By Rick Benson
If you or someone you love has been struggling with compulsive gambling, you probably want to know what to do to get things under control quickly. When the desire to gamble starts taking priority over other things it can start to damage relationships with your family and colleagues and it can cause havoc to your finances. If you know that it’s time to quit gambling and you’re ready to make the commitment, Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is an option.
What is Gamblers Anonymous?
Gamblers Anonymous is a 12 Step program run in the community that brings together compulsive gamblers who help to support each other to solve their common problem of gambling. There are no fees or duties and the program is not affiliated with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution.
At its core, Gamblers Anonymous encourages members to take accountability for their actions, make amends, and find a spiritual path to recovery. Like Alcoholics Anonymous, GA meetings are peer-led and emphasize honesty, mutual support, and long-term healing.
Who Is It Good For?
Gamblers Anonymous is good for compulsive gamblers who know they have a problem, who admit that they cannot assert control over gambling, and who have a desire to quit and regain control of their lives.
If you have lofty goals and all you need is one big win to get there, you should consider getting gambling addiction treatment. It is a very common characteristic of compulsive gamblers to have dream worlds in which they can achieve and acquire many things but in reality, the failure to realize these dreams turns regular life into one of misery.
What Are the 12 Steps in the Gamblers Anonymous Program?
These 12 steps come directly from the official Gamblers Anonymous website:
- We admitted we were powerless over gambling—that our lives had become unmanageable.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to a normal way of thinking and living.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of this Power of our own understanding.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
- Admitted to ourselves, and to another human being, the exact nature of our wrongs.
- We're entirely ready to have these defects of character removed.
- Humbly asked God (of our understanding) to remove our shortcomings.
- Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God (of our understanding), praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.
- Having made an effort to practice these principles in all our affairs, we tried to carry this message to other compulsive gamblers.
The 12 Step program is about more than just quitting gambling—it’s about learning how to live differently. These steps give people a chance to reflect on their choices, repair relationships, and build a more meaningful life.
How Gamblers Anonymous Helps
Many people find that the sense of community in Gamblers Anonymous is one of the most powerful aspects of recovery. Being surrounded by others who truly understand your struggles can alleviate the burden of shame and offer hope.
GA also provides practical tools for staying on track. Meetings often include sharing personal stories, discussing challenges and milestones, and offering support for those going through relapse or difficult times. It’s a space for accountability and healing.
What If It’s Not Enough?
For some individuals, Gamblers Anonymous may not be enough on its own. While the 12 Step gambling program provides a strong foundation, many people benefit from additional support—especially in the early stages of recovery.
For those who want a more immersive approach, there ARE gambling-specific rehabilitation programs available. At Algamus Recovery Services, we offer a 5-week residential program designed specifically for those struggling with compulsive gambling. Our program integrates the principles of the Gamblers Anonymous model into a supportive, daily routine that promotes long-term success.
Additionally, we hold three recovery meetings each week (including Gamblers Anonymous) as part of our programming, helping clients build familiarity and confidence with the process while in a structured, therapeutic setting. Read more about what to expect during treatment.
By combining the power of peer support with clinical therapy and individualized care, we provide a comprehensive path toward recovery—one that addresses both the emotional and behavioral roots of gambling addiction.
Find the Support You Deserve
Whether you’re just starting to acknowledge your gambling problem or looking for additional support in recovery, it's normal to feel unsure about what step to take next. If you're not certain whether Gamblers Anonymous is enough, or if a gambling addiction treatment center might be a better fit, we can help.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation phone call—and take the first step toward a gambling-free future.
