Contact Information and Resources for Problem Gambling

The global reach of online gambling has grown significantly over the last two decades. Gambling is more popular and more accessible than ever before, with millions of people betting and playing online every single day.

For many participants, it’s a safe and enjoyable form of entertainment. There are risks involved, however, and gambling addiction is a notable one. Much of what makes gambling so enjoyable is also what makes it potentially addictive, and a gambling addiction can be very dangerous in a time when we have 24/7 access to casinos and betting sites via our computers and smartphones.

Gambling addiction is neither new nor uncommon, and help is readily available for problem gamblers. There are numerous organisations offering support and guidance through hotlines and helplines. We provide contact details for those organisations here, along with some additional information and resources you might find useful.

What Is Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling, or compulsive gambling, is a behavioural disorder that leads to a lack of control. A problem gambler will feel the urge to gamble regardless of the consequences, often chasing losses and continuing to bet even when facing serious financial harm.

As with all addictions, it affects not only the person struggling but also their family, friends, and others around them. Gambling addiction is unfortunately a growing issue, especially among young adults.

The path to problem gambling can be gradual, as what starts as a form of casual entertainment slowly transforms into a compulsion. There are often warning signs, but these may be subtle until the problem becomes severe.

Symptoms of a Gambling Problem

Here are some of the most common signs of gambling being or becoming a problem:

• Experiencing guilt, anxiety, and frustration from gambling activities
• Constant thinking or talking about gambling
• Gambling to recover lost money
• Feelings of intense excitement from wins and deep disappointment from losses
• Struggling to limit the amount of time spent gambling
• Sense of emptiness when not able to gamble
• Borrowing money for gambling
• Selling things for money to gamble with
• Gambling to escape problems or to relieve anxiety, depression, or loneliness.
• Choosing to gamble instead of attending family or other social functions.

You can read more about this subject on our page about identifying the signs of a developing gambling problem.

Preventing Problem Gambling

Recognising the early warning signs of a gambling problem early can reduce the risk of further issues. Understanding the concept of responsible gambling can also help prevent problem gambling in the first place, or help problem gamblers regain control.

Responsible gambling is essentially a set of practical strategies and behaviours that help you enjoy gambling safely while being fully aware of the risks involved. This includes setting strict time and money limits - and sticking to them - and viewing gambling losses as the cost of entertainment rather than money that needs to be won back.

Here are a few other key responsible gambling practices:

• Taking regular breaks from gambling activities
• Balancing gambling with other activities
• Using gambling site tools to control play
• Keeping records of money spent on gambling
• Only gambling when sober

We provide a comprehensive set of tips for gambling responsibly that you might find useful.

Gamblers Anonymous - Top Global Organisation for Problem Gamblers

There are several worldwide organisations that can help you with a gambling problem, as well as many more local ones. The best-known and widest-reaching is Gamblers Anonymous, also known as GA.

Available in over 60 countries worldwide, GA provides various useful resources related to problem gambling. They facilitate support meetings that can take place in person, by phone, or online. These meetings follow a proven peer-support model where members share experiences and help each other’s recovery journeys. All in a confidential and non-judgmental environment.

GA is accessible to anyone. There are no fees for membership - the only entry requirement is a desire to stop gambling or to help someone else stop.

Contacts for Local Problem Gambling Organisations

There are local organisations for problem gambling help and support in many countries around the world. We’ve compiled a directory of these organisations, with contact numbers and links to their websites.

Our directory is divided into three sections:

• Problem Gambling Organisations by Country
• US Problem Gambling Organisations by State
• Canada Problem Organisations by Province

Problem Gambling Organisations by Country

Below you’ll find contact information for leading problem gambling support organisations worldwide, sorted alphabetically by country. Each entry includes a helpline number and website where you can access assistance.

US Problem Gambling Organisations by State

For those seeking help within the United States, we’ve organised problem gambling contact information by state. The table below lists each state’s primary gambling support organisation, complete with telephone numbers and website details.

There’s also the National Problem Gambling Helpline in America. This is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for anyone in the USA. If you call 1-800-GAMBLER you’ll be automatically connected with a local advisor.

Canada Problem Organisations by Province

Canada offers comprehensive gambling support services at the provincial level. Below you’ll find contact information for the main problem gambling organisations in each province, enabling you to access local support services in your area.

How Problem Gambling Organisations Can Help You

These support organisations offer comprehensive assistance for anyone affected by problem gambling, whether you're seeking help for yourself or concerned about someone else. Their services are valuable at any stage - from early concerns to severe gambling problems.

Here are some of the key ways these organisations can help you:

• Offer confidential counselling and support
• Provide proven strategies and techniques for managing gambling behaviour
• Help identify personal triggers and understand gambling urges
• Guide you through implementing responsible gambling tools and limits
• Connect you with peer support groups and others sharing similar experiences
• Assist with practical steps like self-exclusion from gambling sites and venues
• Help develop personalised recovery plans

These services are typically free, confidential, and available 24/7 through various channels including phone, online chat, and in-person meetings. Professional counsellors and trained staff understand the complexities of gambling addiction and provide advice tailored to your specific situation.

Other Resources to Contact for Support

If you feel uncomfortable speaking to a gambling problem-focused organisation and prefer to reach out to a different type of support method, you can consider these alternatives:

• Suicide Support Organisations - Vital if you are feeling beyond help and suicide is on your mind. The World Health Organisation can offer immediate support.
• Addiction Support Organisations - Provide help for a variety of addictions. Try SMART Recovery.
• Financial Advice Organisations - Assist with debt and budgeting. Money Helper is a good example.
• Psychotherapy / Psychology - You can see someone who will make it easier to express your feelings and help you learn to overcome your addiction or situation.

Using Problem Gambling Support Hotlines and Helplines

Contacting a problem gambling organisation can be a daunting or overwhelming experience. Try to stay calm and remember that you’re doing the best thing for yourself and the people around you. Reaching out for help is a strength, not a weakness.

You will likely start by speaking anonymously to a professionally trained counsellor. They will ask you some questions to better understand your situation and determine the most appropriate action or form of support.

The level and type of support will be based on your specific circumstances, including the severity of your problem. Remember that you’re always in control of your next steps. No one is going to tell you what to do, they’re going to advise and guide you.

How to Support Someone With a Gambling Addiction

If a family member or someone close to you is struggling with a gambling addiction, there are several ways you can support them. Don’t be reluctant to reach out and offer your help - it might be exactly what they want but are too afraid to ask for.

It’s worth remembering that the support services listed on this page are not just for gamblers. They also offer guidance to concerned friends and family members. If you contact them and explain the situation, they can guide you through the best ways to help.

An alternative starting point is to simply be there for them. Having a supportive conversation could bring them a great deal of relief and potentially the clarity they need to see a path forward. You can also encourage them to seek professional help from an appropriate organisation. If they’re receptive to the idea, help them research their options and find the most suitable support service.

Above all else, make sure you show compassion and understanding. Passing judgment or criticism could damage trust and make the situation worse.

Getting Help for Problem Gambling - A Final Word

It’s not easy to break a compulsive gambling habit, however much you want to. If you find yourself battling with a gambling addiction, please try to understand that you are not alone and there are plenty of resources for getting help. You must be prepared to help yourself, though

One of the biggest hurdles is admitting there’s a problem in the first place, something that many gamblers struggle to do. If you can do that, you’re ready to start tackling the problem. The next challenge is taking action.

We recommend that you reach out and ask for guidance from one of the organisations we’ve listed on this page. We’ve provided all the contact information you need, so there’s nothing stopping you from acting NOW.