Gambling addiction is a serious mental health condition that can devastate your finances, relationships, and emotional well-being. GD is a severe condition typically involving a number of psychosocial and psychiatric consequences, yet recovery is possible with the right support and treatment.
If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling, you're not alone. Recent meta-analytic data has reported that globally, only around 20 percent of people with a gambling problem seek treatment. The NGAGE 3.0 findings confirm the need for a comprehensive system of care for the estimated 2.5 million adults likely to suffer from gambling disorder, as well as the 5 to 8 million more who exhibit some problematic behavior. The good news is that effective treatments are available, and many people successfully recover from gambling addiction each year.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Gambling Addiction
- Treatment Options for Gambling Addiction
- How to Talk to a Loved One About Gambling
- Self-Exclusion Programs
- Online and Digital Treatment Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Find a Therapist
Understanding Gambling Addiction
Gambling disorder (also known as gambling addiction or pathological gambling) is a psychiatric condition featuring recurrent, maladaptive gambling behavior that leads to clinically significant distress. In 2013, GD was reclassified into the "Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders" group of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), recognizing it as an addiction similar to substance use disorders.
The condition affects people differently, but common signs include:
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve excitement
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down on gambling
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to control or stop gambling
- Preoccupation with gambling activities
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve negative emotions
Studies show that roughly one in two gamblers will think about suicide and one in five gamblers will attempt suicide, highlighting the critical importance of seeking help.
Treatment Options for Gambling Addiction
Research shows that gambling addiction is treatable, with multiple evidence-based options available. Cognitive behavioral therapy has become the most common psychological intervention for treating gambling problems, and it is effective in reducing gambling behavior.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy remains the gold standard for gambling addiction treatment. CBT has been shown to be especially effective for this behavioral addiction. Studies have reported that this therapeutic intervention is associated with a reduction of gambling behavior frequency and the severity of the disorder.
CBT helps individuals:
- Identify and challenge gambling-related thoughts and beliefs
- Develop coping strategies for urges and triggers
- Learn problem-solving skills
- Address underlying emotional issues
At the end of treatment, significantly more participants in the individual CB therapy condition no longer met DSM criteria for gambling disorder (69%) than in the other conditions.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy
Motivational interviewing and motivational enhancement therapy show promise for gambling treatment. This directive intervention empowers patients to identify and effectively solve their ambivalence about change. Between weeks 6 and 9, MET plus cognitive behavioral therapy exhibited a substantial reduction in gambling compared to the control condition. These findings suggest that extremely brief interventions can be effective in decreasing gambling tendencies among individuals with problem and pathological gambling.
Medication Options
While psychotherapy is typically more effective than medication alone, certain medications may help some individuals. Network meta-analysis (NMA) indicated that nalmefene and naltrexone have the most evidence for the treatment of gambling disorder.
Compared with placebo, moderate confidence evidence indicated that nalmefene [Standardized Mean Difference (SMD): −0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.32, −0.41] reduced gambling severity, followed by naltrexone (SMD: −0.42; 95% CI: −0.85, 0.01). Naltrexone and nalmefene were also more beneficial than placebo in terms of quality of life.
It's important to note that there are no FDA-approved medications to treat gambling disorders, so medication use is considered off-label and should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Residential Treatment Programs
Residential treatment centers provide intensive, round-the-clock care for severe gambling addiction. These facilities offer:
- Structured daily therapeutic activities
- Individual and group therapy sessions
- Medical supervision and support
- Peer support and community
- Comprehensive treatment addressing biological, psychological, and social needs
This clinic offers a unique three-month, semi-structured, intensive multidimensional and multidisciplinary treatment approach delivered by a team of specialized mental health professionals. Treatment interventions include individual and group psychotherapy, socioemotional skills training, family therapy, support groups and other modalities.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
Intensive outpatient programs bridge the gap between residential and standard outpatient care. These programs typically provide:
- Nine or more hours of structured therapy per week
- Flexibility to maintain work and family responsibilities
- Group and individual therapy sessions
- Relapse prevention planning
IOPs can serve as a step-down from residential treatment or as an alternative to inpatient care for those with strong support systems.
Support Groups
Peer support groups play a crucial role in gambling addiction recovery. Research indicates a role for both social support and belonging in addiction recovery. By fostering an environment of peer support, shared experiences, accountability, and a recovery community, these groups help participants navigate the challenges of addiction.
