Problem Gambling Resources in California

If gambling is causing a problem in your life, the National Council on Problem Gambling has developed this list as a starting point for those seeking help or information about gambling problems.  We encourage you to ask questions, gather information and conduct research on the type of help that is most appropriate for your situation.  The information below is intended to be a starting point—it is not a complete list of information or services

FIND HELP IN YOUR STATE NOW, including counseling, treatment, self-help and support groups: National Problem Gambling Helpline (800-522-4700) AND California Council on Problem Gambling 800 S. Harbor Blvd., Suite 255 Anaheim, CA  92805 Tel:  714-765-5804 Fax: 714-765-5807 Email: info@calproblemgambling.org Website: www.calproblemgambling.org/

Self Help Resources:

Gamblers Anonymous (www.gamblersanonymous.org) is fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem. 

Gam-Anon (www.gam-anon.org) is a self-help organization for the spouse, family or close friends of compulsive gamblers.

Your First Step to Change Online Workbook (http://basis.typepad.com/basis/selfhelp_tools.html)  This guide will help you understand gambling, figure out if you need to change, and decide how to deal with the actual process of change

Other State Resources: California Council on Problem Gambling (www.calproblemgambling.org/) is the NCPG Affiliate Chapter in the state.  Every Affiliate Member is a non-profit dedicated to helping problem gamblers.  The Affiliate provides information on resources within your state, including counseling, treatment, self-help and support groups.   California Office of Problem Gambling (www.problemgambling.ca.gov/) is responsible for general health and addiction services in this state, and may also have information on problem gambling. For the fact sheet on gambling and problem gambling for California Click Here.

Assessment Tools:

It is important to note that these screens are not a diagnosis and DO NOT replace a face to face evaluation with a trained clinical professional.

NORC Diagnostic Screen for Gambling Problems.  This simple self test will help you to evaluate your gambling behavior.   

Problem Gambling Criteria.  10 Questions adapted from the DSM IV criteria. 

Other Treatment Resources: National Certified Gambling Counselor (NCGC) Directory.  This directory includes only clinicians who have applied for and met the NCGC criteria.  There are likely additional counselors certified through other entities in your state, contact the local affiliate or state health agency for more information. Inpatient/Residential Treatment Locater.  Programs must be licensed or accredited to provide treatment; have a gambling specific track or protocol; and have at least one full time clinical staff member who is a certified gambling counselor.

Additional Resources:

In addition to the resources listed above, there are many additional resources for problem gamblers throughout the National Council on Problem Gambling site

Links to Affiliates, US and International Resources, Publications and State Problem Gambling Services

Literature Catalog  includes both NCPG and other publications. 

Real Voices stories of individuals who have been affected by problem gambling, including problem gamblers and their family members, friends, colleagues and employers; treatment providers; advocates; and any others

NCPG does not endorse nor control the content, products or services of other sites linked to or from the NCPG website. The NCPG site is intended to facilitate the dissemination of information to the public about problem and pathological gambling.