New Problem Gambling Resources for Mainers

Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) is a nationwide grassroots campaign, held annually in March, that seeks to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services.

This year’s theme, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition. The campaign seeks to foster greater awareness and empathy, break down barriers to treatment, and provide support for individuals and families impacted by gambling-related harm.

Organizations like AdCare Problem Gambling Services and the Maine Council on Problem Gambling, in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), devote their efforts to observing PGAM every year. They aim to educate the public about the signs of problem gambling, provide resources for assistance, and encourage individuals to seek help if they or someone they know is struggling with gambling addiction.

Understanding Problem Gambling: Signs and Symptoms

signs and symptoms of problem gambling as outlined in articles, list of resources as outlined in article

Problem gambling, also known as gambling disorder, gambling addiction, or compulsive gambling, is characterized by an inability to resist the urge to gamble despite negative consequences. It can manifest in various ways, and recognizing the signs is crucial for early intervention. Some common signs of problem gambling include:

  1. Preoccupation with Gambling: Constantly thinking about gambling, planning the next gambling session, or reliving past gambling experiences.

  2. Increased Betting: Needing to bet more money or place higher bets to achieve the desired level of excitement.

  3. Difficulty Controlling Gambling Behavior: Being unable to stick to pre-set limits or stop gambling despite multiple attempts to do so.

  4. Lying About Gambling: Hiding gambling activities from family, friends, or loved ones.

  5. Financial Problems: Experiencing financial difficulties such as borrowing money, selling possessions, or resorting to illegal activities to finance gambling habits.

  6. Emotional Distress: Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when not gambling, and experiencing mood swings related to gambling wins or losses.

  7. Neglecting Responsibilities: Prioritizing gambling over important commitments such as work, school, or family obligations.

Three New, Free Problem Gambling Services for Mainers

  • No-Cost Counseling Sessions

Any person in Maine concerned with problem gambling is eligible for four (4) no-cost counseling sessions for the purpose of screening, discussing options, and planning next steps. This no-cost service is available for the person who is gambling and for individuals concerned about the gambling of a loved one.

After four sessions, if it is determined that the individual would benefit from continued counseling but cannot afford to pay, their treatment will be fully covered by Maine’s Gambling Addiction Treatment Network. Counseling is provided by Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors, who receive specialized training in gambling-related issues and agree to accept referrals for problem gambling treatment. To obtain a list of approved counselors, call 211 Maine or contact AdCare Problem Gambling Services at (207) 626-3615 ext. 20 or email problemgambling@adcareme.org.

  • Free Financial Counseling

AdCare Maine Problem Gambling Services has partnered with GamFin to provide no-cost financial counseling for individuals with gambling-related financial problems and/or their family members. GamFin financial counselors bring expertise in budgeting, debt management, credit improvement, and money systems for individuals and families impacted by gambling. These virtual sessions are 100% secure & confidential.

  • Evive Mobile App

Redefine your relationship with gambling and get immediate, personalized support whenever you need it. Many people in Maine are gambling on their devices, and some have found that the easy access is causing problems. Now, Mainers can access support and resources through the Evive app.

You don’t have to aim to quit gambling to benefit from Evive. You can choose the approach that works for you:

  • Keep It Safer: Want to gamble responsibly? Learn how to reduce risks.

  • Cut Back: Looking to gamble less? Find ways to limit the time and money spent betting.

  • Stop Gambling: Ready to quit? Get support to stop gambling and stay on track.

With Evive, you can access personalized tools to manage your budget, set goals, track your progress, and more.

Visit https://www.getevive.com/ to get started.

To learn more, visit https://adcareme.org/maine-announces-3-new-no-cost-problem-gambling-services-in-2025/.

Additional resources.

For individuals struggling with problem gambling, seeking help is the first step towards recovery. There are various resources available, including counseling, support groups, helplines, and treatment programs specifically designed to address gambling addiction.

  • 211 is Maine’s Problem Gambling Helpline.  You are not alone.  Help is available.  You can be connected to services by:

  • The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available via call, text or chat and can provide detailed information regarding treatment resources available in your area.

For resources to help overcome a gambling problem, reach out to 1-800- GAMBLER anytime. It’s free, friendly, and 100% confidential.

No one succeeds alone. Call, text, or chat the National Problem Gambling Helpline to be connected with a friendly professional who can share practical resources.

  • Gambling Self-exclusion Program

Gambling self-exclusion programs are initiatives where individuals voluntarily ban themselves from participating in gambling activities at specific venues or online platforms to help curb addictive behavior.

In Maine, AdCare Educational Institute of Maine, Inc., offers self-exclusion for casino gambling and sports wagering. Self-exclusion for casinos and sports wagering is available online in-person with trained staff at select community locations.

Click here to view and search the list of self-exclusion locations.

For additional problem gambling resources, visit https://adcareme.org/problem-gambling-maine-resource-document/

POSTTracey Carlsonproblem gambling, problem gambling awareness, problem gambling resources, SPR, HA, SB