Maine Problem Gambling Services

What are problem gambling services?

Problem Gambling Services encompass the scope of prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery, and awareness. Gambling Disorder is a behavioral addiction and services are expanding their reach throughout Maine. There are now more ways for someone concerned about their gambling to find self-help resources, support groups, add themselves to the casino self-exclusion list or seek treatment when they’re ready.

Problem gambling also impacts youth in Maine. According to the 2021 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey, hundreds of high school students reported that gambling led to financial problems or problems in their family, work, school, or personal life. Gambling is widespread among Maine high school students, with one in three reporting gambling with money at least one time. (Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey, 2021).

How can I get help if I or someone I know have a problem with gambling?

If you’re concerned someone you know may have a gambling problem, be direct and specific. Let them know you care and are there to help, but don’t try to counsel them yourself. Give the person information, not advice, and encourage them to call 2-1-1.

Responsible Gambling Tips

  • If you’re concerned that gambling is becoming more than a game for you, try using these guidelines to moderate your play.
  • Think of the money you lose as the cost of your entertainment. Consider any money you win a bonus.
  • Set a dollar limit and stick to it.
  • Set a time limit and stick to it. Leave when you reach your limit, whether you’re winning or losing.
  • Understand that you’ll probably lose, and accept the loss as part of the game.
  • Don’t borrow money to gamble.
  • Don’t let gambling interfere with or become a substitute for family, friends, or work.
  • Don’t chase losses. Chances are you’ll lose even more trying to recoup your losses.
  • Don’t use gambling to cope with emotional or physical pain.
  • Know the warning signs of problem gambling.

If playing isn’t fun anymore, contact the confidential helpline: 2-1-1 (Maine only) or visit 211maine.org for information and resources. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Preventing Problem Gambling

The Maine CDC Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention Program works to reduce problem gambling by:

  • Increasing community awareness of problem gambling and gambling disorder.
  • Offering trainings and toolkits about the risks and resources surrounding problem gambling, including a library of self-paced modules that is continuously expanding, and printed information such as brochures and posters which can be found at www.mainepreventionstore.org.
  • Disseminating education for individuals who are concerned about their gambling or the gambling of someone else, professionals who may work with people with gambling problems, and community members through AdCare’s Problem Gambling Services page, and through regular webinars and conferences that address trends and solutions throughout each year.
  • Reimbursing Providers – for treatment of people with gambling disorder and their loved ones. Visit the Problem Gambling Services homepage to determine if you are eligible for the Gambling Addiction Treatment Reimbursement Network, and to apply.

Information about Problem Gambling in Maine

  • 211 Maine: Call, Text, or visit 211 online for the largest database available for connecting people to services and public health information. All outreach is free and confidential.
  • Recovery Community Centers: Provide support, education and resources for people recovering from and affected by addiction. Each center offers a unique mix of peer support, recovery meetings, wellness activities, and more. Visit the list of Recovery Community Centers around Maine
  • Gambler’s Anonymous: Locate a meeting near you.
  • Gam-Anon: For loved ones who are impacted by problem gambling.
  • Maine Prevention Store: This site contains free print materials and digital downloads designed to improve health and help to prevent tobacco use, substance use, and suicide in Maine.
  • Maine State Lottery: The Maine Lottery values keeping play fun and responsible. Their website includes a self-screening to allow people to examine their own gambling habits and keep their practices healthy.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: Provides an informational starting point to determining if treatment is right for you or your family.
  • DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria: Gambling Disorder

About the Maine CDC Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention and Control Program

Program contact:

  • Tobacco and Substance Use Prevention and Control Program
  • Phone: (207) 287-4627
  • E-mail:  tsup.dhhs@maine.gov
  • TTY: Maine relay 711

Prevention partners:

  • Maine Council on Problem Gambling – a volunteer-driven 501(c)3 non-profit committed to working with other organizations and individuals to reduce problem gambling and its impact on Maine’s individuals, families, and communities. MCPG advocates for problem gambling awareness, prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery in Maine.
  • AdCare Educational Institute of Maine Problem Gambling Services – AdCare oversees the network of self-exclusion sites, the Gambling Addiction Treatment Network and provides training to the workforce. AdCare provides continuing education credits to preventionists and other professionals on an array of public health topics, from substance misuse, gambling, suicide prevention, and current evidence-based prevention strategies for communities. Here providers can also access an application to join the Gambling Addiction Tx Network.