Gam-anon.org — Top Facts About the Organization in 2025

By encouraging responsible gaming behaviors and assisting those in need, Gam-Anon.org strives to lessen the adverse effects of problem gambling on individuals and communities while nurturing a culture of responsible gaming throughout the United States.

About Gam-Anon

Gam-Anon.org primarily aims to foster positive results, including heightened awareness of responsible gambling, early intervention to prevent gambling addiction, and support for individuals and families affected by problem gambling. 

The organization acknowledges the necessity for specialized services to aid individuals and families impacted by gambling addiction, emphasizing the critical role of intervention and education in addressing this prevalent issue.

Background of Gam-Anon

Gam-Anon is an organization that hosts international meetings for Gam-Anon Family Groups, dedicated to offering support and information regarding problem gambling and its effects on families and loved ones. 

Ruth Sachar founded the organization in New York City, with her husband Irving Sachar starting the NYC chapter of Gambler’s Anonymous. Since its inception, Gam-Anon has been dedicated to assisting those affected by someone else’s gambling problem.

Mission and Key Achievements

The primary mission of Gam-Anon is fourfold:

1. To welcome and assist those affected by a loved one’s gambling problem.
2. To communicate understanding of compulsive gambling and its effects.
3. To share experiences, strength, and hope in coping with gambling problems.
4. To utilize the Steps and Tools of the Gam-Anon program for spiritual and emotional growth.

Notable achievements of Gam-Anon include establishing a supportive community for spouses, partners, family, and friends of compulsive gamblers, modeled after Al-Anon/Alateen. 

The organization has grown steadily since its inception, with groups flourishing worldwide to offer support and resources to those impacted by problem gambling.

Maintaining anonymity is crucial in Gam-Anon meetings. It provides a safe environment for members to share openly without fear of judgment, allowing individuals to protect their privacy while benefiting from the program’s support.

Partnerships, Endorsements, and Accreditations

Gam-Anon has garnered credibility through partnerships with various entities involved in addressing gambling addiction. 

The organization collaborates with health professionals and other 12-step programs to provide exclusive support for spouses, family members, and friends of compulsive gamblers. 

Additionally, the organization’s affiliation with Gambler’s Anonymous underscores its commitment to offering comprehensive assistance to individuals affected by problem gambling.

By offering a range of literature, resources, meetings, and support systems, Gam-Anon continues to make a significant impact in promoting responsible gambling practices and providing much-needed help to those navigating the challenges associated with compulsive gambling.

The Essence of the Twelve Steps by Gam-Anon

To support individuals affected by problem gambling, Gam-Anon offers a all-around Twelve Steps program which serves as a pathway to serenity and peace of mind. 

The program focuses on personal reflection, spiritual growth, and fostering meaningful connections through mutual support.

Step 1: Admission of Powerlessness

• Personal Empowerment: Acknowledging powerlessness over another’s addiction led to newfound strength and liberation.
• Escaping the Cycle: Individuals found true personal power by relinquishing the irrational belief that they could control compulsive gamblers.

Step 2: Belief in Restoration

• Finding a Higher Power: While not inherently spiritual, members discovered a higher power within the support and guidance of the Gam-Anon community.
• Hopeful Transition: Embracing a power greater than oneself instilled hope for personal improvement and a new way of living.

Step 3: Surrendering to Higher Guidance

• Letting Go of Control: Faith in a higher power led to the release of anxieties and the end of futile attempts at manipulation.
• Faith and Understanding: Questions arising from the decision to turn one’s will over to this power fostered self-care and self-reflection.

Step 4: Introspective Moral Inventory

• Clarity and Self-Recognition: The fourth step marked the initiation of internal exploration and acknowledgement of negative and positive qualities.
• Boost to Confidence: Recognizing personal virtues provided a much-needed confidence boost.

Step 5: Transparent Admission

• Embracing Vulnerability: Opening up allowed individuals to be heard and brought solace through processing inner thoughts.
• Unveiling Self-Discovery: Even an unexpected utterance during a meeting facilitated inner revelation and self-awareness.

