Oregon Problem
Gambling Resource

No judgment, Just hope

A Journey of Hope

male gambler

When I was gambling I felt…

Out of control

I got help because…

It was free

Today I am…

Trustworthy
male gambler

When I was gambling I felt…

Broken

I got Help Because…

It was free

Today I am…

Hopeful

When You Call

LaTanya's Story

Philip's Testimonial

Kitty's Testimonial

Brian's Testimonial

What to Expect

When you call, a certified gambling addiction counselor will listen, educate, answer questions, and refer you to a free and confidential treatment services.

There are approximately 46 providers throughout the state of Oregon providing FREE, state-funded, confidential gambling treatment to Oregon residents and their families or friends. All counselors are trained and certified in gambling addiction.

Self Evaluation

Ask yourself if you ever...
Select an option to proceed
Miss important events to gamble?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Are your friends and family concerned with your gambling?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Lie to people or argue with them about gambling?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Feel remorseful after gambling?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Gamble to get money to meet financial obligations?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Use gambling as a way of escaping from problems?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Feel you must return as soon as possible and win back losses?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Have a strong urge to win even more after winning?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Gamble until your last dollar is gone?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Borrow money or use credit to gamble?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Sell items to finance gambling?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Use income or savings to gamble while letting bills go unpaid?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Feel irritated or restless when not able to gamble?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Exceed your limits of time and money when gambling?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Use gambling to escape worries or trouble?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Have you broken the law or considered breaking the law to finance gambling?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Had difficulty sleeping because of gambling?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Find it difficult to control, stop or cut down on gambling and feel irritable when trying to do so?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Celebrate good fortune with a few hours of gambling?
Almost Always Sometimes Never
Feel depressed or suicidal because of gambling?
Almost Always Sometimes Never

You are Low Risk

Your score places you in the "Low-Risk Gambler" category.

A person in this score range experienced one to two minor problems related to their gambling.

If you answered “yes” to seven or more of these questions, it could be indicative of a serious gambling problem.

You can always call the Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline and speak to a certified gambling addiction counselor. All information shared is confidential and this service is FREE to Oregon residents. Call 1-877-695-4648 (MY-LIMIT), text 503-713-6000, or click the buttons below to contact us online through Live Chat, IM or Email.

You are Medium Risk

Your score places you in the "Medium-Risk Gambler" category

A person in this score range indicates a level of risk that should be further explored.

You can always call the Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline and speak to a certified gambling addiction counselor. All information shared is confidential and this service is FREE to Oregon residents. Call 1-877-695-4648 (MY-LIMIT), text 503-713-6000, or click the buttons below to contact us online through Live Chat, IM or Email.

You are High Risk

A person in this score range indicates a problem with gambling. Contact the Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline and speak to a certified gambling addiction counselor to further examine your gambling behavior and its consequences. All information shared is confidential and this service is FREE to Oregon residents. Call 1-877-695-4648 (MY-LIMIT), text 503-713-6000, or click the buttons below to contact us online through Live Chat, IM or Email.

REMINDER: Self-assessment can help you figure out if there is a issue with gambling, but only a professional can diagnose if it is a gambling problem, a different problem, or both.

Contact Us

Myth or Fact?

"You have to gamble every day to be a problem gambler."

Myth or fact?

Myth. A problem gambler may gamble frequently or infrequently. If a person’s gambling is causing psychological, financial, emotional, marital, legal, or other difficulties for themselves and the people around them, then they have a gambling problem.
"Most problem gamblers have a favorite form of gambling that causes them problems."

Myth or fact?

Fact. Most problem gamblers don't gamble at any opportunity of any form. Most have a favorite game that causes them problems. Some gamblers also engage in secondary forms of gambling, but these are not usually as problematic.
"Problem gambling is not really a problem if the gambler can afford it."

Myth or fact?

Myth. Problems caused by excessive gambling are not just financial. If a person’s gambling is interfering with their ability to act in accordance with their values, then there is a problem. For example, too much time spent on gambling means less time to spend with family, friends, and others. It can lead to relationship breakdown and loss of important friendships.
"Even people with a long history of responsible behavior are vulnerable to developing a gambling problem. "

Myth or fact?

Fact. Many problem gamblers hold, or have held, responsible community positions. When a person is having a problem gambling episode, that person is unable to control their gambling and in this compromised state their actions look like irresponsible behavior.
"Children are not affected by problem gambling."

Myth or fact?

Myth. Surveys show that about 10% to 15% of American and Canadian youth have experienced gambling-related problems, and 1% to 6% of these individuals may satisfy diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling. Additionally, children of problem gamblers have been shown to be at a higher risk of developing health-threatening behaviors. This includes alcohol and drug use, problem gambling, eating disorders, depression and suicide.
"Problem gamblers can be skilled in finding ways to rationalize their gambling."

Myth or fact?

Fact. Blaming others is one way to avoid taking responsibility for actions, including actions needed to overcome the gambling problem. Partners of problem gamblers are not responsible for problem gambler's actions.
"Financial problems are the main reason that problem gambler’s relationships break down."

Myth or fact?

Myth. It is true that money problems play an important part in ending relationships. However, many non-gambling partners say that the lies and lack of trust is the biggest cause.
Parents of problem gamblers are not to blame for their children's behavior.

Myth or fact?

Fact. Many parents of problem gamblers feel hurt and guilty about their son’s or daughter’s gambling behavior, but they are not to blame.
"If a problem gambler builds up a debt, the important thing to do is to help them get out of the financial problem as soon as possible."

Myth or fact?

Myth. Quick fix solutions are often attractive to everyone involved and may appear to be the right thing to do. However, “bailing” the gambler out of debt may actually make matters worse by enabling gambling problems to continue.
"Problem gambling can be a hidden addiction."

Myth or fact?

Fact. Problem gambling is very easy to hide as it has few recognizable symptoms, unlike alcohol and drug use. Many problem gamblers themselves do not recognize they have a gambling problem. Problem gamblers often engage in self-denial.

Interested in learning more?
Contact us:
1-877-695-4648

About Us

The Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline was established in 2001 and receives about 1000 calls each year. Trained professional staff members are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to listen, educate, answer questions, and refer people to free confidential treatment services.

If you (or someone you know) are gambling too much, you can call the Oregon Problem Gambling Helpline and speak to a certified gambling counselor. All information shared is confidential and this service is FREE to Oregon residents.

Call the Helpline 1-877-695-4648 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and speak with someone who can get you to the help you may need. Or text 503-713-6000 between the hours of 8am and 9pm M-F.

You are not alone. There is help, there is hope, and there is a way to get your life back on track.