Question 1

What is Gamblers Anonymous?

Accepted Answer

Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of people 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. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling. There are no dues or fees for Gamblers Anonymous membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.

Question 2

How Do I Find a Gamblers Anonymous Meeting?

Accepted Answer

Gamblers Anonymous meetings are found in most states in the USA and in a growing number of other countries around the globe. You can visit our Find a Meeting page or the ISO website at www.gamblersanonymous.org. You can call our local hotline at 888-502-5610 or the national Gamblers Anonymous hotline: 1-855-2-CALL-GA (1-855-222-5542).

Question 3

What Is Compulsive Gambling?

Accepted Answer

Compulsive gambling is an illness, progressive in nature, which can never be cured, but can be arrested. The Gamblers Anonymous concept is that compulsive gamblers are really very sick people who can recover if they will follow to the best of their ability a simple program that has proved successful for thousands of other people with a gambling problem.

Question 4

Can a compulsive gambler ever gamble normally again?

Accepted Answer

No. The first bet to a problem gambler is like the first drink to an alcoholic. Sooner or later they fall back into the same old destructive pattern. Once a person has crossed the invisible line into irresponsible, uncontrolled gambling, they never seem to regain control.

Question 5

How can I stop gambling?

Accepted Answer

Many people come to Gamblers Anonymous when they realize they need help for gambling. Through local meetings, the support of other compulsive gamblers, and working the GA recovery program, many of us have found a path to recovery and hope.

Question 6

Who can join Gamblers Anonymous?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who has a desire to stop gambling. There are no other rules or regulations concerning Gamblers Anonymous membership.

Question 7

How much does it cost to join Gamblers Anonymous?

Accepted Answer

There are no dues or fees for Gamblers Anonymous membership. However, we do have expenses related to our group meetings and service structure. Since Gamblers Anonymous is fully self-supporting and declines outside contributions, these expenses are met through voluntary financial support by the members.

Question 8

Is Gamblers Anonymous a religious society?

Accepted Answer

No. Gamblers Anonymous is composed of people from many faiths, along with agnostics and atheists. The Gamblers Anonymous Recovery Program is based on the practice of certain spiritual principles, and the member is free to interpret these as they choose.

Question 9

Where can I find help for gambling addiction?

Accepted Answer

You can find help for gambling through local Gamblers Anonymous meetings in the Baton Rouge area. Meetings are free and confidential, and they connect you with others who understand what you are going through.

Question 10

How do I quit gambling for good?

Accepted Answer

Quitting gambling takes support, structure, and honesty. GA offers a path through shared experience, 12-step recovery, and consistent meetings. We believe anyone who has a desire to stop gambling can recover with help.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you think you may be a compulsive gambler, please come to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting.