Services & Resources
What services and resources are available in Kentucky?
As legal gambling has expanded in Kentucky, prevention, education, and treatment services have not grown at the same pace. The number of calls to the problem gambling helpline doubled after legal sports betting was introduced, highlighting increased demand for support. Without continued investment in prevention and recovery services, gambling-related harm is likely to increase. In response, Kentucky Department of Behavioral Health, Developmental, and Intellectual Disabilities (DBHDID) and the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling, and partner organizations across the state are working to strengthen education, awareness, and workforce capacity.
State Services Programs
The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling and the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities offer many resources for individuals impacted by problem gambling or who would like to know more about it. You can find more information by visiting: https://www.kycpg.org/ and DBHDID – Problem Gambling Program Resources.
Online & 24/7 Supports
There are many self-help resources available to limit or adjust your gambling behaviors. These self-help resources are by reputable organizations that want to promote responsible gambling and healing. These tools can be used in conjunction with therapy or other coping tools you may have.
Gamcare
Provides workbooks, goal planners, gambling diaries, and mood diaries to help your client track their behaviors and emotions and prevent gambling problems from continuing or worsening.
UCLA Gambling Studies Program
Workbook available in multiple languages offering psychoeducation and worksheets about how to track emotions and gambling habits.
SMART Recovery
Handbook and podcast with practical exercises and group meeting options to support recovery and self-management.
Evive
Mobile application offering daily tracking, education, and budgeting tools to promote awareness and balance.
Gamban
App that blocks access to gambling websites and applications, helping reduce temptation and support recovery.
Providers can utilize brief, validated self-assessment instruments to help individuals evaluate the extent to which gambling behaviors may be interfering with daily functioning. These confidential screening tools can support early identification of risk, guide clinical conversations, and inform decisions regarding further assessment or referral for specialized services.
KYCPG Assessment Tool
A brief self-assessment tool to help Kentuckians recognize the signs of problem gambling and explore next steps for getting support.
Psychology Tools
The NODS-CLiP is a brief psychological assessment tool designed to screen for potential gambling addiction.
National Council on Problem Gambling
The NODS-SA is a self-assessment that’s designed help individuals decide whether they should modify or seek help for their gambling behavior.
Kentucky has various options for help via phone. These helplines connect individuals with trained helpline specialists who can provide support and help identify local treatment options. Depending on location and needs, helpline staff may refer to trained clinicians or behavioral health providers.
National 1-800-GAMBLER
National Problem Gambling Helpline
Cincinnati Gamblers Anonymous
Lexington Gamblers Anonymous
Louisville Gamblers Anonymous
Therapy and Counseling Services
Outpatient Treatment Providers
The following counselors are International Certified Gambling Counselors (ICGC) with specialized training in problem gambling treatment. This information is current as of March 2026. For the most current information, visit: For most up to date information, visit: Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling .
Residential Treatment Programs
If you find that your client needs more structured and intensive care, a residential rehabilitation program may be a good fit. The treatment options page of the Kentucky Gambling Help website, (https://kygamblinghelp.org/treatment-options/) outlines residential rehabilitation programs that provide gambling-specific care and may also address co-occurring mental health or substance use conditions.
In addition, therapists and counselors working through Kentucky’s Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs), Alcohol and Other Drug Entities, and Behavioral Health Services Organizations can provide support for mental health and substance use needs. While these providers may not have specialized training in gambling disorder treatment, they are one option for accessing care while Kentucky continues to build the capacity of clinicians to better understand and treat gambling-related concerns. A list of Kentucky’s Community Mental Health Centers is available here: https://dbhdid.ky.gov/cmhc
Telehealth Providers
For those seeking more flexible support options, there are telehealth services who specialize in problem gambling treatment. These two organizations have online platforms with providers that can support them or a loved one who is struggling with problem gambling:
Peer Support Programs & SMART Recovery Meetings
Program Types
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) — is a peer support group made up of individuals who have experienced problem gambling. GA meetings provide a safe, judgment-free space to share personal experiences, support others in recovery, and learn strategies for long-term change.
Kentucky has several organizations that host Gamblers Anonymous meetings.
For more information, visit the official GA websites:
https://gamblersanonymous.org/usa-meetings/
or
https://www.gam-anon.org.
SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) — is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals manage addictive behaviors, including gambling and substance use. SMART meetings teach tools to build motivation, cope with urges, and develop balanced thinking.
Keep in mind that not everyone in a SMART meeting will have a gambling disorder—many participants attend for other forms of addiction recovery.
Learn more about SMART Recovery or find a meeting nearby for your client:
https://meetings.smartrecovery.org/meetings/?coordinates=50&location=Kentucky
Find an In-Person Meeting Near you
Use the map below to explore meeting locations across Kentucky. You can filter locations by program type to see what’s available near you.
In-Person Full Meeting Schedule
If you prefer to browse all available in-person meetings, the full schedule below lists times, locations, and contact information for every peer support program in Kentucky.
Find a Virtual Meeting
Note: The meeting details above are accurate as of September 8, 2025. For the most up-to-date information, visit: https://kycpg.org/referral/
Family Support
If an individual is seeking support for a friend or family member affected by gambling, providers can guide them toward appropriate treatment options and referral resources. To help initiate conversations about treatment, the Responsible Gambling Council suggests the following discussion tips:
Encourage focusing on specific behaviors and the impact gambling is having, such as time spent gambling or financial losses.
Suggest contacting a problem gambling helpline or speaking with a qualified professional to explore next steps.
Provide information about available treatment resources. If the individual is not ready to pursue treatment, recognize that it may take time for them to acknowledge the problem.
Encourage the concerned individual to seek therapy or support to address their own mental health needs, particularly as they relate to the impact of their loved one’s gambling.