Problem Gambling Treatment in Washington DC
Gambling was once something that you may have enjoyed with friends and coworkers without much concern. But then things changed. A fun activity became a habit, which became an overwhelming compulsion that has had a detrimental impact on your life. It has harmed your finances, relationships, professional prospects, and most importantly – your mental health. Whether casino gaming, sports betting, or daily fantasy sports (DFS), you have tried to quit on your own to no avail and have come online in search for problem gambling treatment. As a Washington DC resident you have access to Kindbridge’s confidential, secure, and highly effective virtual counseling platform. Use this convenient online booking form or call now to get your FREE assessment and to book your first counseling session.
PROBLEM GAMBLERS HOTLINE: 1-877-426-4258
(Washington DC residents)
Book an appointment with a licenced therapist
Get safe and nonjudgmental treatment from therapists who specialize in the area of Gambling Addiction.
Get Help to Quit Gambling with our Self-Guided Course Online
Learn how gambling can become an addiction, and find actionable ways to restoring balance in your life right now.
This groundbreaking course is an affordable alternative (or supplement) to therapy and can be an excellent support for habit change.
Brief Background of Gambling in Washington DC
Is Gambling Legal in Washington DC?
Casino gaming: Casino gaming (online and land-based) is not permitted within Washington D.C.. However, DC residents have access to commercial slots, table games, and poker within a short drive to Maryland. Moreover, social and sweepstakes casinos (which are a form of gambling) may legally operate in the District of Columbia. In addition, offshore casinos have been able to infiltrate DC and register residents, which places vulnerable players in harm’s way given that these illegal entities do not abide by Responsible Gaming mandates.
Sports betting: Despite taking a strong stance against casino gaming, DC is sports betting friendly. The activity was made legal in in the District of Columbia on May 3, 2019, soon after the Sports Wagering Lottery Amendment Act of 2018 went into effect.
Online sports betting: Online sports betting and mobile DFS became legal one-year ofter retail sports betting went live in DC.
Gambling Addiction Statistics for Washington DC
As with other U.S. regions that have taken a firm stance against gambling (although DC regulates sports betting), there is very limited data on gambling addiction statistics in the U.S. capital. Until DC makes a larger investment in problem gambling research, those searching for insight on resident gambling behavior can reference the following statistics which apply to the United States gambling and sports betting population as a whole:
- 20% of sports bettors are in or have been in debt from sports betting ( source )
- Average gambling addict (male) debt is between $55,000 and $90,000 ( source )
- About 3% of problem gamblers in the USA are $300,000 in debt due to their addiction ( source )
- Nearly 15% of problem gamblers have committed a crime to support their addiction ( source )
- Divorce rate for habitual gamblers is 31% compared to 21% for those who rarely gamble ( source )
- Suicide rate is 16 times higher for problem gamblers ( source )
Gamblers Help Online in Washington DC
The Kindbridge platform helps DC residents quit gambling through more accessible, convenient, confidential, and powerful treatment services. Our counselors are accessible, whether you’re in Anacostia, Capitol Hill, Downtown, Georgetown or anywhere else within the U.S. Capital.
In addition to problem gambling, Kindbridge counselors specialize in treating mental and behavioral health issues that you may live with, such as anxiety and depression which impact nearly 44% of the population iDC. Furthermore, Kindbridge is of service to the notable military (active and veteran) population Washington D.C.. Research confirms that members of the military are 3.5 times more likely to develop a problematic relationship with gambling when compared against the civilian population.
Couples + Family Counseling for Problem Gambling
An inability (so far) to quit sports betting and casino gaming also has an impact on loved ones. In addition to problem gambling treatment for individuals in DC, Kindbridge provides couples and family counseling.
Cost for Gambling Treatment in Washington DC
Kindbridge Behavioral Health offers flexible pricing for online and telehealth counseling in DC. Problem gambling treatment rates and subscriptions can be found here.
