Help, breaks and self-exclusion in Pennsylvania
Free, confidential help is there any time. If gambling's taking more of your money or time than you'd like, talk to someone. You don't need to be in crisis to call.
Online gambling here is only for adults aged 21 or over.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Talk to someone now
1-800-GAMBLER (Pennsylvania problem gambling helpline)
1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2453)
not stated on the PA official pages (helpline is confidential)
PA responsibleplay page lists online chat and a text option; Council on Compulsive Gambling of PA (pacouncil.com) is listed as the helpline partner. PGCB Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling: 717-346-8300, problemgambling@pa.gov.
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Block yourself from gambling
Self-exclusion locks you out of gambling accounts for as long as you choose. It's free and takes a few minutes.
PGCB Interactive Gaming (iGaming) Self-Exclusion
Self-exclude from all PA-licensed online casino/iGaming sites for 1 year, 5 years or lifetime (lifetime does not expire); enrol online via the PGCB self-exclusion portal or by appointment (717-346-8300); you cannot enrol someone else.
WebsitePGCB Casino Self-Exclusion (land-based)
Self-exclusion from PA land-based casinos for 1 or 5 years; stays in effect until removal is requested after the period ends.
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Signs it might be time for a break
- Spending more money or time than you planned
- Chasing losses or borrowing to gamble
- Hiding gambling from people close to you
- Feeling anxious or irritable when you're not playing
Tools every licensed casino must offer
Every licensed casino lets you set deposit limits, take a time-out or self-exclude from your account settings. Best move: set your limits before you play, not after a bad night.
More support
Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania
Statewide nonprofit; confidential help via 1-800-GAMBLER and resource lists.
WebsitePA Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) — problem gambling treatment
Low-cost or no-cost problem gambling treatment through participating providers.
WebsiteGamblers Anonymous / Gam-Anon
12-step peer support for people who gamble and for their families.
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