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Responsible gambling should be a priority for everyone, no matter where you are located. The first step on the path towards gambling responsibly is to choose an online sportsbook or casino that is legal in your state or country. As well as monitoring things like the fairness of the games and the safety of transactions, regulators provide all kinds of tools and support to promote responsible gambling.
On this page, we’ve compiled a list of helplines and resources for each state to help you or someone you know get the help and support they need. Our guide includes information on hotlines, tools, and organizations that offer counseling, education, and guidance on responsible gambling practices.
In addition to the state-specific resources below, you can also contact Gamblers Anonymous from anywhere in the US. When you or someone you know requires assistance, you can join one of the established groups or call a state-specific hotline, which you can see if you click the link. There is also the National Council on Problem Gambling, which provides support to gamblers all over the country.
There is a lot of support out there for those who need it, and this is where you can find it.
Expert Opinion - Local vs. National Support
When seeking assistance for problem gambling, individuals often face the choice between localized support services provided at the state level and national helplines and organizations. Localized support offers a tailored approach, understanding the nuances of each state's gambling landscape, culture, and available resources.
State-specific hotlines and counseling services can provide immediate assistance, referrals to local treatment centers, and community-based support groups. On the other hand, national organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling offer broader resources and a wider network of professionals. These organizations often provide comprehensive information, advocacy, and access to research and best practices in responsible gambling.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on individual preferences, the severity of the gambling problem, and the availability of resources in one's local area. Combining both localized and national support can provide a holistic approach to addressing problem gambling, ensuring individuals receive the most appropriate and effective assistance tailored to their needs.
- Pat Eichner
Associate Partner at GMA Consulting
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling in Alabama, one of the main resources is the hotline from the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
On the ALCC website, you can find out more about the signs and symptoms of problem gambling. If you’re suffering, you can also find more resources and a chat helpline, which is free and confidential.
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services provides a variety of resources for those who are struggling with their gambling addiction. If you require help, you can call the Alaska helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
If you or someone you know needs help with a gambling addiction or problem in Arizona, you can call the Arizona Council on the Compulsive Gambling helpline at 1-800-777-7207.
On the Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling website, you can also use the self-assessment tools to check your habits for signs of problem gambling.
In Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Health provides resources and support for those struggling with a gambling addiction. You can call the Gambling helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
As an additional resource, when you need help, you can contact the Arkansas Problem Gambling Council, where you can visit them at 301 President Clinton Avenue B, Little Rock, AR 72201, or call them at 501-403-2321.
You can find various resources on the California Council on Problem Gambling website. If you require or know someone who requires help in California, you can call the gambling helpline at 1-800-426-2537. In addition, there is also text support available if you text ‘support’ to 53342 and a live chat service on the website.
The Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado provides a range of resources and support for those struggling with a gambling addiction. If you require support, you can call the gambling helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
In Connecticut, if you need help with a gambling problem or addiction, you can call the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling helpline at 1-888-789-7777.
For additional resources, you can visit the website to know the warning signs and get online help when you need it. This also includes a live chat service.
The Delaware Council on Gambling Problems provides a range of resources and support for those who need help with their gambling problems. When you need support in Delaware, call the helpline at 1-888-850-8888.
In Florida, should you or someone you know have problems with a gambling addiction, you call the Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-888-ADMIT-IT (234-4848). The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling extends a range of resources for those suffering from a gambling problem.
Although casino gambling and sports betting are illegal in Georgia, there are still lots of resources to help those suffering from a gambling problem via the Official Georgia Council on Problem Gambling. If you or someone you know require assistance, you can get support from the helpline at 404-985-6785.
In the event that you or someone you know have a gambling addiction in Hawaii, you can seek assistance from the Hawaii State Department of Health at 1-808-586-4400. The department will provide comprehensive information and resources to aid in overcoming the challenges, even though most forms of gambling are not legal in Hawaii.
The Idaho Council on Problem Gaming is dedicated to offering resources and support for those dealing with a gambling problem and their families. For assistance, you can contact their helpline at 801-839-5167.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available from the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling. When you need support, you can call the helpline at 833-937-4274.
In addition to the helpline, you can visit the Illinois Problem Gambling website for additional resources for yourself and your family. The resources include screening tests, self-exclusion, gambling education, and assistance from other organizations.
