What is Gam-Anon?

Gam-Anon is a 12-Step self-help fellowship of men and women who have been affected by the gambling problem of a friend or loved one. We understand as perhaps few can. We are familiar with worry and sleepless nights, and promises made only to be broken.

We may have become fearful and uncertain as to how to cope with the deterioration in our lives and our relationships, the financial problems, and the debts caused by the gambling. We know that living with the effects of another’s gambling can often be too devastating to bear without help.

We, in Gam-Anon, strive 

(a) to accept and understand the gambling illness; 

(b) to use the program and its problem-solving suggestions to help rebuild and refocus our lives;

(c) to give encouragement and understanding to the gambler; and 

(d) to welcome and give assistance and comfort to those affected by the gambling problem.

With the help of Gam-Anon, we find our way back to a normal way of thinking and living, whether or not our loved ones continue to gamble. We believe that a change in our attitudes is of boundless help to us as well as to our gamblers.

Gam-Anon is not a religious organization or a counseling agency. It is not a treatment center nor is it allied with any other organization offering such services. No dues or fees are required. Membership is voluntary, requiring only that one’s own life has been affected by someone else’s gambling problem.