Gambling Addiction Treatment Options in Connecticut
Clinical Review by:
Published:
Oct 10, 2024
,
04:17 p.m.
ET
While Connecticut has an overall small-scale casino and sports betting footprint, there is still a significant risk for gambling addiction to become a notable statewide problem. Connecticut is highly regulated and advanced when it comes to laws around betting. Connecticut even uses part of state tax revenue to fund problem gambling research and provide gambling addiction treatment and support.
Help for Gambling Addiction in Connecticut: Care Options
There are many options for gambling addiction treatment in Connecticut. The level of care needed will depend on an individual's needs and the severity of their gambling addiction. Treatment options can range from inpatient facilities, outpatient services, virtual care and community resources.
Virtual Treatment
Virtual treatment is an increasingly popular option for gambling addiction treatment. Teletherapy helps reduce barriers to accessing treatment and also provides more flexibility around when and where sessions can take place. The process for virtual treatment is the same as in-person therapy and can occur for as long as the therapist and client deem necessary.
Birches Health specializes in virtual Gambling Addiction treatment and has a wide range of services for those in Connecticut who need support managing their gambling habits.
Birches Health offers:
Individual therapy sessions
Virtual group therapy sessions
Workshops and webinars
Articles, videos and guides on Gambling Addiction and recovery
Self-assessment tests
Coping strategies and relapse prevention techniques
You can get started with Birches Health through any of the following options:
You can also contact Birches right away by calling 833-483-3838 or emailing hello@bircheshealth.com.
Inpatient Treatment Centers in CT
Inpatient treatment may be necessary for someone whose gambling addiction is not able to be managed in an outpatient setting. Inpatient treatment takes someone out of their environment and provides 24/7 support during gambling addiction treatment.
While there are no inpatient treatment centers in Connecticut specifically and solely for gambling addiction, there are mental health treatment programs that treat co-occurring disorders. Connecticut created a state-funded treatment program that is available at little to no cost, called Bettor Choice Programs. In Danbury, Connecticut there is an inpatient facility that treats gambling addiction and substance abuse as co-occurring disorders.
Peer Support Groups in CT
Connecticut has multiple peer support groups that are available for those who are looking for support in their gambling addiction recovery process. GamTalk is an online forum-style, peer support group. People can anonymously chat with others about their gambling struggles and receive mutual support. Gamblers Anonymous is an in-person mutual support group that also offers support groups for friends and family members of gambling addicts.
Connecticut State Hotline
Connecticut has a state hotline that is dedicated to helping those that are struggling with problematic gambling habits or have gambling addiction. The Connecticut Problem Gambling Hotline can be reached at 888-789-7777. There is also the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling hotline that can be called at 959-230-4034.
Assessing gambling and sports betting behaviors
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine if gambling habits are within a health limit or if they are pushing the boundaries and becoming detrimental to one's daily life. Birches Health offers a free self-assessment test that evaluates gambling habits in just a few minutes. On the Birches website you can access a comprehensive list of resources regarding assessing and treating gambling addiction.
Contact Birches to speak with a gambling addiction specialist or to refer someone confidentially. You can also call Birches at 833-483-3838 or by email at hello@bircheshealth.com.
History of Gambling in Connecticut
Casino History
Gambling in Connecticut began when a high-stakes bingo venue was opened on Native American Land in 1986. Over the years, card games and slot machines were also added to the venue, and in 1996 the Mohegan Tribe opened Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut. Separately, the Mashantucket Pequot opened Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard, Connecticut. The two tribes that are federally recognized and operate the casinos are the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and the Mohegan Tribe.
In 2021 Connecticut became one of the states that allows online casino gambling through two online casinos, the Mohegan Sun Casino (FanDuel) and DraftKings Casino.
Sports Betting Legalization History in CT
Online sports betting became legal in Connecticut in 2021 after years of negotiation with local tribes. Compared to surrounding states like New York and Massachusetts, Connecticut has a relatively small sports betting scene with only a handful of sportsbooks and retail locations. The three online sportsbooks in Connecticut are operated by DraftKings, Fanatics and FanDuel.
Sources:
