National Problem Gambling Helpline (US) — 24/7/365
Call: 1-800-522-4700 • Text: 800GAM • Chat: ncpgambling.org/chat
If you previously used “1-800-GAMBLER,” note that NCPG says it cannot utilize and administer 1-800-GAMBLER as the national helpline number after September 29, 2025; use 1-800-522-4700 for the National Problem Gambling Helpline.
Not an emergency service: If there is immediate danger, call 911. If you or someone you know is in emotional crisis or having suicidal thoughts, call/text/chat 988.
If you’re reading this, you may be dealing with one or more of these: missing money, escalating debt, secrecy, broken promises, constant betting, or fear of what happens next. The helpline is designed for exactly these situations, including for family members who need guidance even if the gambler refuses help.
- What the helpline can help with
- What to expect when you call, text, or chat
- Confidentiality, recording, and location tracking
- Languages and accessibility
- If you’re calling for a spouse, child, or loved one
- How to prepare (so you get better referrals)
- When to use 988 or 911 instead
- More places to find treatment
- FAQs
What the helpline can help with
The National Problem Gambling Helpline is a “hub” that connects you to resources that can help address gambling-related harm. What’s available can vary by region, but common types of support include information, emotional support, and referrals.
If you are the one gambling
- Referrals to counselors, therapists, or programs that treat gambling-related problems.
- Peer support options, including meetings and recovery resources.
- Self-exclusion guidance and strategies to limit access to gambling.
- Harm-reduction steps for triggers, urges, and high-risk times (weekends, sports events, payday).
If you’re a family member or loved one
- Guidance on boundaries vs. enabling and how to communicate without escalating conflict.
- Referrals to family support resources (including peer support for loved ones).
- Financial counseling resources and steps to protect essentials when gambling impacts household bills.
- Options for safety planning when there is intimidation, threats, or severe instability.
If you need a broader “what to do next” plan, see Gambling Addiction Help (US) and the Family Guide.
What to expect when you call, text, or chat
Most people delay reaching out because they don’t know what will happen. The helpline is designed to be low-friction and practical: you explain what’s going on, and the operator helps you identify next steps and local resources.
Typical flow
- You connect to a trained professional: calls/texts/chats are answered by trained professionals who specialize in helping with gambling-related issues.
- You describe the situation: you can be brief; you do not need “the perfect story.”
- You get options: the operator can share resources and referrals, including counseling, peer support, self-exclusion guidance, and financial counseling options when available.
- You leave with a next step: ideally something you can do within 24–72 hours (a meeting, an assessment, a plan for money access, or family support).
Simple script (gambler): “I’m gambling more than I want to, and it’s affecting my life. I need help finding treatment and steps to reduce access right now.”
Simple script (family): “I’m a spouse/parent. Gambling is hurting our finances and trust. I need guidance on boundaries and local resources, even if they won’t seek help yet.”
Confidentiality, recording, and location tracking
Confidentiality: The helpline states contacting it is confidential, and personal information and details of your call are kept private; your identity is not disclosed without your consent.
No personal data required: You are not required to provide personal data to receive resources.
Call recording: Calls may be monitored or recorded for quality assurance, and some contact centers may record for training depending on their practices.
Location tracking: The helpline states it does not use geolocation. Calls are routed based on the phone’s area code, so if you are traveling, you may need to tell the operator your current location to get local resources.
Languages and accessibility
Languages: The helpline uses Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in more than 240 languages.
Accessibility note: If you need accommodations or a specific communication method, start by using chat or ask the operator what options are available through your local contact center.
If you’re calling for a spouse, child, or loved one
Yes, you can call. You do not need the gambler’s permission to ask for help, resources, and a plan for what you can do next. The helpline explicitly supports loved ones and family members affected by gambling-related harm.
What to ask for as a loved one
- How to talk about the problem without escalating conflict or shame.
- How to set and enforce boundaries, especially around money and honesty.
- Local support for families (peer groups and counseling options).
- Steps to protect essentials (rent/mortgage, utilities, food) and reduce access to gambling funds.
- What to do if there is theft, fraud, threats, or unsafe behavior.
If you want a structured family plan, route readers to How to Help a Loved One With a Gambling Addiction.
How to prepare (so you get better referrals)
You can contact the helpline with zero preparation. If you want a faster, more tailored referral, these details can help the operator route you appropriately.
Helpful details to have ready
- Your current location (state) and whether you’re traveling.
- Who is calling (gambler or loved one) and your relationship.
- Type of gambling (sports betting, online casino, slots, poker, lottery, etc.).
- Top 1–2 harms (debt, missed bills, relationship conflict, work/school impact, mental health).
- Whether you want therapy referrals, peer support, financial counseling, or self-exclusion guidance.
If it feels urgent
- If someone may harm themselves or others, use 988 or 911 (depending on immediacy).
- If there is violence or imminent danger, call 911.
- If there is theft/fraud, prioritize safety and consider professional guidance; the helpline can still help you identify support options.
You can save this page or screenshot the contact details so you don’t have to search again during a stressful moment.
When to use 988 or 911 instead
The National Problem Gambling Helpline is not an emergency hotline. If your situation includes immediate danger or crisis-level emotional distress, use emergency or crisis resources first.
- Call 911 if there is imminent danger (violence, threats, medical emergency, immediate risk of harm).
- Contact 988 (call/text/chat) if you or someone you know is in emotional crisis or having suicidal thoughts; 988 explains what to expect and notes that conversations are confidential and free.
After the immediate crisis is stabilized, you can still use the gambling helpline to address the gambling-related harms and find ongoing support.
More places to find treatment
If you want to research providers while you wait for a call back or after you speak with the helpline, these tools can help you shortlist options.
- FindTreatment.gov: a confidential resource from SAMHSA for locating mental health and substance use treatment services in the US and its territories.
- Peer support: consider adding a meeting to your week (GA for gamblers; family support for loved ones) even while you explore therapy options.
FAQs
Is the National Problem Gambling Helpline free?
No payment or insurance information is required to receive resources from 1-800-522-4700, but standard carrier text/data rates may apply if you text.
Is it confidential? Will my call be recorded?
The helpline states contacts are confidential and you are not required to provide personal data to receive resources. Calls may be monitored or recorded for quality assurance, and some contact centers may record for training depending on their practices.
Will my call be routed to 911?
Calls are not automatically referred to 911. The helpline notes that if someone’s life is in imminent danger, the operator may share vital information with emergency services to help save the caller’s life.
Do they track my location?
The helpline states it does not use geolocation. Calls are routed based on your phone’s area code, so you may need to share your current location to get truly local resources if you are traveling.
What languages are available?
The helpline uses Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in more than 240 languages.
Can I call for my spouse/partner/child/parent?
Yes. The helpline explicitly supports loved ones and family members affected by gambling-related harm and can provide resources and guidance.
I saw “1-800-GAMBLER” everywhere. What should I use now?
Use 1-800-522-4700 (National Problem Gambling Helpline). NCPG states it cannot utilize and administer 1-800-GAMBLER as the national helpline number after September 29, 2025.
What if I’m not ready to talk on the phone?
You can text 800GAM or use chat at ncpgambling.org/chat. If you’re in emotional crisis, 988 also supports call/text/chat and explains what to expect before you connect.
Related resources
Editorial and safety notes
This page provides educational information and is not a substitute for professional care. If there is immediate danger, call 911. If you are in emotional crisis or having suicidal thoughts, contact 988.
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