Gamblers Anonymous: Support Groups for Problem Gambling

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is a 12-step, peer support group for people who want to stop gambling. GA follows the same 12 steps as other addiction recovery programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and utilizes faith, community and accountability in its program.

Gamblers Anonymous Key Facts

• There are distinct warning signs to look for that you may have a gambling problem
• Gamblers Anonymous has a 20 questions self assessment to help you discover if you need help
• GA follows the 12 steps, which include surrendering to a higher power, accepting powerlessness and making amends.
• GA encourages sponsorship and ongoing accountability between meetings

What Is Gamblers Anonymous (GA)?

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is a peer-led, 12-step fellowship for people who want to stop gambling. The only requirement to join this community is a desire to stop gambling.

Some of the key pillars of GA include:

• Anonymity and confidentiality
• No dues or fees to attend meetings
• Shared experiences through group discussions
• Focus on abstinence as opposed to moderation

Meetings are available in-person, virtually and by telephone. There are open and closed meeting options for different audiences. Open meetings allow people who are not necessarily participating in the 12 steps to attend and observe.

How to Know If You Might Benefit From Gamblers Anonymous

If you are wondering if you or a loved one may benefit from attending a GA meeting, there are warning signs that a problem may exist.

Signs of Compulsive or Problem Gambling

Common warning signs of a gambling problem include:

• Preoccupation with the activity
• Chasing losses
• Needing bigger bets to feel the same high (known as tolerance in addiction)
• Irritability and/or restlessness when trying to stop
• Lying or hiding
• Gambling to escape stress

Another indicator that you may have a gambling problem is when you begin to see real-life impacts on your work, school or relationships. If you find yourself going into debt or feeling unable to stop despite these consequences, you may need to seek help.

Also, look out for common co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression or substance use. These can intensify urges and increase your risk of relapse.

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The GA “20 Questions” Self-Assessment

GA has a “20 Questions” assessment for a quick self-check. This is not a formal diagnosis, but is designed to prompt honesty and help-seeking.

Once the questionnaire is completed, if you notice multiple ‘yes’ answers, this suggests that gambling is causing harm to you, and it is encouraged that you take the next step.

Attend a beginner-friendly meeting and/or talk to a licensed clinician for a full evaluation and a treatment plan.

How the GA Program Works

Gamblers Anonymous works like other 12-step programs, including working the steps, building support between meetings and repairing the damage that gambling has caused in your life.

The 12 Steps: What “Working the Steps” Means

The 12 steps follow themes such as:

• Accepting your powerlessness and the unmanageability of your addiction
• Taking inventory of the damage done
• Making amends with those you have wronged
• Maintaining an ongoing personal inventory
• Engaging in spiritual practice and service to others

GA encourages you to engage with a “Higher Power.” This is personal and self-defined and is used as a framework for humility, accountability and support, not a requirement to be religious. GA is also guided by group principles and traditions such as unity and anonymity.

Sponsorship and Support Between Meetings

One of the crucial elements of GA is sponsorship. A sponsor is a fellow GA member, usually further along in their recovery than you, who can help support and encourage accountability.

Members often meet regularly with their sponsor between meetings and reach out in moments when they feel the urge to gamble and need accountability to maintain their abstinence.

Some other practices that can help on your recovery journey include:

• Building a phone list of people you can call for support
• Calling someone before acting on an urge
• Attending frequent meetings early in your recovery
• Reducing exposure to triggers

The goal is progress over perfection. Consistent attendance, honesty and willingness are the “active ingredients” you can control in your recovery.

Repairing the Damage: Financial Recovery and “Pressure Relief”

GA has a strong focus on financial honesty and stabilization. This includes building budgets, conducting a debt reality check and putting practical safeguards in place to reduce access to gambling funds.

GA uses a “pressure relief” style of support where available.

This looks like:

• Structured guidance from experienced members on facing debts
• Disclosures
• Rebuilding stability.
• Handing over financial control temporarily
• Limiting cash/credit access
• Creating clear money boundaries

What to Expect at a Gamblers Anonymous Meeting

Common formats for a Gamblers Anonymous meeting include:

• Closed meetings for those who think they have a problem
• Beginner/newcomer meetings
• Step meetings
• Speaker and discussion style meetings
• Gender specific meetings
• Meetings that include family support components separately

In-person and virtual/phone meetings are offered and ensure anonymity and support regardless of the format.

First-Meeting Walkthrough and Meeting Etiquette

Nerves around attending for the first time are normal. You can listen only, share when ready and use only first names. No one should pressure you to speak.

A typical meeting flow might look like this:

• Opening readings
• Sharing time (often one person at a time)
• Minimal “cross-talk”
• Closing statement or prayer, depending on the group

Confidentiality and anonymity are always enforced. There are sometimes moments for optional donations and the chance to connect with members and/or sponsors after the meeting.

Finding Meetings and Building a Recovery Plan

As you start your recovery, try several meetings to see how different groups feel. A good place to start is with a newcomer meeting if one is available near you or online. Try to commit to a short trial period.

Work to create solutions to any barriers that may come up for you. If travel is an issue or you have time constraints, try a virtual or phone meeting. If you have privacy concerns, you can turn your video off during and use a neutral screen name.

The more structure and routine you can build for yourself, the better. Choose “anchor meetings” each week, and then add extra meetings during high-risk times, such as paydays, big sports events or when your stress spikes.

Adding Other Supports: Gam-Anon, Therapy, and Relapse-Prevention Tools

There is also support for loved ones called Gam-Anon. These meetings are for family and friends affected by someone else’s gambling. They can help with boundaries, coping and reducing enabling.

In addition to GA, there are therapeutic supports that can help with your recovery, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

CBT is effective for learning how to cope with urges and challenge distorted thinking. There is also treatment for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression.

Gamblers Anonymous FAQs

Call A Treatment Provider

For a conversation about what treatment options are available to you.

Make a Call

800-985-8516
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