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is the most widely available support group, operating on a 12-step model similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. Gamblers Anonymous is based on the principles of AA, but differs in that it places greater emphasis on assisting with matters associated with the financial side of gambling problems, and focuses more on the involvement of family members and social networks.
In a group of treated gambling addicts, 60% revealed that they used both professional help and support groups for their recovery, according to a study by the National Library of Medicine. In a group of people who joined support groups, 80% were able to recover effectively, according to a research study by Sheffield Hallam University.
Other support group options include:
- SMART Recovery: Offers a 4-point program using cognitive-behavioral techniques
- Gam-Anon: Provides support for family members and friends of problem gamblers
- Online support groups: Virtual meetings for those unable to attend in person
Family and Couples Therapy
Gambling addiction affects not just the individual but their entire family system. Despite the various impacts incurred by affected others of problem gambling (Langham et al., 2016) and the knowledge that their prevalence is much higher than that of problem gamblers, family involvement in treatment can improve outcomes.
Family therapy can help:
- Repair damaged relationships
- Establish healthy boundaries
- Improve communication
- Address financial concerns
- Develop mutual support strategies
How to Talk to a Loved One About Gambling
Approaching someone about their gambling problem requires sensitivity and preparation. Here are evidence-based strategies:
Do:
- Educate yourself about gambling addiction and available treatments
- Choose the right time to talk, such as after a gambling episode when consequences are evident
- Use "I" statements to express your concerns without blame
- Provide specific examples of how gambling has affected you and the family
- Express care and support while maintaining firm boundaries
- Have resources ready, including treatment options and helpline numbers
Don't:
- Use accusatory language or personal attacks
- Enable gambling by providing money or covering debts
- Expect immediate change or recovery
- Exclude the person from family activities
- Try to control their behavior
Reach out for support. Call a trusted friend or family member. Go to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting. Remember that professional help is available, and you don't have to handle this alone.
Self-Exclusion Programs
Self-exclusion programs allow individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling venues and online platforms. VSE has been proven effective on the individual level, though the programs have limitations.
How Self-Exclusion Works
When you enroll in a self-exclusion program:
- You complete a registration process (online or in person)
- You're legally banned from specified gambling venues
- Ban periods typically range from 6 months to lifetime
- Self-exclusions take effect immediately
- Venues must deny you entry and withhold any winnings
Effectiveness and Limitations
The available literature shows that although there are many barriers and limitations to the current self-exclusion programs, self-exclusion is generally viewed as an effective responsible gambling strategy. However, challenges exist:
- Gambling addicts said that while on the self-exclusion list, they entered OLG properties on a regular basis in spite of the facial recognition technology in place at the casinos, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. A CBC journalist who tested the system found that he was able to enter Ontario casinos and gamble on four distinct occasions
- Gaps in enforcement are another factor influencing effectiveness. People who choose to self-exclude may still access gambling through operators that require no verification, exploit weak ID verification systems, or use cryptocurrency gambling
Improving Self-Exclusion Success
For some individuals, self-exclusion serves as a catalyst for further recovery actions, motivating them to seek additional help and adopt healthier coping strategies. Programs that offer follow-up support and access to therapeutic resources report better long-term outcomes for participants.
To maximize effectiveness:
- Combine self-exclusion with counseling or therapy
- Include both land-based and online gambling sites
- Inform trusted friends and family about your exclusion
- Remove gambling apps and block gambling websites
- Seek support during the exclusion period
The GAMSTOP national online self-exclusion scheme allows users to ban themselves from all licensed gambling websites and apps in Great Britain with a single request. Launched in 2018 and mandated for all licensed operators since 2020, GAMSTOP recently introduced a smart 5-year auto-renewal option that automatically extends the exclusion unless the user opts out.
Online and Digital Treatment Options
The rise of digital health technologies has expanded access to gambling addiction treatment. The Covid-19 pandemic has reignited discussions about the prevalence of and treatment options for problem gambling and gambling disorder (PGGD). Since affected persons seldom seek professional help, online interventions can improve accessibility.
Internet-Delivered CBT (iCBT)
Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) program for gambling disorder (GD), provided with therapist support in routine addiction care, in a nationally recruited sample in Sweden. The study details the introduction of the iCBT program, evaluates its effectiveness and acceptability, and compares registry outcomes among iCBT patients with other patients with GD at the clinic who received face-to-face psychological treatment as usual.
