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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 counseling. 


 Funded by the Louisiana Department of Health and  in collaboration with the

Northwest Louisiana Human Services District


Heal, Block and Budget

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

Call or chat with the LACG Helpline

(24/7, anonymous)

Confidential

Gamban

Install Gamban free, in about two minutes

Runs privately

on your device

GamFin

One-on-one financial counseling when gambling impacts your finances

HIPAA-protected

We are three organizations working together to support Louisiana residents who want to regain control over gambling. Reaching out is completely free of judgment—it is simply about giving yourself the opportunity to move forward with clarity and support.


Our services are 100% free for Louisiana residents. Because we do not sell products or work on commission, our only focus is your well-being. 

 Your privacy is fully protected: our services are completely confidential and HIPAA-compliant, and our counselors will never contact your family or creditors without your explicit permission.

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 hundreds of 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.

... an absolute miracle. As a problem gambling counselor, this is the service we've needed to give clients hope. When it comes to gambling addiction, the topic of money must be discussed. Our clients who have used this service come away with a realistic plan to pay off debts and rebuild financial health and still be able to live their lives.”

Denise Bergner, BA, CADC, PCGC

Way Back Inn

GamFin’s financial counseling services have done wonders for our clients. Financial pressures can increase anxiety and fears for individuals in treatment for problem gambling. Working in partnership with GamFin, we can alleviate that financial stress, giving our clients hope and the relief they need to focus on getting better rather than feeling overwhelmed by debt."

Jody Bechtold, LCSW, ICGC, IGDC, PC

The Better Institute

... an incredible enhancement to our gambling counseling program. The financial counselors are skillful and compassionate, and once our clients begin working with the counselors, our clients regain a sense of hope to address the long-term financial impact of their gambling."

Elizabeth Thielen, LPC, PCGC

Nicasa Behavioral Health Services

Gamban FAQs

  • How does Gamban work?

    Sign up to Gamban using the following link: https://gamban.com/signup/promo/LACG. Once you have registered, you can install Gamban on your mobile, tablet, and desktop devices to block access to online gambling.

  • What does Gamban block?

    Gamban blocks over 500,000 online gambling websites and apps across all your personal devices. This includes traditional casinos, sports betting, poker, esports, prediction markets, and gambling affiliates, as well as high-risk trading platforms like crypto exchanges, CFDs, forex, and binary options.

  • Will Gamban work on my device?

    Gamban is compatible with Mac OS, Windows, Android, and iOS.

  • Will my partner, boss, or IT department see this?

    No, it runs privately in the background and is only visible if

    someone tries to go to a gambling site.

  • 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.


  • Can I uninstall Gamban if I change my mind?

    No, it is intentionally designed to be very difficult to remove to

    protect you.


  • How do I contact Gamban support?

    You can email Gamban support directly at support@gamban.com


Gamfin FAQs

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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 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.

  • 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 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 1-877-770-STOP (7867).

  • 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.

  • 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. 

  • 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. 

Funding for this program is made possible by the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH). The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Louisiana Department of Health, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the State. Please note that while LDH funds this program, they do not receive your name, contact details, or any information regarding your session content.