In Pennsylvania, continued expansion over the past several decades has made gambling more accessible than ever before, but for many, it has also introduced significant risks.

Gambling Disorder, often referred to as the “hidden addiction”, occurs when harms associated with gambling impact several areas in a persons life. Gambling Disorder does not discriminate by age or background, and it impacts hundreds of thousands of individuals and families in Pennsylvania. Providing robust support is essential because untreated gambling disorders often lead to severe financial hardship, strained relationships, and serious mental health challenges. By offering pathways to help and a wide network of resources, associated societal costs and be reduced and individuals and families can regain control over their lives.

Help in the Commonwealth takes many forms, ranging from clinical treatment to grassroots peer support. Professional resources like the 1-800-GAMBLER® Helpline provide an immediate bridge to licensed counselors and state-funded programs. Simultaneously, community-led initiatives and recovery support groups offer the invaluable perspective of shared experience. By highlighting diverse pathways to recovery, individuals and families can be empowered to choose the options that best fit their lives, ensuring that a healthy path forward is within reach.

Whether you are providing help in the areas of prevention or treatment, or as a concerned loved one, we hope that these resources will be useful.