You don’t have to face a
GAMBLING PROBLEM ALONE.

If gambling has become overwhelming for you or someone you love, support is here. Help is available, and recovery starts with one conversation.

get help now

are you at risk?

Answer 7 quick questions to get an insight into how gambling might be affecting you or someone you care about – get tailored advice and support should you need it.

self assessment

Not sure where to begin?

Counseling for gambling problems at NO COST to Maryland residents is now available for anyone seeking help regardless of insurance coverage, financial status, or ability to pay.

Help and Hope is available right now, it’s free, confidential and available 24/7.

RECOVERY STARTS WITH ONE CONVERSATION...

Call or Text: 1-800-426-2537

The helpline counselor will make recommendations about services for you or your family members, such as support groups, peer support, counseling and credit counseling.

GET ADVICE

Recognize the Signs

Learn what problem gambling is and recognize the key warning signs that may indicate you - or someone you care about - is at risk.

Gambling & Finances

If you are concerned about how you or someone in your family is gambling, there are steps you can take to keep the family and your finances safe.

Sports Betting Risks

The ease of betting with a single click has led to a concern that people are placing more bets than before and are doing it faster than ever.

About

The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling (the Center), a program of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and funded by the Maryland Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Administration, promotes healthy and informed choices regarding gambling and problem gambling by:

  • Providing a free and confidential 24-hour Helpline – 1-800-GAMBLER (Text: 1-800-426-2537) for those struggling with problems due to gambling.
  • Educating the citizens of Maryland about the risks of gambling and gambling addiction through Public Awareness
  • Training counselors, educators, prevention specialists, and other health care and social service providers and developing new training approaches to help individuals and their families.
  • Creating a network of problem gambling capable Treatment providers by providing technical assistance to health care and behavioral health care providers and maintaining a problem gambling counselor Referral List to address the issue of problem gambling.
  • Assisting individuals dealing with at risk and problem gambling through Peer Recovery Support.
  • Developing and implementing Prevention and community outreach programs.
  • Providing Public Policy information on strategies to address the impact of gambling on Public Health within Maryland.
  • Engaging in evaluation and Research.