Support Groups For Parents of Children With Problem Gambling Addiction

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve discovered something about your child’s gambling and you’re feeling pretty alone right now. We get it. Most of us felt the same way when we first found ourselves here—wondering if anyone else could possibly understand what we were going through.

Turns out, a lot of people do.

Support group meetings became a lifeline for many of us. They’re a place where you can show up, be honest, and not have to explain yourself. No one’s going to judge you or give you that look. Everyone in the room has been where you are.

We’re not here to push any particular group—there are several options, and everyone finds their way differently. What works for one family might not click for another, and that’s okay.

Finding What Feels Right

Here’s something we wish someone had told us earlier: it’s totally normal to try a few different meetings before you find your fit. Each group has its own vibe. Some are more structured, some are more free-flowing. Some are in-person, some are virtual. Some meet mornings, some evenings—so you can find something that fits your life. Give yourself permission to explore until something feels like home.

Wherever you start, you’ll be met with people who actually understand—and that alone can be a huge relief.

Some Places to Start:

Parents Standing Together.org
This is us—parents supporting parents. Our meetings are posted in our Facebook support group, where you can connect with other families who’ve walked this road. If you’re not on social media, no problem—just email us at hello@parentsstandingtogether.org, and we’ll get you the meeting links. Sometimes you just need to talk to someone who’s been there, and that’s exactly what this space is for.

LINK: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentsstandingtogether

Gam-Anon
Many of us found our first meeting here. Gam-Anon is a 12-step fellowship—free and anonymous—for families affected by someone else’s gambling. They hold both in-person and virtual meetings worldwide, and here’s a helpful tip: they offer parent-specific virtual meetings. When you search their directory, look for “Meeting Focus: Parents” under virtual options.

LINK: gam-anon.org/meeting-directory

Open Gamblers Anonymous (GA) Meetings
Here’s something you might not know: some GA meetings are “open,” meaning anyone can attend—not just the person struggling with gambling. Sitting in on an open meeting can be incredibly eye-opening for parents. You’ll hear directly from people in recovery, which can help you better understand what your child might be experiencing and what the path forward could look like. It’s not for everyone, but many of us found it gave us insight we couldn’t get anywhere else.

LINK: gamblersanonymous.org/find-a-meeting/

SMART Recovery Family & Friends
If you’re drawn to a more skills-based approach, SMART Recovery might resonate with you. It’s grounded in cognitive-behavioral techniques and focuses on things like managing emotions, coping with difficult moments, and finding balance again. Their family program is specifically designed for people supporting someone else’s recovery. One thing to know: SMART Recovery isn’t gambling-specific—it supports families dealing with all kinds of addictive behaviors—but the tools and strategies translate well, and some parents appreciate the broader perspective.

LINK: smartrecovery.org/family

Gamblers, Family and Friends In Recovery (GFFR)
GFFR maintains a directory of online recovery meetings from around the world—really helpful if you’re looking for international options or just want to see what’s out there.

LINK: gamblersinrecovery.com/familyfriends

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Taking that first step into a support group can feel scary—we know, because we’ve been there. But here’s what we’ve learned: there’s real strength in showing up, even when you’re not sure what to say. You don’t even have to say anything—you can just listen. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start somewhere. If you need specific recommendations, please join our Facebook community – people share links to meetings they have found helpful.