Recent Government reports indicate gambling addiction is an acute and serious mental health concern in the United States. COVID-19 and the lock-downs have negatively affected the mental health of millions of Americans. Gambling addiction-related suicides are on the rise and it’s important we do all we can!

Problem Gambling Services are designed to prevent and reduce the incidence and consequences related to problem gambling, through research, awareness, and provision of a full continuum of prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery resources for problem gambling disorders.

BHA provides these services through the establishment of the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling (The Center).

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The Center provides a free and confidential Problem Gambling Helpline, available 24/7
– 1-800-Gambler or here.

The state also provides free counseling for problem gambling and for individuals concerned about someone with a gambling disorder. Services can be accessed via the 1-800 Helpline, or through an online Directory at Find a Counselor.

The Center is located at the University of Maryland, Schools of Medicine, Departments of Psychiatry, and Epidemiology. In addition to services directed to problem gamblers, the Center is responsible for establishing clinical training programs for behavioral health practitioners, outreach and awareness to the general public, and a robust research program to enhance and influence clinical practice.