Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024If gambling is taking up more of your time, energy, or money than you want it to, you're not alone—and you're not out of options. With the right therapist for gambling addiction, recovery is possible. Whether you’re trying to stop or just wondering if your gambling is becoming a problem, there is help available.
Nutritionist, Pastoral Counselor, Pre-Licensed Professional
805 Nichols Road, Suwanee, Georgia 30024
Brita Kalo is a Nutritionist in Suwanee, Georgia and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Gambling, Financial Concerns, Hoarding.
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Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW), Education Specialist (EdS), Hypnotherapist
Murdaugh Street, Varnville, South Carolina 29944
Doctor Professor is a Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) in Varnville, South Carolina. They treat Gambling, Psychosis, Gender Identity.
Wiedza zdobywana codziennie po trochu kumuluje się. Z badań wynika, że osoby,
Counselor
1776 South Main Street, Akron, Ohio 44301
Halla William is a Counselor in Akron, Ohio. They treat Gambling, Body Image, Gender Identity.
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Psychotherapist, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Physician, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Pastoral Counselor
Remote only
Kira Nollan is a Psychotherapist in undefined, undefined. They treat Gambling, Gambling Concerns, Family Caregiving Stress.
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Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC), Audiologist, Certified Clinical Social Worker (CSW), Academy of Certified Social Workers License (ACSW), Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP), Certified Social Worker (CSW), Certified Trauma Professional, Community Resource, Counselor, Credentialed Sexual Abuse Youth Clinician (CSAYC), Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW), Education Specialist (EdS), Executive Function Coach, Hypnotherapist, Independent Substance Abuse Counselor, Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor (LCAC), Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker Associate, Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Master Level Psychologist (LMLP), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Masters Addiction Counselor (LMAC), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Psychological Examiner-Independent, Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider (LSOTP), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Work (LSCSW), Limited Licensed Master Social Worker (LLMSW), Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC), Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor (MFCC), Massage Therapist, National Certified Counselor (NCC), Neuropsychologist, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Psychotherapist, Nutritionist, Occupational Therapist
1951 Tavern Court, Alpine, California 91901
Aristotle Fernandez is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in Alpine, California. They treat Gambling, Life Transitions, Chronic Illness/Pain.
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Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP), Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
128 South Sawyer Street, Shawano, Wisconsin 54166
Colt Walton is a Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) in Shawano, Wisconsin. They treat Gambling, Eating Concerns, Antisocial Personality.
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Gambling addiction—also known as gambling disorder or compulsive gambling—is a behavioral addiction. It’s marked by a loss of control, despite increasing negative consequences. If you find yourself:
You may benefit from talking to a gambling addiction therapist. The earlier you seek support, the easier it is to stop the cycle.
Gambling addiction can be hard to recognize—especially in yourself. It doesn’t always look dramatic or destructive at first. Over time, though, it becomes harder to hide and harder to stop.
Common signs include:
If any of this feels familiar, a licensed gambling counselor can help you understand what’s going on and what recovery could look like.
The American Psychiatric Association defines gambling disorder as a persistent and recurring gambling behavior that leads to significant distress or problems in life. To receive a diagnosis, a person must meet at least four out of nine criteria over a 12-month period, including:
Diagnosis isn’t about judgment. It’s a tool to identify what kind of gambling addiction support is needed. A licensed gambling addiction psychologist can help assess your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan.
Diagnosis begins with an open conversation. Your provider may ask about:
They may use screening tools like the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) or DSM-5 criteria to better understand your experience. If you’re not ready to stop yet, that’s okay—a good therapist will meet you where you are.
Gambling addiction isn’t caused by greed or poor willpower—it’s a complex condition influenced by many factors:
Gambling addiction can happen to anyone. Fortunately, with professional help and support, it’s treatable.
Gambling addiction is highly treatable, and many people make lasting changes with the right combination of therapy, education, and support. Treatment doesn’t just focus on stopping the behavior—it helps you understand why gambling became a problem and gives you tools to take back control of your life.
