Gambling-related financial challenges?

We know that the financial effects of a gambling disorder can be devastating, and we’re here to give you ways to help protect yourself and your assets. It may also help the person who is gambling, by slowing them down.

Financial counseling is free to residents of New York. In partnership with New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) and New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG), we offer financial counseling at no cost to individuals and families.

Financial counselors often stick to the fundamentals of personal finance. They can help you manage expenses, build savings, make plans to pay off debt, and navigate financial challenges. Their goal is to help you re-evaluate and heal your relationship with money in order to return to healthy ways of living, saving, and spending.

On average, a person will benefit from 3 – 4 sessions. Sometimes it is more, other times less. If there are multiple people involved in the session (for example, a family), we may require 4 – 5 sessions.

That’s ok. You can always come back to book a session. If you want to learn more about the harms associated with problem gambling, please visit  https://oasas.ny.gov/gambling or call the HOPEline at 1 877-8-HOPENY(467369) or text HOPENY (467369).

Bring any financial information you have to the session. If you are able to bring a credit report and pay stub, that is a great starting point. If not, that's ok. The financial counselor will guide you on how to get necessary information.

We encourage both the person who gambles and those impacted by their gambling to attend if they can. However, we recognize that this may not always be possible. In such cases, we understand that sometimes only the affected individual may be present, and we are here to offer support and assistance to them.

GamFin financial counselors can meet you at whatever point you’re at to discuss your concerns. They won’t try to sell you anything or earn a commission. They are there to listen, discuss the situation, and provide guidance. They will not force you to do anything. Apart from completing the required intake forms, no preparation is necessary. Financial counselors often spend the first session in fact-finding mode, asking questions and listening actively. Their goal is to help you feel comfortable and assess the nature and severity of your situation, enabling you to make a plan. You can expect to leave your initial consultation with a strategy that includes concrete steps for moving forward.

No, we do not provide loans or sell any other financial products.

No. There are many alternatives to explore before considering bankruptcy. Bankruptcy can fit some situations, but only as a last resort. For most people struggling with a gambling disorder the appropriate path is to repay debt and gain a healthier relationship with money.

Your information is safe and secure. We are HIPAA compliant and will ask for written permission to share it. During your intake process you will have an opportunity to review and sign these forms.