Help is available right now
Whether or not you ever work with us, these gambling resources (hotlines, blocking tools, and peer communities) are free, confidential, and proven. Use them.
Problem gambling helplines
If you think you might have a gambling problem, these hotlines are the fastest place to start. Free, confidential, and staffed around the clock by trained specialists, they serve loved ones and concerned others as well as gamblers, and support is available in Spanish and other languages.
What happens when you call a helpline
Not knowing what's on the other end of the line stops a lot of people from dialing a hotline. Here's what actually happens, so there are no surprises:
- A trained counselor answers. Helpline staff are trained specifically in gambling disorder and the conditions that ride along with it, from depression to bipolar disorder. Many are certified gambling counselors, and some are peer support specialists with lived experience of recovery.
- It's confidential. You don't have to give your name. Nothing is reported to employers, family, or anyone else. You can hang up at any time.
- They ask, they don't judge. Expect a few gentle questions about your situation: what's going on, how urgent things feel, and what kind of help you're looking for.
- You leave with options. Counselors can provide crisis counseling in the moment, then connect you with local resources: treatment providers, gambling support groups, financial guidance, and self-exclusion enrollment.
- It's free, and it counts for loved ones too. Calling about someone else is just as welcome as calling about yourself.
And when you call us?
Same spirit, more specific mission. When you call (631) 887-3234, you reach someone who understands gambling addiction and can talk through virtual treatment options in NY, NJ, OH, and FL.
A brief, free consultation covers your situation, your insurance, and whether one of the programs we work with is the right fit. The programs are built on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the most researched form of gambling addiction treatment. No pressure and no obligation, and if we're not the right resource, we'll point you to one that is.
Call (631) 887-3234Problem gambling, by the numbers
Gambling disorder is more common, and more serious, than most people realize. The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that about 2.5 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for gambling disorder, with another 5 to 8 million experiencing problematic gambling behavior that falls short of a full diagnosis.
People become problem gamblers for different reasons: some are chasing escape from stress or depression, some got hooked by a big early win, and some carry genetic and psychological risk factors like high impulsivity. Mobile sports betting has put a casino in every pocket, and young adults, men, online gamblers, and sports bettors now carry the highest risk.
Gambling disorder rarely travels alone. It commonly co-occurs with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse, and the financial losses ripple outward into debt, family conflict, and in severe cases domestic instability and harm to children. That's why treatment addresses the whole picture, not just the betting. Most people with a gambling problem never seek help, often because of shame or the myth that this is a willpower problem.
The most important fact: gambling disorder is a recognized, treatable health condition, not a moral failing, and people recover from it every day.
Self-exclusion & blocking tools
Willpower is easier when the door is locked. Self-exclusion, responsible gaming tools, and blocking software put real distance between you and the bet.
State self-exclusion programs
Voluntarily ban yourself from casinos and licensed online betting platforms. Enrollment is free, and terms typically range from one year to lifetime:
- New York — Voluntary Self-Exclusion from all NYS gaming (casinos, sports betting, racetracks) via the NYS Gaming Commission
- New Jersey — Self-exclusion via the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement (covers casinos and online gaming)
- Ohio — Voluntary Exclusion Program via the Ohio Casino Control Commission
- Florida — Exclusion options vary by facility; call 1-888-ADMIT-IT for guidance
Blocking software
Apps that block gambling sites and apps across your devices:
- Gamban — blocks gambling apps and sites on all devices
- BetBlocker — free blocking tool
- GamBlock — long-running blocking software
Many banks also offer gambling transaction blocks on debit and credit cards. Ask yours. Most betting apps include responsible gambling features like deposit limits and time-outs; use them, but don't rely on them alone.
Financial safeguards
Structural changes that reduce risk while you recover:
- Limit access to cash and credit
- Add a trusted person to oversee accounts
- Set up direct deposit with spending controls
- Freeze your credit to prevent new borrowing
The programs we connect people with cover all of this in depth. See the 12-week model.
Support groups & organizations
Peer support is one of the strongest predictors of lasting recovery. From Gamblers Anonymous meetings to family-focused groups, all of these offer in-person and virtual meetings, free of charge.
Ready to talk about treatment options?
We will help you find a virtual program that fits, in NY, NJ, OH, or FL. Free and confidential.
Two questions worth answering honestly
Clinicians use a brief screen called the Lie/Bet questionnaire as a first signal of a gambling problem:
- Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?
- Have you ever had to lie to people important to you about how much you gambled?
Answering yes to either question doesn't diagnose anything, but it's a strong signal that a conversation with a professional is worth having. For a longer, more detailed self-assessment of your gambling habits, the NCPG offers free screening tools for adults and for youth and young adults, and a clinician can assess your symptoms against the full criteria for gambling disorder.
That conversation can start today
Free, confidential, and pressure-free. We'll help you make sense of where you are, and what your options look like.
Get Started → Call (631) 887-3234This list is provided for information and convenience. Better Bet is not affiliated with these organizations and inclusion is not an endorsement. Statistics are drawn from the National Council on Problem Gambling and are estimates. Details and availability may change. Verify with each organization directly.