Gamblers Anonymous
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| Category | Support community |
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| Founded | September 13, 1957 |
| Address | Upland, CA, USA |
| Official website | https://gamblersanonymous.org |
| Help and Support | |
| Help & Support settings | In-person, Online, Phone |
| Helpline hours | 24/7 |
| Helpline number | 9099319056 |
| [email protected] | |
| Social Media | |
| Visit | |
| Threads | Visit |
| Visit | |
| X (Twitter) | Visit |
| Last Updated | 16.03.2026 |
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is an international, peer-led fellowship for people who wish to stop gambling. It operates on a 12-Step model, requires no membership fees or dues, and places no requirement on members other than a genuine desire to stop gambling. The organisation is non-affiliated with any religion, political body, or outside institution.
What is Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from a gambling problem. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling.
Gamblers Anonymous uses the term "Compulsive Gambling" rather than "pathological gambling," "problem gambling," or "gambling disorder" - terms preferred by clinicians and the American Psychiatric Association (APA).[1]
The programme centres on a 12-Step recovery model adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous, combining peer accountability with personal reflection. Members share their experiences, struggles, wisdom, and support at regular meetings. GA is welcoming of people of all ages, religions, and racial backgrounds.[2]
Role in the Industry
Gamblers Anonymous is the most widely used intervention for problem gambling, with around 1,000 chapters operating across the United States.[3]
GA is described as one of the most cost-effective and easily accessible resources for individuals living with problem gambling issues.[4]
Research indicates that outcomes improve when GA is combined with professional therapy.
History and Reach
The fellowship of Gamblers Anonymous grew out of a chance meeting between two men in January 1957. Both had a deeply troubled history with compulsive gambling. As they began meeting regularly, neither returned to gambling.[5]
By 2005, there were over 1,000 GA groups in the United States, operating in all 50 states. Australia became the second country to establish a GA group, when the first Australian meeting was held in Sydney on November 25, 1961, and by 2005, Australia had 200 GA meetings per week. Today, GA groups operate worldwide across dozens of countries.
Support Options
| Support type | Description |
|---|---|
| Offline meetings | Local group sessions held across all 50 U.S. states and internationally |
| Online meetings | Online meetings accessible via video conferencing platforms |
| Phone support | Group meetings conducted by phone for those without internet access |
Gamblers Anonymous Reviews
Research on Gamblers Anonymous reveals mixed results regarding its effectiveness in treating compulsive gambling. Only about 8% of GA attendees maintain long-term abstinence after one year. Researchers highlight the importance of addressing the financial and legal challenges specific to gambling addiction, which GA uniquely prioritises.[6][7]
Gamblers Anonymous alternatives
References
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamblers_Anonymous
- ↑ https://projectknow.com/support-groups/gamblers-anonymous/
- ↑ https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/ps.50.8.1021
- ↑ https://www.psypost.org/gamblers-anonymous-work-study-suggests-associated-progress/
- ↑ https://gamblersanonymous.org/history-2/
- ↑ https://rg.org/guides/problem-gambling/gamblers-anonymous-review
- ↑ https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/gamblers-anonymous-more-effective-paired-with-therapy-0407161