Resources for Problem Gambling

There are many different types of resources available in MN for people who are experiencing a gambling problem.

• Minnesota Compulsive Gambling Hotline is a toll-free, 24 hour, seven day a week, confidential hotline providing information and referrals for problem/compulsive gamblers and other concerned individuals. Extensive information about referral resources can be obtained by calling the Minnesota Compulsive Gambling Hotline at 1-800-437-3641.
• State Supported Treatment Centers are available in Minnesota to provide assessment services, outpatient treatment services, and services for family members.

Upper Mississippi Mental Health Center, Bemidji
Contact: Lynn Kistler, 218-751-3280

Gamblers Intervention Services, Duluth
Contact: Steve Dentinger, Deb Ellison, 218-722-2273

Vanguard, Project Turnabout, Granite Falls
Contact: Sandra Brustuen, 612-564-4948

Fairview Riverside Compulsive Gambling Program, Minneapolis
For additional information: 612-672-2736 or Intake, 612-672-7575

Gamblers Choice, Intervention Institute, Minneapolis
Contact: Michael Marcotte, 612-331-1006

Project Gamestar, Central Minnesota Mental Health Center, St. Cloud
Contact: Judith Benson, 612-252-5010

• Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship in which people share their experiences in order to stop gambling. GA is a program for recovery, like Alcoholics Anonymous, and is based on a twelve step program. There are currently 55 meetings taking place weekly throughout Minnesota. The GA Hotline number is 612-922-3956.
• Gam-Anon is a fellowship for the families or close friends who have been affected by the gambling problem. Gam-Anon helps individuals learn effective ways of coping with the gambling problem. Gam-Anon is very similar to Al-Anon and is based on a twelve step program. There are currently 20 meetings taking place weekly throughout Minnesota. The Gam-Anon Hotline number is 612-922-3956.
• Minnesota Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc. is the Minnesota affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling and provides public education, training, prevention, and consultation. The Council conducts intensive training designed to provide specific knowledge and advanced professional understanding through Phase I and II Training for Counseling the Compulsive Gambler. The MN Council's phone number is 218-722-1503.

Additional Resources Are Available

Speakers

Speakers are available at no cost throughout Minnesota for civic groups, religious groups, schools and community groups. These public awareness presentations can cover general categories such as an update on gambling activity in Minnesota, signs and symptoms of problem/compulsive gambling, and resources available for problem gamblers and other concerned persons. Arrangements can be made for a presentation on gambling problems and/or preventing gambling problems by calling the Minnesota Compulsive Gambling Hotline at 1-800-437-3641.

Training Scholarships

Fall 1996 scholarships for the 60-hour Phase I and II training for Counseling the Compulsive Gambler are being considered. For more information contact the Minnesota Council on Compulsive Gambling at 1-218-722-1503 after July 15.