All Resources for the Family Member

Problem gambling can affect anyone, anywhere, anytime. But it is treatable. There is help for EVERYONE: gamblers, their loved ones and their friends!

For the Family Member:

1. Assess if someone you know has a gambling problem by answering the self-assessment questions¹

• Have your Teen answer the Teen Gamblers Self-Assessment questions²

2. Call 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537) Helpline

• Speak to a live, professional master’s level counselor 24/7 for confidential and free assistance for you as a family member or problem gambler on treatment in your area. There are over 200 languages available upon request!
• OR 1-800-843-5200 – For Youth, ages 12-24, and their families

3. Seek Counseling

• Receive problem gambling assistance from a certified gambling counselorfor problem gamblers and their family members
  • State Sponsored Treatment is also available
  •  Outpatient Treatment – licensed therapists trained to assist people with gambling problems³

4. Continued Support through Gam-Anon¹

• Free support system for the spouse, family or friends of problem gamblers
  • Contact:
    • Northern California: 1-855-2CALLGA or 1-855-222-5542
    • Los Angeles/Surrounding Areas: 1-818-377-5144
    • San Diego/Riverside: 1-877-233-8547 or 1-855-2CALLGA or 1-855-222-5542
    • Meeting List

5. Self-Help Tools/Publications

• Personal Financial Strategies for the Loved Ones of Problem Gamblers
  • Designed to help families deal with personal financial issues due to a loved one’s problem gambling. (SAMHSA)⁴

• Brochures (Provided by OPG)³
  •  Youth Gambling – Tips for Parents
  •  Gambling Guidelines to Prevent Gambling Addiction
  •  Multi-Language Brochures and Workbook

6. Exclusion/Restriction Policies

• California Cardrooms
  • Most cardrooms do not have a third-party self-exclusion policy. The gambler would have to do a self-exclusion themselves to be banned from all cardrooms in California. Review the Gambling Bans and Restrictions.

• Tribal Casinos
  • Each Native American casino has its own government, forms, and policies. Must contact them individually about their third party exclusion program, if available.

• Gamblock allows gamblers to ban themselves from internet gambling.⁵

7. Help Outside of California

• National Helpline Number: 1-800-522-4700⁶
  • The Area Code on your phone will transfer you to the State the phone resides. 24/7/365, free, confidential helpline.

8. Resources for the Problem Gambler