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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Gam-Anon}} | |||
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|title = Gam-Anon » Support for Families of Compulsive Gamblers | |||
|description = Gam-Anon (founded 1960) is a free, anonymous 12-step fellowship supporting the spouses, families, and loved ones of compulsive gamblers, with 500+ groups across the US, Canada and internationally.}} | |||
Revision as of 11:41, 10 March 2026
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| Category | Support community |
|---|---|
| Founded | June 4, 1960 |
| Address | PO Box 307, Massapequa Park, NY 11762, USA |
| Official website | https://www.gam-anon.org |
| Help and Support | |
| Help & Support settings | Online, Offline groups, Phone |
| Helpline hours | 7 days/week (varies by group) |
| Helpline number | 7183521671 |
| [email protected] | |
| Social Media | |
| Last Updated | 10.03.2026 |
Gam-Anon is a free, anonymous, 12-step mutual aid fellowship for the families, spouses, partners, and close friends of individuals affected by compulsive gambling. It is separate from but cooperates with Gamblers Anonymous (GA), the parallel program for the gamblers themselves.
What is Gam-Anon
Gam-Anon is a 12-step self-help fellowship of men and women who have been affected by the gambling problem of a loved one.
The only requirement for Gam-Anon membership is that your life has been affected by someone who has a gambling problem. There are no dues or fees. Members contribute what they can at their meetings to pay meeting expenses.
Gam-Anon also includes Gam-A-Teen, a sub-program for younger people, typically children and teenagers, who are living with a family member's gambling problem.
Role in the Industry
Compulsive gambling is recognized by the American Psychiatric Association as an addiction. Gam-Anon Gam-Anon fills an important gap in the support ecosystem by focusing not on the gambler, but on those whose lives are disrupted by someone else's addiction.[1]
History and Reach
Gam-Anon was founded in 1960 and has grown to over 500 in-person groups. Gam-Anon worldwide was started in New York City by Ruth Sachar; her husband Irving Sachar started the NYC chapter of Gamblers Anonymous.[2]
The organization was initially focused on support for spouses, but it quickly grew to include other family members and friends. In 1989, the name was changed to Gam-Anon Family Groups to better reflect the inclusivity of the organization.
Gam-Anon has over 500 in-person groups set up throughout the United States, Canada, and internationally. Birches Health GA and Gam-Anon started in Japan in 1989. In September 2010, GA Japan had 115 groups and Gam-Anon had 93 groups according to the Gam-Anon Japan Information Center.
Support Options
Gam-Anon provides support through multiple formats:
| Support Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Offline Meetings | Groups meet across the United States, Canada, and internationally. Meetings are organized by geographic areas. Members discuss questions such as: What is my role as the loved one of a compulsive gambler? How can I cope with the problem? How can I deal with my anger, fear and resentment? |
| Online Meetings | All virtual meetings are open to all members regardless of where they live. Online meetings run daily via Zoom and phone conference calls, available in English, Spanish, and French, across all US time zones. Meeting formats include step meetings, newcomer meetings, parent meetings, adult children of compulsive gamblers, hybrid and combined Gam-Anon/GA sessions |
| Phone Contact | The International Service Office is reachable at 7183521671 during office hours |
| Members and the public can contact the office at [email protected] | |
| Literature | Gam-Anon produces a library of publications including The Gam-Anon Way of Life, Living With the Compulsive Gambler, Fourth Step Inventory, Games Compulsive Gamblers and We Play, and For Parents of Compulsive Gamblers, among others |
Gam-Anon Reviews
Member feedback is shared through the organization's own publications and literature. Member testimonials include: "Compulsive gambling nearly ruined our marriage — twice. After the crisis, caused by mounting debts and lies, finding the Gam-Anon program was a blessing. By learning how to best deal with my wife's addiction, I was able to adjust my attitudes, behaviors, and daily activities".[3]
Gamblers Anonymous alternatives
| Community | Website |
|---|---|
| SMART Recovery | smartrecovery.org |
| Evive Community | getevive.com |
| Gamblers Anonymous | gam-anon.org |
| GamCare | gamcare.org.uk |
| GambleAware | gambleaware.org |
| BetKnowMore (BKM) | betknowmoreuk.org |
| Gordon Moody Association | gordonmoody.org.uk |
| Adferiad Recovery | parklandplace.co.uk |