• 24/7 Access
• Trained, Professional Staff
• Crisis Intervention
• Language Translation
• Confidential
• Referral to Appropriate Counseling, Treatment, or Community Resources
• Follow-up Information Mail-outs
• Data Collection, Statistical Reporting

The most important resource for Californians affected by problem gambling is the helpline.  This helpline, paid for by generous contributions, has been a lifeline for addicted gamblers, their families and friends since 1998.  A staff of trained professionals is available 24 hours every day of the year and is equipped to offer whatever the caller needs.  Information about Gamblers Anonymous meetings, counseling, treatment or just a confidential conversation are the most common topics on the helpline.

There are hundreds of thousands of problem gamblers in California.  Last year, the helpline handled over 2,000 calls a month and counseled many of these callers about suicide, depression, failed relationships, loss of employment and all the other areas negatively impacted by addiction.

Please help us to help them.  You can support the problem gambling helpline by making a donation, or becoming a member of the CCPG.  The helpline services we provide helps mitigate the impact of gambling addiction on families and communities in California.  Our message of hope and help is positive.

Additionally, the NICOS Chinese Health Coalition provides a free helpline in Cantonese and Mandarin at (888) 968-7888 for all Californians 24/7.

Sponsor of the Helpline
California Office of Problem Gambling

Helpline Reports
2009 CCPG Helpline Report
2008 CCPG Helpline Report
2007 CCPG Helpline Report
2006 CCPG Helpline Report
2005 CCPG Helpline Report
2004 CCPG Helpline Report
2003 CCPG Helpline Report
2002 CCPG Helpline Report
2001 CCPG Helpline Report
1998 - 2000 CCPG Helpline Report

Interesting Facts
CCPG established the first professionally staffed crisis helpline (1-800-GAMBLER) for problem gambling in California in June of 1998. During this ten-year and seven month period, over 134,851 calls have been received. Almost 35,493 were specific calls for help from problem gamblers and/or their families and friends. In 2008:

• 39.2% of callers were referred by information provided by gaming establishments.
• From the helpline, 60.8% of those who have gambling problems were male and 39.2% were female.
• 53.2% of the callers were Caucasian, 22.5% were Hispanic, 8.9% were African American, 3.2% were Chinese, 3.2% were Filipino, and 2.8% were Asian and Pacific Islander.
• The callers’ average personal debt was $28,098.
• The average annual expenditure report amounted to $29,707.
• 54% indicated that they financed their gambling with credit cards.
• 39% indicated that their credit cards were “maxed out.”

CCPG also provides follow-up information mail-outs to callers providing information regarding problem gambling and resources available for help. In 2008, over 1,765 of the packets were mailed to various persons throughout the state of California.