How Do I Find a Gamblers Anonymous (GA) Group?

Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to solve their common problem and help others recover from a gambling problem. It is an anonymous (first names only) support group that follows a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous.

The only requirement for membership in Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is a desire to stop gambling. There are no dues or fees; GA is self-supporting through contributions and donations. Gamblers Anonymous is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any cause. GA's only purpose is to help compulsive gamblers stop gambling.

Gamblers Anonymous meetings typically follow a 12-step program, similar to other anonymous fellowships. During the meeting, participants have the opportunity to share their experiences, struggles, and successes with gambling. They can also listen to others' stories and gain insights and advice from those who have successfully overcome their addiction. The meetings provide a safe and non-judgmental environment for individuals to discuss their challenges and receive support from others who understand their struggles first-hand. Please note that each meeting may have its own format and structure, so it's best to attend a meeting to get a firsthand experience of what happens. If one meeting doesn't fit your needs, you can always try another one.

Here are the 12-steps of Gamblers Anonymous:

1. We admitted we were powerless over gambling - that our lives had become unmanageable.

2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to a normal way of thinking and living.

3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of this Power of our own understanding.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral and financial inventory of ourselves.

5. Admitted to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

6. Were entirely ready to have these defects of character removed.

7. Humbly asked God (of our understanding) to remove our shortcomings.

8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.

9. Make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it.

11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

12. Having made an effort to practice these principles in all our affairs, we tried to carry this message to other compulsive gamblers.

To find a Gamblers Anonymous meeting in your community, you can start by visiting their official website at www.gamblersanonymous.org. On the website, you will find a "Find a Meeting" section where you can search for meetings in your area. You can enter your location, and it will provide you with a list of meetings nearby.

If you prefer online Gamblers Anonymous meetings, GA also offers virtual meetings through various platforms. On their website, you can find a list of online meetings along with the necessary information to join them. These online meetings provide a convenient option for those who cannot attend physical meetings or prefer the anonymity of online support.

Attending Gamblers Anonymous meetings can be a great way to connect with others who understand your struggles and provide support on your journey to recovery.