Need Help?
Support for those struggling with gambling comes in many forms — and looks different for every individual. Learn more about the available resources if you or someone you care about is experiencing problems with gambling.
Talk over LiveChat or the phone 24/7
Have a gambling-related question? GameSense Advisors are available 24/7 via LiveChat at MACGH.org or by calling the GamLine at 1-800-GAM-1234.
Get free, confidential help for problem gambling
Need help? Call the Massachusetts Department of Health’s Substance Use Helpline at 1-800-327-5050.
Take a break (Voluntary Self-Exclusion)
When gambling is no longer fun, it’s often a good idea to take a break. The Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health offers a Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) program for Bay State casinos. Patrons can enroll remotely or in person, removing themselves from gaming floors and marketing lists for a period of time. Any on-site gambling during an exclusion term results in automatic forfeiture of all wagers, losses, and winnings. VSE enrollment in multiple languages is also available.
To get started, send a message via LiveChat at MACGH.org, email VSE@macgh.org, or call the GamLine at 1-800-GAM-1234.
Watch an urge surfing session
Urge surfing is a proven coping strategy to reduce gambling thoughts and cravings. In the below video, national problem gambling expert Dr. Lori Rugle guides viewers through urge surfing mindfulness strategies.
Hear someone else’s story about gambling
Watch a whiteboard animation video detailing Jane’s story.
Join a support group or online community
Local, regional, and national organizations hold in-person and virtual meetings, providing an opportunity to talk with others about problem gambling. The following pages are updated regularly with the latest meeting information.
- New England Intergroup of Gamblers Anonymous
- Connecticut and Western Massachusetts Gamblers Anonymous
- Gam-Anon (U.S. in-person and online meetings for families and loved ones of those struggling with gambling)
- Bettors Anonymous (online meetings and in-person meetings in Massachusetts, California, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, and Manitoba)
- Gamblers Anonymous International (locate a meeting anywhere in the world)
- Problem Gambling Support Group (Zoom meetings; most participants are in their 20s and 30s): For more info, email jeffreypwasserman@gmail.com
- Recovery Road Online Fellowship
- Gamblers in Recovery
- SMART Recovery Support
Joining an online community can help you connect with others experiencing or impacted by problem gambling addiction, share your story, and receive guidance.
- GamTalk
- Gamblers Anonymous Facebook Group (private, must ask to join)
- Gambling Addiction and Recovery Facebook Group (private, must ask to join)
- In The Rooms
Watch a prior workshop
Missed a recent workshop from our Recovery Support Series?
Get support as a loved one impacted by problem gambling
- Family members and loved ones are welcome to connect with trained advisors 24/7 via LiveChat at MACGH.org or by calling the GamLine at 1-800-GAM-1234.
- Learn about how to talk to someone about their gambling.
- Gam-Anon offers U.S. in-person and online meetings for family members and loved ones.
- SMART Recovery Support offers resources and online meetings for family and friends.
- Gamblers in Recovery has meetings and resources for family and friends.
Find a private practice clinician
Gambling disorder is treatable. Our list of Massachusetts providers currently offer both in-person and telehealth services. Please call or email the clinician directly to find out how to best connect with them.
Find outpatient treatment in Massachusetts
With locations statewide, outpatient treatment centers offer professional counseling and treatment for problem gamblers and their family members. Treatment is provided regardless of insurance coverage. Translation services are available upon request at all locations.
For more information, call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s confidential, Substance Use Helpline at 1-800-327-5050.
Please note that in-patient and residential treatment centers are not available in Massachusetts. Visit our in-patient, residential, and intensive outpatient treatment facility list. The National Council on Problem Gambling website also has a directory of inpatient and residential treatment facilities.
Download a free gambling support recovery app
Get more information
To request information about problem gambling and next steps toward recovery, contact VSE Recovery and Outreach Liaison Jodie Nealley at jodie@macgh.org.