Step 6: Willingness to Change

• Reflection and Willingness: Noticing personal flaws led to introspection regarding the potential for living without these shortcomings.
• Accepting Personal Growth: Members embraced the challenge of shedding these unhealthy traits and acknowledged their capability for self-improvement.

Step 7: Humble Reverence for Change

• Unexpected Transformation: Despite initial elusiveness, the humble invocation for release from an afflictive thought led to a miraculous transformation.
• Acknowledging Human Limitations: Step Seven reminded us that we need not navigate the journey alone, highlighting the significance of seeking support.

Step 8: Acknowledgment of Harm

• Self-Reflection and Accountability: Recognizing the harm caused by personal choices and the subsequent journey toward self-forgiveness proved to be arduous yet essential.
• Risk and Serenity: The willingness to make amends was perceived as a crucial step towards personal peace and reconciliation.

Step 9: Making Amends

• Sincere Resolution: Despite uncertainties, making amends with absolute sincerity resulted in a rewarding and cathartic experience.
• Cleansing Confessions: Admitting fault to loved ones, marked by tears and embraces, gave rise to a profoundly purifying experience.

Step 10: Ongoing Self-Reflection

• Awareness and Accountability: Consistent awareness was implemented to prevent the reemergence of negative traits and the necessity for quick acknowledgment of mistakes.
• Simplified Problem-Solving: An organized method of Awareness, Assessment, and Action facilitated an easy resolution of personal challenges.

Step 11: Seeking Spiritual Growth

• Unveiling Spirituality: Early misunderstandings regarding spirituality faded away, revealing a profound personal connection with a higher power.
• Gratitude for Revelation: Step Eleven facilitated the emergence of an authentic spiritual self, evoking deep gratitude.

Step 12: Sharing the Gift of Recovery

• Personal Revelation: The progression of the Twelve Steps culminated in a newfound appreciation for aspects of serenity and spirituality.
• Commitment to Support: The duty to share the acquired gift with others within the community was embraced, affirming the transformative impact of the Steps.

In essence, the Twelve Steps of Recovery in Gam-Anon are characterized by

• self-discovery, 
• humility, 
• spiritual development, 
• commitment to translate personal growth into offering support,
• guidance to others within the community. 

This program creates a supportive environment that promotes healing, empowerment, and a deeper understanding of oneself and connection to others.

Services Offered by Gam-Anon

Gam-Anon provides a range of services and resources to support individuals affected by problem gambling and help them navigate the challenges associated with a loved one’s gambling addiction. 

Meetings

Gam-Anon hosts meetings for those affected by someone else’s gambling issues to find support and empathy. These gatherings provide a secure environment for sharing experiences, strength, and hope.

The meetings welcome individuals who have been affected by someone with a gambling problem, including 

• spouses, 
• parents, 
• relatives,
• children, 
• friends, and 
• colleagues.

The only requirement for attending meetings is to be a person impacted by someone with a gambling problem.

Telephone and E-mail Support 

The organization allows members to connect with other Gam-Anon participants through either telephone or email between meetings. This facilitates ongoing contact with the program and ensures daily support and encouragement.

Staying in touch via telephone or email between meetings aids in remaining connected to the program while gaining daily experience, strength, and hope from fellow members.

This offers essential assistance by engaging with others and discovering how they have managed comparable challenges and feelings.

Literature

Gam-Anon offers a diverse selection of books, pamphlets, and informational sheets focusing on the Twelve Steps of Recovery, personal development, and life reflections. These materials provide strength, inspiration, and insights from the Gam-Anon experience for those seeking support.

Sponsorship 

Participants in the program who are ready to share their experiences, strengths, and hopes with newcomers act as sponsors. These sponsors maintain regular communication with newcomers between meetings, providing support and guidance during their recovery journey.

Pressure Relief Meeting and Budget Meeting

Gam-Anon provides Pressure Relief Meetings designed to help with the financial stress caused by gambling addiction. These sessions focus on creating budgets that emphasize debt repayment while maintaining a sustainable financial plan for participants.

