Gambling Addiction Treatment in New York City

Where can I get free help for a gambling problem in New York City?

Free, confidential help for a gambling problem in New York City is available through the national problem gambling helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER or the New York State HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369). The HOPEline also takes texts to HOPENY (467369) 24/7.

The HOPEline is run by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, the state agency that oversees addiction programs. Staff on either line can explain which public gambling services operate in the five boroughs and how to request self-exclusion from sports wagering, lottery or casino play in New York.

If gambling losses bring thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 at any hour. Treatment usually starts with an assessment and moves on to outpatient counseling, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, often with group and family sessions. Peer fellowships led by members, including one for family members, meet alongside professional care.

Many city listings are addiction programs for alcohol and drugs, so ask whether a program treats gambling directly or refers out. Practical money protections often form part of a plan, such as handing card control to someone trusted, deleting betting apps and setting bank alerts or gambling blocks.

What does gambling disorder treatment involve?

Gambling disorder treatment usually begins with an assessment. Outpatient counseling such as cognitive behavioral therapy follows, often alongside group sessions and family work. Some people step up to an intensive outpatient program or, less often, residential care. Most care in Manhattan, the Bronx and nearby boroughs happens through outpatient programs or telehealth. Gamblers Anonymous is a peer group led by members, not counselors, and Gam-Anon offers the same peer format for family members. No medication has FDA approval for gambling disorder, so raise any questions about medicines with a prescriber.

Treating gambling alongside substance use

Many New York City listings are substance use programs, so ask intake staff whether the program treats gambling directly or refers out. Telling a program about both gambling and alcohol or drug use lets the team plan care for each, and dual diagnosis programs may suit people with mental health needs too. Clinicians in OASAS-certified programs may hold OASAS counselor credentials. You can also ask whether anyone on staff holds a gambling-specific credential such as National Certified Gambling Counselor.

How do I pay for treatment and protect my money in New York City?

Coverage for gambling disorder treatment through New York State Medicaid or private insurance varies by plan, so call the number on your card and ask about outpatient counseling for gambling. Medicaid managed care plans in New York include Healthfirst, MetroPlus Health Plan and Fidelis Care, among others, and the plans offered vary by county. For listings that take public coverage, see Medicaid-accepting programs. New York law can count audio-only phone sessions as telehealth, and Medicaid rules on audio-only care are set by Department of Health regulation. Phone sessions can help if travel across the city is hard.

Protecting household money is a practical part of many treatment plans. Common steps include handing control of cards to a trusted person, deleting betting apps, setting bank alerts or gambling blocks, and asking the helplines about nonprofit credit or debt counseling.

Harlem, Times Square and East Harlem have the most programs among the city’s listings, and you can browse every program on the New York City page. For options across New York, see gambling addiction treatment in New York.