Problem Gambling Treatment Options In Indiana

Posted on March 21, 2022

About 1% of adults in the US have a severe gambling problem. Thankfully, there are treatment options available to help if problem gambling becomes a factor in your life

These options are specific to Indiana, but many other states have similar programs in place to help gamblers find treatment.

Take a self-assessment

It’s hard to get treatment for problem gambling if you’re not sure whether or not you have a problem.

Keeping an eye out for the signs of a gambling disorder can help you stay in front of problems before they happen.

It’s best to air on the side of caution if you’re on the fence about your situation. Taking a self-assessment is a great way to dip your toes in the water.

These quick tests will ask you a handful of different questions about your relationship with gambling.

Once you finish, the program will add up your score to help you pin down if your relationship to gambling is problematic. It might classify you as a problem gambler depending on your results.

Self-assessments aren’t a perfect way of finding out if you have a gambling disorder, but they’re a good place to start if you think things might be getting out of hand.

Call the problem gambling hotline

If you’re looking for treatment, then calling Indiana’s problem gambling hotline could be a great first step.

Hoosiers can call 1-800-9-WITH-IT, or 1-800-9-994-8448 to reach the official hotline.

The number is active 24 hours a day, so you can call for help at any time that you may need it.

The hotline can help you receive a referral to help with problem gambling.

That referral will depend on which symptoms of gambling disorders that you’re displaying. In other words, the hotline can help point you in the right direction if you’re not sure where to look for treatment.

The referral is also completely confidential, so you won’t have to worry about your privacy.

Take advantage of voluntary exclusion

Voluntary exclusion can be a fantastic way to hold yourself accountable if you struggle with problem gambling behavior.

The program essentially lets you ban yourself from gambling in Indiana.

You won’t be able to gamble with any of the state’s online sportsbooks or casinos once you sign up. That removes most of the main options for wagering in Indiana.

You’ll have to visit the Indiana Gaming Commission office, a casino in Indiana or a designated treatment provider in order to use the program.

Voluntary exclusion can last for one year, five years or for a lifetime. It’s a decision that you’ll have to make for yourself when you sign up.

It’s important to realize that these are not all of the options for treating problem gambling in Indiana.

There are all sorts of resources out there that you can use based on your specific needs. Treating gambling disorders isn’t a one size fits all situation, so look around a bit to find the type of care that will suit you best.

Photo by Dreamstime
Jake Garza Avatar
Written by
Jake Garza

Jake Garza is a US Gambling Industry Analyst for Catena Media. He specializes in Midwest sports betting and casino content. Prior to covering the legal gambling industry, he spent time as a professional sports writer, reporting on teams such as the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers. Garza is currently working as a Managing Editor for PlayIndiana and PlayOhio, with previous stops at other well-known brands such as PlayIllinois and PlayMichigan. He has been covering the gambling industry since 2019, and currently works with a team of other journalists to provide comprehensive coverage of the legal U.S. gambling industry.

View all posts by Jake Garza