Engagement and Outreach by Gam-Anon

Gam-Anon actively interacts with the community to encourage responsible gambling and assist those impacted by problem gambling. Below are several key methods the organization uses for outreach and engagement:

Public Outreach Committee

Gam-Anon features a committed Public Outreach Committee that works alongside the International Service Office (ISO) and its members to promote public service announcements, engage in public speaking events, and support various outreach initiatives. 

This committee is crucial in raising awareness about problem gambling and the resources available through Gam-Anon.

Literature and Resources

The organization offers a wide range of literature and resource materials designed for outreach to the community. 

These materials include trifold brochures, such as “Is there a Gambling Problem in Your Family?” and “Gam-Anon Can Help,” which share members' personal experiences and provide information about how Gam-Anon supports individuals impacted by problem gambling.

The Gam-Anon School Kit

The Gam-Anon School Kit is an extensive collection of educational resources aimed at increasing awareness and offering support to both students and educators affected by problem gambling in their school environment.

Components of the Kit include:

1. Informational Brochures: These offer valuable information about problem gambling, its effects on individuals and families, and available resources for seeking help.
2. Educational Presentations: The kit contains ready-made presentations for educators to use in the classroom, aiming to increase understanding of problem gambling and its consequences among students.
3. Discussion Guides: These guides facilitate open conversations about gambling-related challenges, helping educators lead meaningful discussions with students in a safe and supportive environment.
4. Support Resources
5. Awareness Posters
6. Educational Activities

Overall, the Kit is a valuable resource designed to empower educators and students with the knowledge and support necessary to address and mitigate the impact of problem gambling within the school community.

Workshops, Meetings, and Virtual Meetings

Gam-Anon conducts workshops, meetings, and conferences to 

• educate individuals about responsible gambling practices, 
• provide support for those affected by problem gambling, and 
• offer guidance on managing financial pressures related to gambling addiction. 

These events serve as valuable platforms for outreach and engagement within the community.

Online Resources

The organization’s website offers online resources including literature summaries, program tools, and details for ordering print copies. These digital resources allow individuals to conveniently access support, information, and guidance on responsible gambling practices from home.

The organization effectively engages individuals and communities in promoting responsible gambling behaviors and raising awareness about problem gambling. This is achieved through a combination of in-person events, distributing literature, providing online resources, and forming dedicated committees to offer essential support to those affected by compulsive gambling.

How to Access Services

To access the services offered by Gam-Anon for support with gambling-related issues, follow these clear instructions:

Contact Information

• Address: PO Box 307, Massapequa Park, NY 11762
• Phone: 718-352-1671
• Email: [email protected]

Visit the official website at gam-anon.org for additional information, resources, and support options.

Steps to Access Services

1. If you prefer contacting the organization via phone, dial 718-352-1671 for immediate assistance or guidance.
2. For written inquiries, you can email your questions or requests to [email protected].
3. Visit the website at gam-anon.org to explore available literature, find meeting directories, or access other resources provided by the organization.
4. If you are seeking support for yourself or a loved one affected by gambling problems, consider reaching out through the contact methods provided above for confidential assistance and valuable resources.

Testimonials and Success Stories from Gam-Anon

Gam-Anon has made a significant impact on individuals and communities affected by problem gambling, as evidenced by various testimonials and success stories:

Jane’s Story

Jane from NYC shared her unique story, highlighting the diverse experiences within the program. 

Although many individuals attribute their life-saving experiences to Gam-Anon, Jane’s insight provides a more complex perspective on the support and solutions available during meetings.

Fred, Bayu, Jan, Mario, Lynda, and Others

A variety of individuals, including Fred, Bayu, Jan, Mario, Lynda, and others, have recounted their personal journeys of overcoming gambling addiction. These narratives highlight the significance of discussing the harms of gambling, pursuing support, and implementing positive changes in life with the assistance of the organization.