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Problem Gambling

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Problem Gambling

For most people, gambling is recreational. However, for some people, gambling leads to debilitating problems resulting in harm. Problem gambling means participation in any form of gambling activity to the extent that it creates a negative consequence to the gambler, the gambler's family, place of employment, or community. This includes patterns of gambling and subsequent related behaviors that compromise, disrupt, or damage personal, family, educational, financial, or vocational interests. Pathological gambling is a progressive mental disorder meeting the diagnostic criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition.

Problem and pathological gamblers can experience psychological difficulties such as anxiety, depression, guilt, attempted suicide, or abuse of alcohol and drugs, as well as stress-related physical illnesses such as hypertension and heart disease. Interpersonal problems include lying and stealing, resulting in a breakdown of relationships and divorce. Work and school problems include poor performance, abuse of leave time, and loss of employment. Financial consequences are substantial, including credit card debt, unpaid creditors, and impoverishment. Finally, pathological gamblers may resort to criminal behavior to finance gambling or pay gambling debts. Family members of problem gamblers also experience substantial financial, physical and psychological difficulties as a direct result of the problem gambling behavior.

The California Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, Office of Problem Gambling is charged with developing statewide programs to address problem and pathological gambling issues, under Section 4369 of the Welfare and Institutions Code. Please explore this website to get additional information and resources about problem gambling for yourself or for someone you care about.

California Gambling Treatment Services Program

The Office of Problem Gambling (OPG) in partnership with UCLA Gambling Studies Program (UGSP) is currently recruiting licensed therapists to participate in the California Problem Gambling Treatment Service Program (CPGTSP).

To become an authorized provider in the CPGTSP therapists are required to attend state funded training focusing on the treatment of problem and pathological gamblers. Training will consist of four eight hour training days, and will provide the opportunity to obtain up to 30 Continuing Education Units’ (CEU’s) for MFT’s and LCSW’s.

Therapists who meet eligibility criteria may submit an application to UGSP for admittance into training. Due to limited space, admittance into the trainings will be on a first come first serve basis.

After completion of training, a therapist who meets criteria to become an authorized provider will be eligible to receive fee for service reimbursement from the state.

Problem Gambling Public Service Announcements

Through the following link we present the following Video presentations brought to you through YouTube: click here to show/hide Video

  • Problem Gambling Radio Campaign
  • Problem Gambling TV Campaign
  • Friday Night Live Contributions from various High Schools on Problem Gambling
    • Gridley High School
    • Fresno High School
    • Monache High School

Radio interview regarding Problem Gambling with ADP Director, Renee Zito; Deputy Director of Office of Problem Gambling, Terri Sue Canale, and Co-Director of the UCLA Gambling Studies, Dr. Tim Fong. (27 minutes and 12 Mb MP3 file)


Problem Gambling HELP

thumbnail "Freedom from Problem Gambling"
This self-help workbook for problem gamblers, developed by the UCLA Gambling Studies Program, is a tool for assisting people who are motivated to stop gambling or to reduce the problems associated with gambling. The workbook is currently being evaluated for effectiveness and it is NOT a substitute for professional help. PDF copies.

English Responsible Gambling Guidelines  Spanish Responsible Gambling Guidelines   Vietnamese Responsible Gambling Guidelines   Tagalog Responsible Gambling Guidelines