The Indiana Council on Problem Gambling extends its commitment to providing resources and support for those who are having a problem with a gambling problem. If you need help, contact the helpline at 1-800-994-8448.
You can organize Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon meetings on the website as an advocate and resource for problem gamblers and their families.
In Iowa, if you feel like you or your loved ones may be experiencing a problem with gambling, it is important to reach out for help. In this situation, you should contact 1-800-BETS-OFF (238-7633) for free, confidential support.
On the website for the Iowa Gambling Treatment Program, you can find comprehensive resources and support for overcoming the complexities of a gambling addiction.
If you are a problem gambler, for you and those affected, the Kansas Responsible Gambling Alliance is ready to provide resources and support. You can get no-cost treatment, with more information available at 785-266-8666.
People struggling in Kentucky can get help through the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling. You can also call the hotline at 502-223-1823 for practical advice and support.
If you need a referral to Gamblers Anonymous Certified Gambler and Counselors or crisis response, you can gain help from trained counselors 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Offering resources and support for those dealing with the complexities of gambling addiction, you can call Louisiana’s problem gamblers helpline at 1-877-770-STOP (7867) for the assistance you seek. You can also find various resources on the Louisiana Department of Health website.
If you’ve got a gambling problem and need resources to help you through the issues, the Maine Council on Problem Gambling helpline can provide this at 207-520-0293.
Whether you’re a problem gambler or not, the website also provides excellent instructional videos that explain the signs of gambling issues, knowing when to quit, and more.
The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling promotes healthy choices regarding gambling through public awareness, education, prevention, and support. As available in other states, including Maryland, you can call the helpline to speak to a trained counselor at 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2357).
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction in Massachusetts, you can call the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health helpline at 1-800-426-1234. The MACHG was founded to help those who are struggling with gambling.
If you need help or are curious about ways to keep your gambling and sports betting safe and fun, you can also message them via LiveChat and view more resources on the website.
In Michigan, if you suffer from problem gambling, you can find support through the Michigan Association on Problem Gambling. For a tailored array of resources and assistance, call their helpline at 1-800-270-7117.
If you need help with problem gambling in MN, the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling is the central resource for those seeking information. If you have a gambling addiction, there are three main ways to get in touch: you can phone the helpline at 1-800-333-4673, text “HOPE” to 53342, or contact the helpline chat.
The Mississippi Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling provides resources and support for those struggling with a gambling addiction. Call their helpline at 1-888-777-9696 if you require assistance, or text “msgambler” to 53352.
The Missouri Gaming Association has funded a free 24/7 problem gambling crisis line and referral source. This means that if you need help with your problem gambling, you can call 1-888-BETSOFF (238-7633).
As an additional service, if you or someone you know is a problem gambler, you can email [email protected]. Life Crisis Services manages this and can refer to free resources in the area.
As a resource center for problem gambling, the Montana Council on Problem Gambling is dedicated to alleviating gambling-related problems through support, referral services, and education for gamblers and their family.
If you need support, you can call the 24-hour helpline at 1-888-900-9979. There are also group gambling sessions available throughout the state of Montana.
In Nebraska, the state responsible gambling program is run by a medical professional called Justin Antons. You can call or text Justin at 402-806-7344.
In addition, the Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling website provides a range of resources that you can use.
If you’re a gambler and you have a problem NV, The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling has a mission of awareness, education, and advocacy. If you need support, you can call 702-369-9740. In addition, on the website, you can find various responsible gambling tools, resources and events.
The New Hampshire Council on Problem Gambling is a free service that provides information, education, and prevention to help those who need problem gambling treatment. In New Hampshire, if you need help, you can call the free, confidential 24/7 helpline to get support at 603-724-1605.
The Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ offers a wide range of services to its residents, including:
Public Awareness and Information
Prevention Programs
Intervention and Outreach
Treatment
Advocacy
You can also call 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537) and chat with an expert today.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need support for a gambling problem, you can head to the New Mexico Gaming Control Board website. You can also contact the nonprofit organization via the helpline at 1-800-572-1142.
The New York Council on Problem Gambling raises awareness about the signs and effects of problem gambling. If you need support, you can call the NYS OASAS Helpline at 1-877-846-7368.
In addition, you can find additional resources on the website for each region of NY, as well as screening tests to find out more about your gambling habits.
If you’re struggling with gambling in North Carolina and need tailored support, you can reach out to the North Carolina Problem Gambling helpline at 1-877-718-5543.
