Heal, Block and Budget
Take the gamble out of your future. Louisiana residents can get free support through the LACG Helpline, Gamban, and GamFin, with confidential guidance, gambling-blocking tools, and financial counselling.
Take THE NEXT STEP Toward a Healthier Future
The more layers of support you put in place to stop gambling, the stronger your protection becomes. Each service and tool plays a different role in helping during your recovery.
LACG
Need someone to talk to? Contact the helpline
Gamban
Block access to gambling websites and apps
GamFin
One-on-one financial counseling when gambling impacts your finances
We are three organizations working together to support people in Louisiana who want to stop online gambling. Through THE NEXT STEP, we provide practical tools and support to help you regain control and move forward.
Reaching out is not about judgment. It is about giving yourself the opportunity to move forward with clarity and support.
What is THE NEXT STEP?
THE NEXT STEP is a partnership
For many, starting their recovery journey can be difficult. Which is why THE NEXT STEP was made!
LACG Helpline: Speak with a trained specialist who understands the challenges of gambling harm. The LACG Helpline provides confidential support and someone to talk to when you need it.
Gamban: Gamban blocks access to thousands of gambling websites and apps across your devices, helping you remove temptation and create space to focus on recovery. Gamban is normally a paid app, but it is available free through THE NEXT STEP.
GamFin: GamFin provides financial counselling and support for people affected by gambling harm. Their specialists can help you address gambling-related debt, rebuild financial stability, and plan for the future.
"A trip to Las Vegas in 2020 awakened my gambling habit. On Wednesday 04/19 I said no more wasting money and researched apps to block gambling websites. I came across Gamban. I started a free trial. I tried to access my favorite online gambling sites and could not access them. The relief to know that I could no longer waste money at my fingertips was overwhelming. Give this app a try. You won't regret it!" - Beth Eller
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Gamban work?
Sign up to Gamban using the following link: http://www.excludenow.com/lacg. Once you have registered, you can install Gamban on your mobile, tablet, and desktop devices to block access to online gambling.
Will Gamban work on my device?
Gamban is compatible with Mac OS, Windows, Android, and iOS.
What does Gamban block?
Gamban blocks online gambling websites and apps, including casinos, sports betting, poker, esports betting, prediction markets, gambling affiliates, and high-risk trading platforms such as crypto exchanges, CFDs, forex and binary options. Read more about what Gamban does and doesn't block at our knowledge base.
Does Gamban affect my device’s performance?
Gamban is designed to be lightweight and usually runs in the background with minimal impact on device performance.
How do I contact Gamban support?
You can email Gamban support directly at support@gamban.com
Why should I get financial counseling?
Individuals impacted by gambling-related financial issues often feel they have nowhere to turn. The added financial pressure can exacerbate anxiety and stress, which in turn, can lead to more problematic behavior. Financial counseling can help relieve the pressure – helping you gain clarity, find a path forward, and restore hope.
How is financial counseling different?
Unlike financial advisers who focus on growing wealth, financial counselors can help you address immediate financial issues and provide essential support to regain control over finances, including managing debt, creating a spending plan, and setting up guardrails.
How much does financial counseling cost?
Financial counseling is completely free in several US states, for individuals and families. We partner with state governments, problem gambling councils, and other organizations for funding. Private pay (on a sliding scale based on income) is available in states where we don’t yet have a funding partnership.
What to expect during an initial consultation:
Financial counselors often spend the first session in fact-finding mode, asking questions and listening actively. Their goal is to help you feel comfortable and assess the nature and severity of your situation, enabling you to make a plan. You can expect to leave your initial consultation with a strategy that includes concrete steps for moving forward.
Do you offer loans?
No, we do not provide loans or sell any other financial products. Nor do our counselors try to sell you anything or earn a commission.
How many sessions can I get?
On average, a person will benefit from 3 - 4 sessions; but, sometimes more, if there are family members attending the sessions.
Do you manage bankruptcy?
No. There are many alternatives to explore before considering bankruptcy. Bankruptcy can fit some situations, but only as a last resort. For most people struggling with gambling losses, the appropriate path is to repay debt and gain a healthier relationship with money.
What if I’m not ready to book an appointment now?
That’s ok. You can always come back to book a session. If you want to learn more about the harms associated with gambling and resources available to you, please call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Who can access my information?
Your information is safe and secure. Our platform is HIPAA-compliant and will ask for written permission to share any information with anyone else. During your intake process you will have an opportunity to review and sign these forms.
Through funding and support provided by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and Northwest Louisiana Human Services District (NLHSD), Louisiana residents have access to no-cost, confidential financial counseling through GamFin and complimentary Gamban licenses.
