Fantasy. Prediction markets. Lottery scratch-offs. Online games.
It doesn’t matter what you’re playing. If the losses are piling up — in money, time, or energy — take a timeout and adjust your strategy.
Support is available, 24/7. All calls and messages are free and confidential.
Find treatment options at Kindbridge and Birches Health.
FAQs
How do I know I have a gambling or gaming problem?
Everyone’s got their own pressure points and warning signs. But when gaming stops being fun and starts running your life, it shows.
See the clinical symptoms. Here’s what those red flags might sound like:
- “I’m scrolling forecasts and odds in the middle of meetings. I can’t focus on anything else.”
- “I deleted some apps and tried to cut back but I just got restless and irritable.”
- “At times, I’m covering up how much I’m losing or how often I’m playing. I’m worried my family and friends would judge me if they really knew.”
- “Nothing hits like a multi-leg parlay anymore. I keep building bigger combos to feel the rush.”
- “When I’m stressed, sad, anxious, or bed rotting, that’s when I’m playing the most.”
- “If I lose more than $300 in a weekend, I bet more the next day or two to get even.”
- “I’ve had to borrow money to keep playing. My credit card bill keeps mounting and my bills aren’t getting paid.”
- “I keep choosing online poker and slots over my actual responsibilities and relationships.”
Where can I find treatment?
Kindbridge and Birches Health offer in-person and telehealth options.
You can also call 1-800-MY-RESET to get started.
How can I support someone struggling?
You don’t have to watch from the sidelines. Here’s how to step in and help.
Look after yourself first: Tap into the above resources and groups like Gamblers Anonymous, which is open to anyone impacted by sports betting, gaming, or gambling. You can also connect with a problem gambling counselor through Kindbridge and Birches Health.
Protect your finances: Create safeguards for yourself and anyone else affected. Talk to an attorney and/or financial planner. Use GamFin for financial counseling and money management tools.
Coach with care: If you’re in a safe relationship, talk to the person with honesty and care. Explain how their gaming is affecting you and give them space to respond.
Expect mixed emotions. Frustration and worry are normal. Lean on your own team, too.
Where can I find community?
If you’re in Georgia, Gamblers Anonymous has meetings you can go to in person or join virtually.
If you’re anywhere in the world, check out Gam-Anon, Gamblers Anonymous, and Gaming Addicts Anonymous. Find online communities at GamTalk, InTheRooms, or GameQuitters.
You can also read and join conversations on Reddit at r/ProblemGambling, r/GamblingAddiction, and r/StopGaming. A daily gambling addiction support group is offered via Zoom. Send a DM here to join.
How can I quit gambling?
You’re not alone. Expand your team of support and take control.
Lock your defenses: Download Gamban and BetBlocker, which block hundreds of gaming, gambling, and gambling-adjacent platforms and apps.
Learn from experience: Rob, a person in recovery, shares helpful tips on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
Ask for reinforcements: Talk to a loved one, friend, or counselor.
Call in backup: Sign up for emails and texts from The Georgia Council on Safer Gaming for tips, articles, and timely info.
What are the clinical symptoms of a gambling addiction?
A diagnosis of gambling addiction, also known as gambling disorder, requires at least four of the following over the past 12 months:
- Having frequent thoughts about gambling (such as reliving past gambling or planning future gambling)
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the desired excitement.
- Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back on, or stop gambling.
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
- Playing when trying to escape from problems, a negative mood, or stress.
- Feeling the need to “get even” or “chase losses” after losing.
- Gambling when feeling distressed.
- Lying to hide the extent of gambling involvement.
- Losing important opportunities, like a job or school achievements or close relationships due to gambling.
- Relying on others to help with money problems caused by gambling.