A lack of randomized allocation notwithstanding, the iCBT program for GD evaluated in this study was well-received by patients in routine addiction care, was associated with the expected symptom decrease during treatment, and appears to result in posttreatment registry outcomes similar to face-to-face treatment.
Effectiveness of Online Interventions
Online interventions turned out to be effective in both analyses with Hedges g = 0.41, 95% confidence interval = [0.22 to 0.60], p < .001, for meta-analysis 1 and Hedges g = 1.28, 95% confidence interval = [0.85, 1.71], showing significant positive effects.
Benefits of online treatment include:
- Greater accessibility for rural or mobility-limited individuals
- Reduced stigma through anonymous participation
- Lower cost compared to traditional therapy
- Flexibility in scheduling
- Evidence-based content delivery
Self-Guided vs. Therapist-Supported
At present, little research has been done to evaluate the impact of guided versus unguided (i.e., self-guided) interventions for addictive behaviours. Although self-guided online interventions have been shown to have a positive impact on symptoms of gambling disorder (Gainsbury and Blaszczynski, 2011), a recent systematic comparison of self-guided treatments for disordered gambling demonstrated worse results for this type of intervention than face-to-face treatments.
Programs with therapist support typically show better outcomes than fully self-guided interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need help for gambling?
You may need help if you:
- Can't control your gambling despite negative consequences
- Lie about your gambling activities
- Use gambling to cope with stress or emotions
- Experience financial problems due to gambling
- Feel anxious, depressed, or irritable when not gambling
- Have relationship problems related to your gambling
If you're experiencing any of these signs, reach out to a mental health professional or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER) which can connect people with a gambling problem to local resources.
What type of treatment is most effective?
Cognitive behavioral therapy has become the most common psychological intervention for treating gambling problems, and it is effective in reducing gambling behavior. CBT has been shown to be especially effective for this behavioral addiction. The most effective approach often combines:
- Individual therapy (especially CBT)
- Support group participation
- Family involvement
- Medication when appropriate
- Lifestyle changes and relapse prevention strategies
How long does treatment take?
Treatment duration varies based on individual needs and severity. A unique three-month, semi-structured, intensive multidimensional and multidisciplinary treatment approach is one example, but many people benefit from:
- Initial intensive treatment (8-12 weeks)
- Ongoing therapy sessions (6-12 months)
- Long-term support group participation
- Lifelong recovery management strategies
Can I recover without professional help?
While some people recover on their own, professional treatment significantly improves outcomes. Some people can stop gambling on their own. But many people need help to address their gambling problems. Only one in ten people with gambling disorder seek treatment. Given the serious risks, including the highest suicide risk out of any other substance use or addictive disorder, seeking professional help is strongly recommended.
Will insurance cover gambling addiction treatment?
Coverage varies by insurance plan and location. The referral service is free of charge. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, we will refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. In addition, we can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities.
What if I relapse?
Relapse is often part of the recovery journey and doesn't mean treatment has failed. Relapse prevention is considered at support groups, which require every member to attend regularly. These groups help individuals consistently go through treatment and reach their goals for an effective recovery. This lowers the risk of relapse, as the treatment doesn't stop until the individual has fully recovered and learned coping strategies for the future.
If you relapse:
- Contact your therapist or support group immediately
- Don't view it as failure but as a learning opportunity
- Identify triggers that led to the relapse
- Adjust your treatment plan as needed
- Strengthen your support system
Find a Therapist
Getting help for gambling addiction starts with finding the right support. The GoodTherapy directory can connect you with qualified therapists who specialize in addiction treatment.
When searching for a therapist, look for professionals who:
- Have experience treating gambling addiction
- Use evidence-based approaches like CBT
- Offer both individual and group therapy options
- Can coordinate with other treatment providers
- Understand the unique challenges of gambling recovery
Find a therapist near you who specializes in gambling addiction treatment.
SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for immediate support.
