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Americans spend more on gambling than all other recreation combined. For most, it’s a fun diversion but for a few, gambling can become a serious, life-altering problem. Problem gambling is behavior that causes disruptions in major areas of a person’s life. It affects as many as sixteen million Americans, but it's a good bet that when a problem gambler seeks treatment for other physical health or mental health problems he or she will be undiagnosed and untreated for the gambling problem.  This site offers information on how to raise awareness of this significant mental health problem, and how to get help.

If you often think about gambling, or you

Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money,  or you

Have trouble controlling or stopping gambling behavior,  or you

Return to gamble again in hope of winning back your losses, or you

Owe money due to gambling,

Problem gambling ruins the lives of millions of people every year.  Our Gambling Disorders Clinic provides treatment for gambling addiction.

Call 212-543-6690 for help

The Columbia Gambling Disorders Clinic at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, funded by the New York State Office

of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) helps people with gambling addiction free of charge. 

The New York Council on Problem Gambling reported that problem gambling calls to their Helpline increased 28% from 2003 to 2005.  The highest numbers of calls to the center come from downstate urban areas, while calls from upstate rural areas are increasing rapidly every year.  New Yorkers gamble at casinos, on internet poker, on the New York State Lottery (including new Video Lottery Terminals), and on sporting events.

Our website is devoted to education about gambling problems, and provides information on how to get free treatment for gambling addiction at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. Visitors can take an online Self-Assessment that helps determine the severity of their gambling problem. The site also provides information for teens with gambling problems. 

*If gambling addiction is the primary problem then the treatment is free.