Anonymous. To find a meeting near you, visit bettors-anonymous.org/meeting.html.
- GamTalk is an online support community for individuals experiencing problems with gambling. To chat online, visit gamtalk.org/chat.
- Gam-Anon is a community of self-help support groups for family members and loved ones of individuals experiencing problems with gambling. To find a meeting near you, visit gam-anon.org/meeting-directory.
- SMART Recovery is a community of mutual support groups open to anyone seeking science-based, self-empowered addiction recovery. To find an online meeting or in-person meeting near you, visit meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings.
- The Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines show you how to lower the risks and harms associated with your gambling.
- Your First Step to Change is a free self-help toolkit to help start the journey toward understanding and changing your gambling behavior.
- Hear directly from people who have lived experience with gambling-related problems by accessing informational podcasts, like the After Gambling Podcast, or discussion forums, like Reddit’s r/problemgambling.
- Visit the Division on Addiction’s Information about Gambling Disorder webpage to learn more about problem gambling and Gambling Disorder.
Organizations
- Office of Problem Gambling Services at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is leading the public health response to problem gambling in the Commonwealth through a range of programs and services across the continuum of care. Find out more at mass.gov/orgs/office-of-problem-gambling-services.
- Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health provides education, advocacy, and resources to individuals who gamble, their families, caregivers, and the community at large. Find out more at macgh.org/
- National Council on Problem Gambling is the national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families. Its vision is to improve health and wellness by reducing the social costs of problem gambling. Find out more at ncpgambling.org.
- International Center for Responsible Gaming is the only national organization exclusively devoted to funding research that helps increase understanding of Gambling Disorder and youth gambling, and finding effective methods of treatment for the disorder. Find out more at icrg.org.
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