Gambling Addiction

While betting can be a source of entertainment for many, for some, there is a point when gambling not only ceases to be fun, but becomes problematic. For such people, help to overcome this disorder is readily accessible on a national and state level. Even more encouraging, problem gambling and gambling addiction are treatable illnesses that we here at Online-Casinos-US take seriously.

The information presented here is meant to assist those wishing to learn more and provide a direct line to help. While this list is hardly exhaustive, it is more than a good place to start. Below are both national and state-level organizations that can provide help not only to gamblers themselves, but also their loved ones. Additional information related to responsible gambling is also available not only with Online-Casinos-US, but also with most major gaming brands.

The NCPG is an umbrella organization with dozens of branches in many US states. It’s overall goal is to raise awareness, provide assistance, offer education, and distribute information on problem gambling. To this end, the NCPG, among other things, offers a single national hotline, provides certification and training for gambling counselors, and works with state governments, gaming companies themselves, and individual people. By focusing on the costs to people and their families, NCPG hopes to affect change both on the personal level as well as the policy level.

Perhaps one of the most well-known organizations in the field, Gambler’s Anonymous defines itself as an “international fellowship” of people suffering from a compulsive gambling problem. The organization has branches in 50 states in the United States and has regular meetings with members, whose only criteria for membership is “a desire to stop gambling.” GA also has branches in Australia, the UK, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, and more. 

Similar to Gambler’s Anonymous, Gam-Anon defines itself as a fellowship of men and women who are have been affected by problem gambling of a friend or loved one. However, whereas members of GA are themselves gamblers, Gam-Anon members are people who have been adversely affected by a person suffering from problem gambling, such as family members or close friends. Recognizing that problem gambling causes emotional distress, financial difficulty, and other problems not just for gamblers, but also their loved ones, the organization attempts to offer those affected a means of helping their situation.

Similar to GA or the NCPG, GamTalk is a national support organization for both gamblers and those affected by problem gambling. However, whereas Gambler’s Anonymous and other support groups focus on the in-person experience, GamTalk attempts to provide a safe, electronic space for people to share their experiences and chat with others dealing with problem gambling. GamTalk is international and provides an extensive list of resources for those seeking treatment and/or information. 

While not focused solely on problem gambling, these two well-known organizations still can provide crucial information related to treatment and understanding the nature of the illness of addiction. While it might seem macabre and alarming that the National Suicide Prevention Line is listed in many gambling addiction resources, it demonstrates that problem gambling is no less a serious issue and has profound effects on mental health of the person suffering from the illness, as well as their families and loved ones.

All states in the United States have realized that gambling is a dangerous addiction, which can sometimes lead to a decrease in the standard of living and damage to their residents. Therefore, apart from the organizations of the whole country, in order to help the local residents, in every country there is at least one place where the residents can go and get the help they need.

Below is a complete table with the list of organizations, their addresses and ways to contact them – in alphabetical order.