Get help now
You don’t have to have it figured out to call. These lines are free, confidential, and answered 24/7 by people who talk about gambling every day.
If you’re in crisis or thinking about suicide
Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or chat at chat.988lifeline.org. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
For gambling and sports betting
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) · Text 800GAM. They can connect you with counseling in your state, often free.
In the next hour
- Put distance between you and the next bet. Self-exclude inside the app you use most. How →
- Tell one person. You don’t have to explain everything — “I’m having a hard time with betting and I’m stopping tonight” is enough.
- Don’t chase. The urge to win it back is strongest right after a loss. It passes. Call the helpline while you wait it out.
State helplines
| State | Helpline |
|---|---|
| Arizona | 1-800-NEXT-STEP (1-800-639-8783), text NEXTSTEP to 53342, chat at problemgambling.az.gov (24/7). ADG self-exclusion office: 602-771-4263, selfexclusion@azgaming.gov |
| Colorado | 1-800-GAMBLER (call or text, 24/7); Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado 303-955-4682 |
| Illinois | 1-800-GAMBLER (IL Helpline; exact IDHS helpline branding and number); IGB SEP (312) 814-8832 / 1-877-968-7848 |
| Indiana | Indiana problem gambling helpline 1-800-994-8448, or text INGAMB to 53342 (per IGC VEP brochure); national 1-800-GAMBLER |
| Maryland | Maryland Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), call/text/chat 24/7 (helpmygamblingproblem.org); free counseling via Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline / Safer Gaming Education Line 1-800-426-1234 (24/7); PlayWell.org LiveChat |
| Michigan | 1-800-GAMBLER (text 800GAM; primary since Aug 2024). Legacy Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-270-7117 still operates. MGCB Responsible Gaming: 888-223-3044. |
| New Jersey | 1-800-GAMBLER; DGE Self-Exclusion Hotline 1-833-788-4DGE |
| New York | NYS OASAS HOPEline 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369), 24/7; text HOPENY to 467369. VSE help: NYCPG 518-903-0217. |
| North Carolina | NC Problem Gambling Helpline 1-877-718-5543; text 'morethanagamenc' to 53342; chat at morethanagamenc.com |
| Ohio | Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-589-9966 (chat available); 1-800-GAMBLER outside Ohio. Program email: timeout@ohio.gov |
| Pennsylvania | 1-800-GAMBLER; PGCB Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling 717-346-8300 |
| Tennessee | Tennessee REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (call or text); The Gambling Clinic (Univ. of Memphis, telehealth) 901-678-STOP; national 1-800-GAMBLER |
| Virginia | Virginia Council on Problem Gambling 1-888-532-3500 (call/text/chat, 24/7) |
Support groups
- Gamblers Anonymous — free peer meetings, in person and online.
- SMART Recovery — free, science-based meetings, in person and online.
- Gam-Anon — for spouses, partners, and family members.
Finding a counselor
Ask the helpline for a referral to a certified gambling counselor near you or by telehealth. Many states fund free or low-cost treatment for gambling problems.
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