The state sponsors other responsible gambling initiatives too. The North Carolina Problem Gambling Prevention Program offers mini-grants of up to $5,000 for an evidence-based problem gambling prevention stacked deck curriculum for middle and high schools.
For those who are struggling with gambling problems in ND, you can contact the North Dakota Council on Problem Gambling and call their helpline at 1-877-702-7848. If you’re unsure if you need help or have a problem, you can also take the quiz on the website to learn more.
In Ohio, there are many resources for problem gamblers provided by the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio. Ohio provides screening tests and quizzes to understand more about your gambling as well as treatment and recovery.
If you need problem gambling treatment services in Ohio, you can contact the gambling helpline at 800-589-9966.
The Oklahoma Association on Problem Gambling & Gaming, promotes the availability and quality of treatment services for those with gambling problems and for their families.
If you require treatment in Oklahoma, there is a range of numbers you can call for outpatient treatment on the website, including the central office at 405-801-3329.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction in Oregon, you can call the Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-877-695-4648. You can get this help for free, confidentially, and effectively.
As a nonprofit organization, The Council on Compulsive Gambling in Pennsylvania exists to educate and share information about problem gambling, and to provide resources to help. On the CCGP website, you can find resources to contact the helpline on 1-800-848-1880, join the live chat, or send a text message.
If you’re a gambler in Rhode Island and need help, on the Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling website you can find self-assessment tests and advice about understanding the signs of problem gambling. If you require help, you can call 401-499-2472.
For help in SC, you can head to the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services. You can also gain help and treatment for gambling by calling 1-877-452-5155.
In South Dakota, the Council of Problem Gambling helpline at 1-888-781-4357 is a dedicated resource for those facing challenges with gambling.
The website contains lots of advice on how to gamble safely in SD.
The Tennessee REDLINE is a 24/7 resource for anyone struggling with various addictive behaviors, including gambling problems and associated mental health issues. You can also call or text 1-800-889-9789 for confidential referrals.
The Texas Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling assists problem gamblers and their families through its services. You can call the helpline to talk with a trained counselor at 972-490-1007.
The Utah Department of Human Services has a helpline at 1-800-537-6066 for anyone who needs tailored assistance, as well as various resources on their website. Almost all forms of gambling are not legal in Utah.
At Vermont’s Problem Gambling Resource Center there is a wealth of resources to promote safe gambling, including a self-assessment evaluation. The support for friends and family of addicts is top-notch, too. You can call them on 1-800-522-4700.
Through the Virginia Council on Problem Gambling you can find events, education, and resources to support you in improving your relationship with gambling. If you need support, call the confidential and toll-free helpline at 1-888-532-3500.
If you’re someone who requires support and assistance with problem gambling, you can find lots of resources on the Washington State Gambling Program] website. Whether you need 24-hour emotional support referrals or simply want to speak to a gambling expert, you can call 1-800-547-613.
The Responsible Gaming section of the West Virginia Gaming and Racing Association is the first stop for anyone struggling with their gambling in WV. As well as the information and self-assessment tools on the website, you can call 1-800-426-2537 for additional support.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides support for problem gamblers, their friends, and families, as well as more information for anyone curious about their relationship with gambling. They also provide a confidential chatline and a helpline at 1-800-GAMBLE-5 (426-2335).
Wyoming Council on Problem Gambling has the resources to help with gambling problems, spotting the warning signs, getting help, and resources towards responsible gambling all on their website. You can also call the helpline at 718-352-1671.
Expert Opinion - State Attitudes to Gambling
Gambling culture varies significantly across states, influenced by historical, cultural, and regulatory factors. States with deep-rooted gambling histories like Nevada and New Jersey often have more permissive attitudes due to their historical industries. Legal frameworks vary, with some states embracing a wide range of options while others maintain stricter policies. Cultural attitudes, influenced by religion, socioeconomic status, and community values, shape perceptions.
Regional preferences also play a role; horse racing may be more popular in states like Kentucky and Maryland, while sports betting dominates in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Additionally, states with significant tourism industries adapt their gambling offerings to attract visitors while considering the needs of local residents. Understanding these diverse gambling cultures is crucial for tailoring interventions and initiatives to address each state's unique challenges effectively.
- Pat Eichner
Associate Partner at GMA Consulting
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