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Problem Gambling

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Take a Pause
Understand the Risks and Find a Balance

There are many types of gambling opportunities in New York State: casinos, lottery games, bingo, horse racing, sports betting and more. What most people don’t know is that gambling can lead to significant negative consequences and become an addiction. Learn about healthy gambling behaviors and how to access support if you or a loved one is experiencing harms from gambling behaviors.

Take the First Step
Recognize the Signs of a Problem
Financial Challenges

This may include borrowing or stealing money to gamble, going back to try and win money you lost, being dishonest about how much you are spending, exaggerating wins and minimizing losses, and using money that is meant to pay bills to gamble instead. 

Distancing or Isolating Yourself

Spending less time and feeling less connected with family and friends, withdrawing from other activities/hobbies, and experiencing feelings of anger, shame, worry and/or fear.

Spending More Time Gambling

Increasing the amount of time thinking about gambling, planning to gamble and/or time spent gambling. 

Learn More
Help is Available 24/7
Connect Now
Confidential help and support are available for anyone affected by gambling harms, including family members and friends regardless of ability to pay. Contact our 24/7 HOPEline to talk to someone now.

Free Financial Counseling
GamFin

If you’re facing financial challenges due to gambling, free financial counseling is available at GamFin. Take your first steps toward financial recovery by booking an appointment today.
Book a Session With GamFin
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Minimize Gambling Harms
Essential Tools and Supports
Voluntary Self-Exclusion

To prevent further harms associated with gambling, you can choose to self-exclude yourself from all gambling opportunities in New York State. 

Self-Exclude
Helpful Podcasts

Find supportive messages of hope with podcasts featuring experts or individuals with lived experience regarding the harms associated with gambling. 

Podcasts
Variety of Supports Available
Explore Resources in Your Community or Online
Talk to a Peer

Connect with someone who has been in a similar circumstance. 

Attend a Community Support Meeting

Join others facing similar challenges and share experiences. 

Meet With a Counselor

Get professional support tailored to your individual needs.

GET THE FACTS
MYTH: I almost won; I must be due for a win.

FACT

“Almost” winning in no way means that a real win is just around the corner. Future gambling outcomes are in no way influenced by previous outcomes.
More Myths vs. Facts
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Addiction: The Next Step
Featured Podcast Episode

Free Financial Counseling Helps New Yorkers Take a Pause

"When people call in for help, they're typically calling about financial issues. They're not calling to say I have a gambling problem and I want to see a therapist. They say I'm in credit card debt, I owe money all over the place, I need help with my finances. So what we're trying to do now is respond to what they're asking for."

—Jim Huh, Senior Vice President of Sales and Customer Success at Gamfin
Podcast Episode
OASAS Podcast

Available Now
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