About the National Problem Gambling Helpline
National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER) is operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling. The helpline serves as a one-stop hub connecting people looking for assistance with a gambling problem to local resources. This network includes 28 contact centers which cover all 50 states and the U.S. territories.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline offers call, text and chat services 24/7/365.
What is 1-800-GAMBLER?
1-800-GAMBLER is the phone number for the National Problem Gambling Helpline. It serves as a resource for individuals who may be struggling with problem gambling or gambling addiction, or their loved ones. When someone contacts 1-800-GAMBLER they will receive support, information and referrals to services that can help them address their gambling-related concerns.
Is 1-800-GAMBLER designed for emergencies?
1-800-GAMBLER is not a crisis hotline designed for emergency services. If you or a loved one is in crisis, please call 911 or 988.
Will calls to 1-800-GAMBLER be referred to 911?
Calls are not automatically referred to 911. However, if someone’s life is in imminent danger, the helpline operator will share vital information with emergency services to save the caller’s life.
If I contact 1-800-GAMBLER, who answers?
When you contact 1-800-GAMBLER, your call/text/chat is typically answered by trained professionals who specialize in helping individuals with gambling-related issues. These individuals are knowledgeable about problem gambling and can provide support, information and resources to help you or someone you know address gambling-related concerns and make informed decisions about seeking treatment.
Is it free to contact 1-800-GAMBLER?
No payment or insurance information is required to receive resources from 1-800-GAMBLER. However, standard data rates from telecommunication mobile carriers may apply to those who text the helpline.
What type of resources are available?
1-800-GAMBLER can connect you to a variety of resources related to gambling-related issues. The specific services and resources available through 1-800-GAMBLER may vary depending on the region you are calling from, but may include:
- Information and education about problem gambling, including its signs and symptoms.
- Referrals to local or national organizations, therapists, counselors or support groups that specialize in treating gambling addiction.
- Treatment options, such as counseling, therapy, peer-support programs or residential treatment.
- Guidance on how to self-exclude from gambling establishments or online gambling sites, if available in your area, to help you limit your access to gambling.
- Financial counseling to assist in managing and addressing financial problems that may have arisen due to gambling addiction.
- Resources and support for family members and loved ones affected by gambling-related harm.
Can loved ones contact 1-800-GAMBLER?
Yes, loved ones and family members of individuals struggling with a gambling problem can contact 1-800-GAMBLER resources. Encouraging loved ones to contact 1-800-GAMBLER can be a crucial step in getting support and information to address the impact of a gambling problem on both the individual and the family. It can also serve as a source of guidance and hope for those who are trying to help someone they care about recover from gambling addiction.
What languages are available?
1-800-GAMBLER uses Language Line Solutions to provide caller translation services in more than 240 languages.
Is contacting 1-800-GAMBLER confidential?
Yes, contacting 1-800-GAMBLER is confidential. We prioritize confidentiality to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for individuals seeking help for gambling-related concerns. Personal information and the details of your call are kept private, and your identity is not disclosed without your consent.
Will my call be recorded?
Individuals contacting 1-800-GAMBLER are not required to provide any personal data to receive resources.
Calls to 1-800-GAMBLER may be monitored or recorded for quality assurance purposes. Additionally, contact centers in the helpline network may independently use call recordings for training purposes, dependent on the best practices of the center.
Does 1-800-GAMBLER use geolocation?
No, 1-800-GAMBLER does not use geolocation. Calls to 1-800-GAMBLER are automatically routed to the closest contact center based on the area code of the phone being used. Helpline operators do not have the ability to track a caller’s location.
How do calls to 1-800-GAMBLER get routed?
Currently, calls to 1-800-GAMBLER are automatically routed to the closest contact center based on the area code of the phone being used. This may result in a caller being routed to a contact center that is not in their current physical location. If the caller wants to be connected with local resources, they may need to disclose their actual location to the helpline operator to be transferred to a local contact center.