In the following article , we’ll provide you with details about the gambling addiction hotline in the USA. Before we do that, you will find a definition of problem gambling. We will tell you about the mission and values of the organization behind the hotline, followed by some tips on how to gamble responsibly. Finally, we’ve prepared answers to the most popular questions on the topic.
Defining Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is a serious matter surrounded by a lot of stigmas. This is why we will begin our piece by sharing a definition of gambling addiction. Hopefully, this will provide additional insight and help you understand the matter at hand better and learn about what happens inside the brain of a gambling addict.
Gambling addiction, also called problem gambling, is a term that relates to all gambling behavior which can lead to compromising, disrupting, or damaging personal and family pursuits. The symptoms might be different from one individual to another. Most commonly, gambling addicts experience preoccupation with gambling, irritability when prompted to stop, and a need to gamble with larger sums more frequently.
While gambling addiction can be treated successfully and people recover from it, some individuals face extreme negative consequences. Those can be bankruptcy, debt and legal issues, loss of family or career, and even suicide. Contrary on popular belief, gambling addiction is not ‘just a financial problem’, in fact, it is an emotional one.
Furthermore, everyone is at risk of becoming an addict. It does not only affect irresponsible or weak-willed individuals. Hence, it is vital to be aware of the dangers and responsible gambling practices if you engage in gambling activities. The first step to recovering is admitting to the problem, whether that’s to help yourself or your loved ones.
Gambling Addiction Hotline Saving Lives
Many players find the best casino sites in the USA fun and entertaining, but things can quickly spiral out of control for some individuals. If you or someone close to you is experiencing concerns about their well-being, it is best to contact the gambling addiction hotline, supported by the National Council on Problem Gambling.
The line is open 24/7, and all the operators are qualified to help and guide people struggling with gambling addiction or their loved ones. The national gambling addiction hotline is toll-free and confidential so that people from any state in the US can get assistance.
Gambling Addiction Hotline Number
In a nutshell, the National Problem Gambling Helpline, operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling, provides local resources to people looking for help with a gambling problem, whether that’s for themselves or their loved ones. The network has 28 call centers that offer support to individuals in the USA, Canada, and the US Virgin Islands.
| 🏛️ Organization: | National Council on Problem Gambling |
| 👨⚕️ Founded by: | Msgr. Joseph A. Dunne and Dr Robert Custer, among others |
| 🗓️ Established in: | 1972 |
| 📞 National Helpline Number: | 1-800-522-4700 |
| 💬 National Chat: | ncpgambling.org/chat |
| 📱 Text: | 1-800-522-4700 |
| 💻 Website: | www.ncpgambling.org |
In addition to the 24/7 gambling helpline number, the Network has launched text and chat services to accommodate more people seeking help. These features are most suitable for individuals who prefer to gamble online or on their mobile devices. Today, people in the US can get help over the phone, via chat or text 24/7, 365 days a year.
National Gambling Addiction Hotline – Mission and Values
In 1972, Msgr. Joseph A. Dunne and Dr Robert Custer, along with others, founded the National Council on Problem Gambling organization to help people who struggle with gambling addiction. This Council was established on two main principles. The first one is that this organization would act as an advocate for problem gamblers and their families.
The second one is that it would not take any position regarding legalized gambling. The National Council on Problem Gambling remains neutral when it comes to legalized gambling. Its sole purpose is to advocate for those affected by problem gambling. Today, these principles are embedded in the organization’s vision and mission statements.
Gambling Problem Hotline – History
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) was founded in 1972 by Msgr. Joseph A. Dunne, Dr Robert Custer, and others. In the mid-1980s, the NCPG sought to ensure counselors’ excellence and effectiveness, so the International Gambling Counselor Certification Program began.
In 1985, the organization established the National Problem Gambling Helpline, and the first National Conference on Gambling Behavior was held in New York City. During the 1990s, the National Council on Problem Gambling focused solely on helping people struggling with gambling addiction and didn’t launch any new initiatives.
In 2003, the NCPG started the National Problem Gambling Awareness Week (NPGAW), which expanded to a month in 2014. Then in 2009, it founded the International Holiday Lottery Responsible Gaming Campaign. The organization has been very active in the 2010s, working on multiple projects to advocate for responsible gambling.
In 2013, it published the first-in-the-US Internet Responsible Gambling Standards, which are endorsed by the NCLGS. The same year, the organization created Social Games Consumer Protection Guidelines. In 2015, the NCPG added text and chat to the helpline services and started two new responsible gaming programs.
In 2016, the organization hosted the first Summit on Sports and Gambling. In 2017, the National Council on Problem Gambling published a GAO report on gambling in the military, launched President’s Circle initiative, and hosted the first Tribal Summit on Responsible Gaming.
Tips for Responsible Gambling
Gambling can be a nice way to have fun and enjoy your free time, but it can also turn into a nightmare for some if not done properly. Hence, we strongly encourage you to always gamble responsibly online and offline. We have prepared a list of responsible gambling tips that all types of players can use:
- Establish a bankroll management habit
- Avoid using intoxicating substances such as alcohol and drugs while gambling
- Learn the rules of the game by heart
- Test different game strategies in advance
- Don’t rely on betting systems
- Take advantage of free demo games
- Gamble only at licensed and reputable establishments
- Read the casino bonus T&Cs carefully
Reputable US gambling sites have self-limitation and self-exclusion tools to encourage responsible gambling and reduce the risk of problem gambling. The self-limitation feature would be your first stop if you would like to implement a stricter form of control over your gaming activities. For example, you can limit your monthly deposits or cap your losses.
Furthermore, you can set a limit on your gaming session to help you keep track of the time you spend gambling. You can also take a break from your preferred online casino and select a time period in which your account will be temporarily suspended. That can be anything between 24 hours to several months.
As a last resort, you can use the self-exclusion feature. It is designed for players who might be on the verge of gambling addiction and want to prevent themselves from gambling for a period of time. Once a player selects this feature, the online casino must block access to their account and return all the funds.
Popular Questions About Gambling Helpline
Hopefully, our piece has given you all the details you need to know about the gambling helpline in the US. Even though we tried to be as thorough as possible, we understand that some of you might have additional queries. Hence, we have prepared answers to the most commonly asked questions on the topic.
