If you think you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, you may  take advantage of these problem gambling resources, which are available in Connecticut:

• The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling offers a free, online live chat service, Monday through Friday from 5:00 pm to midnight, and on weekends from 12 noon to midnight.  When no chat service is available, persons can call one of the CT Problem Gambling Helplines directly at 888.789.7777 or 800.346.6238. The Problem Gambling Helplines are toll-free services offering confidential assistance 24 hours a day. The Helplines can answer questions and provide referrals to clinicians across the state with expertise in problem gambling; they also offer referrals to Gamblers’ Anonymous or Gam-Anon meetings.  The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling also offers print resources, news, events, and training information on its web page, www.ccpg.org.
• The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) operates the Problem Gambling Services program, with a mission of providing a comprehensive network of consumer-oriented problem gambling recovery services for the people of Connecticut and fostering an environment throughout the state that promotes informed choices around gambling behavior.  The program’s website offers self-assessments and information and treatment resources for families, counselors and persons seeking help.
  • The prevention aspect of the program works to increase the capacity of local community-based groups to provide information and awareness on problem gambling through schools, faith-based communities, civic organizations, substance abuse prevention and positive youth development programs, provides education, training, and consultation to providers and leadership of mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities, senior care groups, school counselors, teachers and administrators, parents and coaches, and offers training, mentoring, and support to mental health and substance abuse counselors to become certified in Problem Gambling.  For more information on Problem Gambling Services Prevention Services visit the program’s web page.
• Bettor Choice Programs are gambling-specific treatment programs funded by the State of Connecticut. Services are offered at more than 16 locations in Connecticut through community agencies. Most programs offer a variety of outpatient services including: individual, group, and budget counseling for both problem gamblers and family members, psychiatric evaluation for both gamblers and family members, and couples and family counseling. To speak with a gambling counselor or find the nearest Bettor Choice Program, call 860.344.2244 or toll-free 866.440.4375.

Additional Resources:

• The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at 800.522.4700.
• Gamblers Anonymous (www.gamblersanonymous.org) is fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem. 
• Gam-Anon (www.gam-anon.org) is a self-help organization for the spouse, family or close friends of compulsive gamblers.