US problem-gambling support resources

Support is appropriate before a crisis. You do not need a diagnosis, a large loss, or a closed account to ask for help.

National starting point

The National Council on Problem Gambling publishes US help and treatment information. Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) for its current helpline. Branding, routing, and service options can change, so use NCPG’s current help page to confirm the available phone, text, and chat channels.

NCPG is not a gambling regulator and does not settle prize disputes. Its role is support and referral.

State and operator tools

A state gaming regulator can publish self-exclusion enrollment, licensed-operator contacts, and complaint procedures. An operator can place account limits or a brand-level exclusion. These scopes are not interchangeable.

When asking about exclusion, confirm:

• brands and product types covered;
• whether retail locations are included;
• start date and duration;
• treatment of account balance and pending withdrawals;
• marketing and data-sharing consequences;
• reinstatement process, if any;
• whether a photo or in-person step is required.

Use responsible-gaming limits for examples and the state legal matrix to find official state starting points.

Practical steps today

1. Stop deposits and paid entries.
2. Request a timeout or exclusion through the verified account.
3. Remove saved cards and wallet connections.
4. Ask financial institutions whether transaction blocks or lower limits are available.
5. Tell a trusted person and share the immediate plan.
6. Preserve statements and make a list of essential bills.
7. Contact a helpline or qualified counselor for continued support.

Do not attempt to recover losses before stopping. A bonus deadline, pending leaderboard, or loyalty status is not a reason to continue.

Peer and clinical support

NCPG’s directory can help locate state affiliates and treatment resources. Peer organizations such as Gamblers Anonymous publish meeting information. Peer support and professional care serve different needs and can be used together.

Ask a health insurer or state service about clinicians experienced in gambling-related harm. Financial counseling can address debt and household safeguards separately from treatment.

Immediate safety

If gambling-related distress creates immediate danger or thoughts of self-harm in the United States, call or text 988 through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call 911 for an immediate emergency. These services address crisis safety; a gambling helpline can support the longer recovery plan.

Helping someone else

Use specific observations rather than labels, avoid lending money for play, protect shared finances, and offer to sit with the person while they contact support. Do not take control of identity documents or accounts without consent or legal authority.