One of the most effective approaches is therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT helps you recognize the thoughts, feelings, and situations that lead to gambling, and teaches you how to change your response. For example, many people with gambling addiction believe things like “I’m due for a win” or “I can earn it back if I keep playing.” CBT works to challenge and reframe those beliefs. A therapist for gambling addiction can also help you identify triggers, manage urges, and build healthier coping skills.
Psychoeducation is a key part of treatment. This means learning about how addiction works in the brain, why gambling becomes compulsive, and how it interacts with emotions like stress, boredom, or loneliness. Understanding the science behind your behavior can reduce shame and help you feel more empowered. A gambling addiction therapist can walk you through how the reward system in your brain gets hijacked by gambling and what steps you can take to break the cycle.
Support networks are another critical piece. Many people benefit from group therapy, 12-step programs like Gamblers Anonymous, or family therapy that helps loved ones heal and support recovery. You may also work with a gambling counselor to set financial boundaries or create accountability systems that help keep you on track.
In some cases, medication may be part of the plan—especially if you’re also dealing with depression, anxiety, or impulse control issues. There’s no single “gambling pill,” but certain medications can reduce urges or treat co-occurring conditions that make gambling worse.
Environmental changes matter too. This can mean limiting access to gambling websites or apps, giving someone else control of your finances temporarily, or building a structured routine that leaves less time and space for gambling.
Every recovery plan looks a little different. A licensed gambling addiction psychologist or counselor will work with you to develop a treatment approach tailored to your needs, values, and goals.
You don’t have to go through this alone. With the right knowledge and support, change is not only possible—it’s sustainable.
Treatment may come from:
Whether in person or via online therapy for gambling addiction, it’s important to work with someone who understands the emotional and financial layers of this disorder.
Gambling addiction rarely goes away on its own. It often worsens over time, especially without support. Left untreated, it can lead to:
On the other hand, recovery can bring:
The sooner you start, the easier it is to change direction. Even if things feel out of control now, help for gambling addiction is always available.
While gambling doesn’t involve a substance, it activates the brain’s reward system in a similar way. Both gambling and substance use disorders involve:
But gambling is a behavioral addiction, meaning it’s tied to actions rather than substances. Treatment is similar—often involving cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups, and emotional skill-building.
Gambling addiction frequently co-occurs with other mental health challenges, such as:
Treating the addiction and underlying conditions together often leads to better outcomes. A licensed gambling addiction psychologist can help identify and address all contributing factors.
No. While casinos are common triggers, many people develop problems with:
It’s not the format that matters—it’s the impact gambling has on your life. If it causes distress or disrupts your well-being, it’s worth addressing.
No. In fact, big wins can make the addiction worse. They may reinforce the belief that gambling will solve financial problems or create excitement that’s hard to resist later. Even after winning, many people continue gambling until the money is gone.
Sustainable recovery focuses on changing the behavior, not chasing a better outcome. A therapist for gambling addiction can help shift your focus from chasing wins to building long-term peace.
Gambling addiction isn’t just about money. It’s about control, time, secrecy, and emotional distress. Even if you aren’t in debt, gambling may still be harming your:
If gambling feels like something you can’t stop—even when you want to—it’s a problem worth addressing.
It’s not about frequency—it’s about impact. Some people gamble daily without addiction. Others gamble once a month but feel completely consumed by it.
If gambling causes emotional distress, financial trouble, secrecy, or relationship problems, it may be time to seek help. You don’t need to “hit bottom” to start recovering.
Gambling laws vary by state. Some forms—like sports betting or online poker—are legal in some areas and restricted in others. Regardless of legality, gambling can still be addictive.
Even legal and socially accepted forms of gambling can become a problem. If you're struggling, gambling addiction support is available—no matter where or how you gamble.
Gambling addiction is real—but so is recovery. Whether you're looking for a gambling counselor, starting therapy for gambling addiction, or just curious about what’s next, you're not alone. The first step is reaching out—and you’ve already started.
Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of Gambling and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.
