HELPLINES
Louisiana's Problem Gamblers Helpline
1-877-770-7867
Louisiana Substance Abuse Helpline
1-877-664-2248
1-877-770-7867
Louisiana Substance Abuse Helpline
1-877-664-2248
LACG HELPLINE SERVICES
LACG Helpline Operations began January 1, 2000. All Helpline Specialists provide a live personal empathic service 24/7, directing callers/chats to relevant resources and referrals.
Louisiana's Problem Gamblers Helpline (Toll Free):
1-877-770-STOP (7867)
A confidential information and referral line that assists individuals in the state of Louisiana who are affected by gambling problems.
Louisiana Substance Abuse Helpline (Toll Free):
1-877-664-2248
This is a confidential information and referral line that assists individuals in the state of Louisiana who are affected by substance abuse problems.
Louisiana's Problem Gamblers Helpline (Toll Free):
1-877-770-STOP (7867)
A confidential information and referral line that assists individuals in the state of Louisiana who are affected by gambling problems.
Louisiana Substance Abuse Helpline (Toll Free):
1-877-664-2248
This is a confidential information and referral line that assists individuals in the state of Louisiana who are affected by substance abuse problems.
HELPLINE FAQ
Are the people answering the phone counselors?
The Helpline is answered by trained, certified and caring Helpline Specialists. Our Specialists do not provide counseling, but they will refer you to a qualified counselor in your area.
Are there Halfway Houses for Problem Gamblers?
In the United States there are a few, please contact the Louisiana Problems Gamblers Helpline at 1-877-770-STOP (7867) for those referrals.
Can I trust the people I talk to?
Yes. The Helpline services fall under the protections of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and CFR Title 42, Part 2, which protects any information having to do with substance abuse. No calls are recorded, and the Helpline Specialists adhere to a strict Code of Ethics, further protecting the identity and information of a caller.
Can you help me get my money back or loan me money?
No, but we can help you if you desire to stop gambling. We will be glad to talk to you and/or your family.
Do you have a listing of the GA meetings in my area of the state?
Yes. It is updated often and verified.
How do I get someone banned from a casino?
First of all, someone cannot get another individual banned from a casino...not even a spouse or family member. Individuals who desire a voluntary exclusion from a casino follow the following procedures:
If calling from the land-based Harrah's in New Orleans, use this guide:
1. Have the customer go to the Customer Safety Podium located next to the Lucky Dog vendor.
2. Have the customer ask for the Customer Safety Manager on duty.
3. Tell the manager that he/she would like to be evicted or "barred from the premises."
4. The safety manager will escort the customer to their investigation area and the customer will then sign a formal eviction from premises notice, after meeting with state police.
HARRAH'S LAND-BASED CASINO IN NEW ORLEANS IS THE ONLY STATE CASINO THAT HAS ITS OWN POLICE UNIT INSIDE THE CASINO.
For other riverboat casinos in Louisiana, use the following procedure:
1. If the individual on a riverboat casino desires to be escorted off the premises of a boat, that is between the individual and that particular casino. The individual must ask the security detail on that casino to escort them off. The state police do not get involved. Once they are removed, they are interviewed or referred to the state police office that handles gaming issues. That phone number is 318-862-9730 and is headed by a Sgt. Cavanaugh. (He prefers we do not give out physical address).
2. A telephone interview will be conducted to screen for pranks, etc. Should the state police decide the individual is sincere in his or her desire to be banned, an interview will be conducted and the narrative will be sent to headquarters in Baton Rouge.
3. At that time, it will be processed to determine if the call meets the criteria for voluntary exclusion. If so, the application will be returned to that area of state police and the individual will be asked to come in to the office and sign an affidavit attesting to his desire to be banned.
4. The individual must understand that this decision is taken seriously. It is not reversible unless they hire an attorney and go to court to have it "undone." This is in keeping with Article 2760, chapter 42 of the Gaming Control Policy per Sgt. Cavanaugh with the Louisiana State Police.
If calling from the land-based Harrah's in New Orleans, use this guide:
1. Have the customer go to the Customer Safety Podium located next to the Lucky Dog vendor.
2. Have the customer ask for the Customer Safety Manager on duty.
3. Tell the manager that he/she would like to be evicted or "barred from the premises."
4. The safety manager will escort the customer to their investigation area and the customer will then sign a formal eviction from premises notice, after meeting with state police.
HARRAH'S LAND-BASED CASINO IN NEW ORLEANS IS THE ONLY STATE CASINO THAT HAS ITS OWN POLICE UNIT INSIDE THE CASINO.
For other riverboat casinos in Louisiana, use the following procedure:
1. If the individual on a riverboat casino desires to be escorted off the premises of a boat, that is between the individual and that particular casino. The individual must ask the security detail on that casino to escort them off. The state police do not get involved. Once they are removed, they are interviewed or referred to the state police office that handles gaming issues. That phone number is 318-862-9730 and is headed by a Sgt. Cavanaugh. (He prefers we do not give out physical address).
2. A telephone interview will be conducted to screen for pranks, etc. Should the state police decide the individual is sincere in his or her desire to be banned, an interview will be conducted and the narrative will be sent to headquarters in Baton Rouge.
3. At that time, it will be processed to determine if the call meets the criteria for voluntary exclusion. If so, the application will be returned to that area of state police and the individual will be asked to come in to the office and sign an affidavit attesting to his desire to be banned.
4. The individual must understand that this decision is taken seriously. It is not reversible unless they hire an attorney and go to court to have it "undone." This is in keeping with Article 2760, chapter 42 of the Gaming Control Policy per Sgt. Cavanaugh with the Louisiana State Police.
How many people call the Helplines?
The call volume varies month to month. The Problem Gamblers Helpline staff answer calls for Louisiana and for many other states each year with over 100,000 calls/chats/texts coming in each year. Since its founding in 2000, the Helpline has answered over 1.8 million calls/chats/texts! Since 2004, we also answer Helplines for suicide prevention and substance abuse.
I am visiting your state and have decided I have a gambling problem. Can you give me the name of a GA meeting in my area of the United States?
Yes, we have GA listings throughout the continental US.
What can I do as a family member to help?
The self-help organization, Gam-Anon, is for the spouse, family or close friends of the compulsive gambler. Gam-Anon's purpose is to teach acceptance and understanding of problem gambling as an illness provide problem-solving suggestions and support as an aid in rebuilding lives.
What do you do?
The Louisiana Problem Gamblers Help Line is a toll-free, confidential information and referral line that assists individuals in the state of Louisiana who may be affected by gambling problems. We provide information to people who want help to stop gambling, family members who are concerned about a loved one, or a person in recovery from gambling who is searching for a Gamblers Anonymous meeting. In addition, we talk to individuals from throughout the state who have a question on any other addiction and direct them to the proper resource.
Who answers when I call, text or chat with the Helpline?
You will speak directly to a trained and certified Helpline Specialist. He/she is well-versed in the dynamics of gambling problems, addictive disorders, and suicide. The Specialist will provide you with information for services in your area or near you.
Why is the Helpline needed?
The short answer is that most people are unaware that help is available for residents suffering from out-of-control gambling. The Louisiana Problem Gamblers Helpline was established to inform residents about available helping services, including treatment services, for problem gambling. In Louisiana there is no cost to the resident for counseling services, including outpatient and residential treatment. Many people, including those in the medical and helping professions, are not aware of the resources available statewide to intervene with problem and compulsive gambling. A resource directory of services and qualified practitioners is maintained by the Helpline.