🤝 FREE 12-STEP FELLOWSHIP · SINCE 1957

Gamblers Anonymous Resources 2026

Free, confidential support groups worldwide. Find meetings, learn the 12 steps, and connect with others on the road to recovery.

Last updated: by Sarah Roberts
Sarah Roberts — Security Analyst with 8 years experience in problem gambling and family support

Written by Sarah Roberts

Security Analyst · 8 years in fraud detection and responsible gambling. Sarah has helped hundreds of individuals connect with Gamblers Anonymous and begin their recovery journey.

🔗 Full bio | Our approach

Complete Gamblers Anonymous Resources Guide 2026

1957
YEAR FOUNDED
50+
COUNTRIES
FREE
MEMBERSHIP
1-855
GA HELPLINE

🤝 What is Gamblers Anonymous?

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope to help each other recover from gambling addiction. There are no dues or fees — membership is free and open to anyone with a desire to stop gambling.

Key Principles:

  • 12-Step Program — based on the same principles as Alcoholics Anonymous, adapted for gambling addiction
  • Anonymity — all meetings are confidential; what you share stays in the room
  • Peer Support — recovery through shared experiences and mutual encouragement
  • No Religious Affiliation — spiritual but not religious; members define their own "Higher Power"
  • Worldwide Presence — meetings in over 50 countries, plus online/virtual options

📍 How to Find a GA Meeting

1

Visit GA Website

Go to www.gamblersanonymous.org and click "Find a Meeting".

2

Enter Your Location

Search by city, state, or ZIP code for in-person meetings near you. Results include addresses, times, and contact info.

3

Check Online Meetings

Many GA groups now offer virtual meetings via Zoom. Look for "Online" or "Virtual" in the listings.

4

Call the Helpline

For assistance, call 1-855-2DAY-GA (1-855-232-9422). Trained volunteers can help you find a meeting.

5

Just Show Up

Meetings are free and open. You don't need to register — just arrive. Newcomers are always welcome.

🔍 FIND A GA MEETING NOW

📖 The Gamblers Anonymous 12 Steps

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

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

Step 4

Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

Step 5

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

Step 6

Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

Step 7

Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings.

Step 8

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

Step 9

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

Step 10

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

Step 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.

Step 12

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

🌟 Success Stories from GA Members

"I lost everything to gambling — my savings, my marriage, my self-respect. GA gave me a way back. The 12 steps and the support of my group saved my life. Today I'm 7 years gamble-free."
— Mark T.
Chicago, IL · 7 years clean
"I thought I could quit on my own, but I couldn't. At my first GA meeting, I found people who understood exactly what I was going through. No judgment, just help. I'm now a sponsor for three newcomers."
— Lisa R.
Phoenix, AZ · 4 years clean
"My son brought me to GA after I lost our family's rent money. I was ashamed, but they welcomed me. Working the steps helped me forgive myself. My family is healing too."
— David M.
Miami, FL · 2 years clean

📚 GA Literature and Resources

👪 Resources for Families

📚 Related Responsible Gambling Guides

🧠 MEET THE RECOVERY TEAM

Full team →
Sarah Roberts — Security Analyst with 8 years experience

Sarah Roberts

Security Analyst · 8 yrs

Michael Johnson — Lead Reviewer

Michael Johnson

Lead Reviewer · 12 yrs

David Thompson — Bonus Hunter

David Thompson

Bonus Hunter · 10 yrs

🤝

12 steps

proven recovery

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50+ countries

worldwide meetings

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Updated 2026

latest meeting info

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No paid placements

100% independent

❓ GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS FAQ

Full FAQ →

What is Gamblers Anonymous?

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is a 12-step fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope to help each other recover from gambling addiction. Membership is free, anonymous, and open to anyone with a desire to stop gambling.

How do I find a GA meeting near me?

Visit the official Gamblers Anonymous website at www.gamblersanonymous.org and use the meeting finder tool. You can search by city, state, or ZIP code. Many meetings are also available online via Zoom.

What happens at a GA meeting?

GA meetings typically include readings from the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions, sharing by members about their recovery journey, and fellowship. Newcomers are welcomed and can just listen if they prefer.

Is Gamblers Anonymous free?

Yes, GA is completely free. There are no dues or fees. Meetings are funded by voluntary contributions from members.

What are the 12 Steps of Gamblers Anonymous?

The 12 Steps are a set of spiritual principles for recovery, including admitting powerlessness over gambling, seeking help from a Higher Power, making amends, and helping others with gambling addiction.

Can family members attend GA meetings?

Most GA meetings are for gamblers only. However, some meetings are 'open' and welcome family members. For family support, consider Gam-Anon, which is specifically for loved ones of problem gamblers.

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