References:
- Allami, Y., Hodgins, D. C., Young, M. M., Bruneau, S., Currie, S., Flores-Pajot, M. C., Nadeau, L., Paradis, C., Perron, M., & Young, M. (2024). The prevalence of gambling and problematic gambling: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Public Health, 9(8), e594–e613. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(24)00126-9
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). What is gambling disorder? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gambling-disorder/what-is-gambling-disorder
- Audette-Chapdelaine, S., Auger, A. M., Håkansson, A., & Brodeur, M. (2023). Qualitative experience of self-exclusion programs: A scoping review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(5), 3987. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20053987
- Augustin, D., Schröder, L., Wittchen, H. U., & Kraus, L. (2023). Psychological online interventions for problem gambling and gambling disorder – A meta-analytic approach. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 159, 89–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.01.006
- Chóliz, M., Marcos, M., & Lázaro-Mateo, J. (2024). Behavioural-cognitive treatment of online gambling disorder. Clinical Case Reports and Studies, 6(2), Article 1092. https://pnsd.sanidad.gob.es/noticiasEventos/actualidad/2024
- Devault-Tousignant, C., Lavoie, M., & Gravel, J. (2023). Effectiveness of a voluntary casino self-exclusion online self-management program. Addictive Behaviors Reports, 18, Article 100520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2023.100520
- Dodig Hundric, D., Mandic, S., & Ricijas, N. (2025). Short-term effectiveness of gambling treatment in the Daily Clinic for Gambling Addiction. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, Article 1536082. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1536082
- Ginley, M. K., & Rash, C. J. (2023). A systematic review of treatments for problem gambling. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 31(8), 951–961. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000290
- Håkansson, A., Karlsson, A., & Widinghoff, C. (2024). Treatment seeking for gambling disorder in nationwide register data – observations around a major shift in legislation. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, Article 1293887. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1293887
- Kraus, L., Bickl, A. M., Hellman, M., Kankainen, V. E., Loy, J. K., Neyer, M., Rolando, S., Room, R., Rossow, I., Volberg, R., & Cisneros Örnberg, J. (2024). Voluntary self-exclusion from gambling: Expert opinions on gaps and needs for improvement. Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 41(5), 523–540. https://doi.org/10.1177/14550725241264628
- Molander, O., Berman, A. H., Jakobson, M., Gajecki, M., Hällström, H., Ramnerö, J., Bjureberg, J., Carlbring, P., & Lindner, P. (2024). Introducing and evaluating the effectiveness of online cognitive behavior therapy for gambling disorder in routine addiction care: Comparative cohort study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 26, e54754. https://doi.org/10.2196/54754
- National Council on Problem Gambling. (2023). Internet responsible gambling standards (Rev. ed.). https://www.ncpgambling.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Internet-Responsible-Gambling-Standards-Rev.-12-2023-FINAL.pdf
- National Council on Problem Gambling. (2024). NGAGE 3.0 (2024) - National survey on gambling attitudes and gambling experiences. https://www.ncpgambling.org/training/ngage-survey/ngage-3/
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Mental health services. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nimh.nih.gov
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024). Gambling disorder and comorbidities. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://nida.nih.gov
- National Institutes of Health. (2024). Depression and gambling disorders. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nih.gov
- Pickering, D., Blaszczynski, A., & Gainsbury, S. M. (2024). The role of social support and belonging in predicting recovery from problem gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies, 40, 821–839. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-023-10245-8
- Sarkhel, S., Basu, A., & Dhillon, P. K. (2024). Online gambling: Mental health implications and how to curb the emerging menace. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 66(10), 873–874. https://doi.org/10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_915_24
- Smith, D. P., Fairley, S., Battersby, M. W., Harvey, P. W., & Ayers, J. W. (2025). Growing health concern regarding gambling addiction in the age of sportsbooks. JAMA Network Open, 8(4), e248537. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.8537
- Stevens, M. W. R., Dorstyn, D., Delfabbro, P. H., & King, D. L. (2024). Treatment of gaming disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research, 341, Article 116129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2024.116129
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). SAMHSA's National Helpline. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline
- Suurvali, H., Cordingley, J., Hodgins, D. C., & Cunningham, J. (2024). Pharmacological management of gambling disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 132, Article 152466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152466
- Syvertsen, A., Erevik, E. K., Hanss, D., Mentzoni, R. A., & Pallesen, S. (2023). Cognitive-behavioral treatment for gambling harm: Umbrella review and meta-analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 104, Article 102324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102324
- Vassallo, M., DeGiovanni, K., & Montgomery, P. (2023). The efficacy of psychosocial interventions in minimising the harm caused to affected others of problem gambling: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Gambling Studies, 39, 1927–1958. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-023-10220-3
- Wang, Q., Zhang, Y., & Li, X. (2024). A systematic review on intervention treatment in pathological gambling. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(3), 346. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21030346
