If you are worried about your gambling, or about someone close to you, this page is for you. It lists confidential help options available in California for people experiencing problem gambling or gambling addiction, as well as support for friends and family members.
Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, income, or experience level. Help is available 24 hours a day, and many services are free or low cost. Reaching out does not mean you have failed. It means you are taking a step to protect your health, relationships, and finances.
This page does not promote gambling. Its only purpose is to provide responsible gambling resources, official state programs, and practical next steps for California residents who need support.
If you are in immediate danger or feel at risk of harming yourself or others, call 911 or your local emergency number right now.
If you are looking for broader information about responsible play tools and gambling risks, you can also visit our global hub here: responsible gambling resources.
Do I Have a Gambling Problem? Key Warning Signs
Problem gambling does not look the same for everyone. You do not need to experience every warning sign below for gambling to be an issue. Even a few of these behaviors can be enough reason to pause and seek support.
Common warning signs of problem gambling include:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money
- Lying to family, friends, or coworkers about gambling activity
- Using money meant for rent, food, utilities, or bills to gamble
- Borrowing money or selling personal items in order to keep gambling
- Feeling anxious, depressed, guilty, or irritable because of gambling
- Gambling to escape stress, boredom, loneliness, or personal problems
- Repeated failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Arguments or relationship conflict caused by gambling
Many people delay getting help because they believe their situation is not “bad enough.” In reality, problem gambling in California exists on a spectrum. You do not need to hit a financial or emotional breaking point to ask for help.
If any of these signs feel familiar, reaching out for responsible gambling resources can provide clarity, support, and options for next steps, even if you are not sure what you want to do yet.
Immediate Help: 24/7 Helplines for California
If you need to talk to someone right now, confidential help is available 24 hours a day. These helplines can provide emotional support, help you think through next steps, and connect you with local treatment options in California. You do not have to be in crisis to call or reach out.
| Service | How to contact | What they offer |
|---|---|---|
| National Problem Gambling Helpline (California) | California help by state page | Confidential support, guidance, and referrals to California programs and local providers |
| National Problem Gambling Helpline (General) | Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) | 24/7 confidential support and connection to problem gambling resources |
| Text and chat support | Available through the helpline network in many locations | Private support for people who prefer texting or online chat over phone calls |
If you are looking for gambling addiction help in California and you are not sure where to start, a helpline is often the fastest way to get clear, local guidance.
California Office of Problem Gambling (State Program)
The California Office of Problem Gambling is a state supported program focused on prevention, education, and access to treatment for people affected by problem gambling. It operates as part of California’s public health system and is not a private clinic or commercial service.
The program helps fund and coordinate no cost or low cost counseling services for California residents, along with public awareness campaigns and educational tools. These services are available to people who gamble, as well as to family members and others affected by someone else’s gambling.
Services offered through the California Council on Problem Gambling include:
Confidential Support & Treatment
Private access to counseling services and professional treatment programs for individuals and families affected by problem gambling.
Education & Awareness
Clear information about problem gambling, warning signs, and related risks to help people make informed decisions.
Prevention & Outreach
Statewide prevention initiatives and community outreach programs designed to reduce gambling-related harm.
Statewide Support Resources
Guidance on available help services and support programs throughout California.
This is a trusted, state level resource for anyone looking for problem gambling help in California, whether you are seeking treatment, information, or guidance on where to turn next.
You can learn more about the program and available services here: California Office of Problem Gambling.
California Council on Problem Gambling and Local Support
The California Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) is a nonprofit organization that provides education, support, and referrals for people affected by problem gambling across the state. Its services are available to individuals who gamble, as well as to family members, partners, and friends who are impacted.
Support through the CCPG is confidential and often free or low cost. The organization works alongside treatment providers, counselors, and community groups to help Californians find appropriate care and ongoing support.
Services offered through the California Council on Problem Gambling include:
- Helpline support and referrals to treatment providers
- Access to counseling and recovery resources
- Support and information for families and loved ones
- Education and training related to problem gambling
If you are seeking gambling addiction help in California or want to understand your options, the CCPG is a well established, independent resource.
Learn more or reach out directly here: California Council on Problem Gambling.
National and Online Problem Gambling Resources
In addition to California specific programs, there are national and online resources that can support people dealing with problem gambling. These services are accessible from anywhere in California and can be useful if you are not ready to contact a local provider or want additional information.
National resources can help with self assessment, education, and general guidance. They are meant to complement, not replace, California based treatment and support services.
Helpful national and online resources include:
National Council on Problem Gambling
Online self assessment tools
Educational resources
National Council on Problem Gambling resources
Many people start by exploring online resources privately before deciding to speak with a counselor or helpline. That first step alone can make it easier to move forward.
Practical Steps to Regain Control of Your Gambling
If gambling is starting to feel unmanageable, there are practical steps you can take right away to reduce harm and regain a sense of control. These actions are not a replacement for professional treatment, but they can help stabilize the situation while you seek support.
Steps that may help in the short term:
- Set a strict gambling budget and do not exceed it, even after losses
- Remove gambling apps and bookmarks from your phone, tablet, and computer
- Ask a trusted person to temporarily hold credit cards or access to funds
- Use time and money limits where available at casinos or online sites
- Keep a simple record of deposits, losses, and time spent gambling
- Avoid alcohol or drugs while gambling, as they reduce judgment
- Take a complete break from gambling if needed
These steps can reduce immediate risk, but lasting change usually requires outside support. If gambling continues to cause stress, financial problems, or conflict, professional help is strongly recommended.
Seeking problem gambling help in California can provide structure, accountability, and long term tools for recovery.
Self Exclusion and Limits at Casinos, Cardrooms, and Online Sites
Self exclusion and limit setting tools are designed to help people stop or reduce gambling when it becomes harmful. In California, these tools vary depending on whether gambling takes place at a physical venue or online.
At land based casinos and cardrooms:
- Many tribal casinos and cardrooms offer voluntary self ban programs
- Time out options and other limits may be available on request
- Self exclusion must usually be arranged directly with each venue
At online and offshore gambling sites:
- Some sites offer deposit limits, time outs, or cooling off periods
- Permanent account closure may be available by contacting support
- Tools and enforcement vary by operator
Once you choose to self exclude or close an account, it is important not to reopen accounts in an attempt to chase losses.
For official information on responsible gambling in California, see: State of California responsible gambling information.
Helping a Friend or Family Member with a Gambling Problem
Supporting someone with a gambling problem can be emotionally challenging. You cannot control another person’s behavior, but you can offer support, set boundaries, and encourage them to seek help.
Helpful approaches:
- Speak from concern, not blame or accusation
- Focus on how gambling is affecting them and the family
- Encourage professional help and share support resources
- Protect shared finances and set clear boundaries
- Seek support for yourself through counseling or support groups
Things to avoid:
- Covering debts repeatedly or rescuing them from consequences
- Arguing while emotions are high
- Issuing threats or ultimatums you cannot enforce
Getting help for yourself is just as important as helping the person who gambles. Support services can guide you through difficult decisions and conversations.
