Gambling problems and money problems tend to arrive together. So it’s a cruel twist that a lot of treatment assumes you have good insurance, or thousands of dollars set aside.
If that’s not you, you still have real options. Several of them are free. Here’s an honest rundown, starting with the ones that cost nothing.
At a glance
5 free places to start
Each of these costs nothing.
- Call or text 1-800-MY-RESETThe national gambling helpline. Free, confidential, and it can point you to services near you.
- Your state’s problem gambling programMany states fund free or low-cost counseling. Availability varies.
- Gamblers AnonymousFree peer-led meetings, in person and online.
- Self-exclusionBar yourself from casinos or betting apps for a set period.
- Blocking toolsApps that block gambling sites and apps across your devices.
In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. It’s free, any time.
Free options you can use today
The national gambling helpline
Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET, or chat online at 1800myreset.org. It’s free, confidential and open to anyone affected by gambling. The people who answer can talk through what’s going on and point you to services near you, including free state-funded programs.
If you’re in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 instead. That’s the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and it’s also free.
State problem gambling programs
Many states fund free or low-cost counseling for gambling problems, often paid for with a share of gambling revenue. Availability and waitlists vary a lot by state. The helpline can tell you what exists where you live, or you can search for your state’s “council on problem gambling.”
Gamblers Anonymous
GA is a free, peer-led 12-step fellowship with in-person and online meetings. Some people find it is exactly what they need. Others want something more structured or private. It costs nothing to try a few meetings and see.
Self-exclusion
Most states with legal casinos or sports betting run a voluntary self-exclusion program. You sign up to be barred from gambling venues or apps for a set period, often one year, five years or life. It won’t fix the urge, but it removes easy access while you work on the rest.
Blocking tools
Free and paid apps can block gambling sites and apps across your devices. We cover them in How to block gambling apps and sites on your phone.
When free isn’t enough
Free resources are a strong starting point. They also have limits: waitlists, meeting schedules that don’t fit your job, or not wanting to talk in front of a group.
That’s where paid options come in. Here’s roughly how they compare.
| Option | What you get | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Residential treatment | Clinical care, live-in, usually 28+ days | Often tens of thousands of dollars |
| Outpatient therapy | Licensed therapist, weekly sessions | Varies widely; insurance often required |
| Online recovery coaching | Structured program, certified coach, at your own pace | Ours: $595 to $1,495 |
| Self-help books and apps | Information and tools | Low or free |
These aren’t competing options. They’re different levels of support for different situations. If your gambling has led to serious depression, thoughts of suicide, or heavy alcohol or drug use, clinical treatment is the right call, and the helpline can help you find affordable options.
What online coaching is (and isn’t)
Recovery coaching is not therapy. A coach doesn’t diagnose or treat mental health conditions. What a good coach does is help you build a plan that fits your life, stick to it, and get back on track when you slip.
For a lot of people, that’s exactly the missing piece. They know they need to stop. They just need structure and someone in their corner.
Things to look for in any coaching program:
- A real credential. For gambling, look for coaches certified in problem gambling, such as the ICGC-II.
- A screening step. A responsible program checks whether it’s a good fit and points you elsewhere if you need clinical care.
- Clear pricing and a fair refund policy. You should know exactly what you’re paying for.
- Privacy. Ask what’s shared, with whom, and what shows on your bank statement.
Ready for a plan?
Gambling Guardrails offers private online coaching programs with short lessons, hands-on trainings and, depending on the program, one-on-one sessions with a certified recovery coach. Apply online in about 10 minutes. A coach reviews every application, and you’re only charged if you’re approved and choose to enroll.
This guide is general information from the Gambling Guardrails coaching team. It isn’t medical, legal or financial advice. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988. For free, confidential gambling help, call or text 1-800-MY-RESET.