Gambling-related financial problems?

We can help. We provide financial counseling for individuals and families in financial distress.
Our mission

Our financial counselors can help you gain clarity, find a path forward, and help restore hope.

How we support you

No-cost financial counseling

Individuals & families

If you're struggling with gambling-related financial issues, we can help you find solutions. We offer financial counseling that can relieve the pressure. Thanks to funding from our state partners, we can offer these financial counseling sessions at no charge to you or your family. These virtual sessions are 100% secure & confidential.
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Professional-to-professional partnerships

Providers

We can help you integrate financial counseling into your client's treatment plan. If you have a client in financial distress due to gambling, we will provide financial counseling support, or we can work directly with your client in a virtual one-on-one setting. Counseling sessions are entirely funded by state partners.
Funding from state governments

State governments & partners

State government agencies, problem gambling councils, and other organizations partner with GamFin to help fund counseling services for individuals and families who are experiencing financial issues due to problem gambling. Learn more about the organizations with whom we partner.
Learn more

Funding from state governments enables us to provide financial counseling at no cost to individuals & families.

You’re not alone

Book a session

Gambling disorder is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, regardless of income, education, or ethnic background. Gambling disorder is identified by a pattern of repeated and ongoing betting and wagering that continues despite creating multiple problems in several areas of an individual's life, according to the American Psychiatric Association.

Problem gambling can have a serious impact on families

Gambling-related debt can cause significant financial problems and emotional distress for a spouse and family. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, adult men with a gambling disorder have on average $50,000 – $90,000 in gambling-related debt, debt that is commonly hidden from their spouse.

7 people affected

For every one person with a gambling disorder

9 million

U.S. adults with a gambling problem

No sales. No commissions.
We're paid by state governments,
not by fees.

What is GamFin?

GamFin is the leading provider of financial counseling for individuals and families with gambling-related financial problems. All of our financial counselors have a duty to act in your best interest. We never sell financial products, charge commissions, or offer investment advice.

What is financial counseling?

Finances can be a difficult and painful subject to discuss. Our financial counselors have experience working with individuals, families, and others affected by problem gambling.  

We also provide financial training for mental health professionals to help them navigate their clients' financial challenges.

Meet our financial counselors

All of our financial counselors have a duty to act in your best interest. We never sell financial products, charge commissions, or offer investment advice.
Stephanie Higgins
AFC®, MQFP®
Stephanie’s professional journey into financial planning blends her background in social services with a passion for helping people use finance to achieve their life goals. As a first-generation wealth builder herself, Stephanie focuses on creating trusted relationships based on non-judgmental support, financial education, and a deep understanding of clients’ hopes, dreams, and specific life circumstances.
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Dominique' Reese
AFC®, FFC®
As a single mother and entrepreneur, Dr. Dominique’ Reese understands the struggles and challenges women face today. Her mission is to apply this deep understanding and her own experiences to help women master their money and build financial freedom.
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Sara Croymans
AFC®, M.Ed.
For more than 30 years, Sara has dedicated her career to helping people build critical life skills in financial capability and resilience. Whether helping clients with money management, debt, or recovery from adversity or trauma, Sara empowers clients with the confidence and resources they need to make better personal financial decisions.
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Yvonne Hampton
Ph.D., AFC®
Yvonne holds a PhD, MBA, and a Masters in Personal Financial Planning. With 15 years as a financial coach, she focuses on helping her clients work through their underlying feelings & belief systems to help them meet their financial goals.
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Nan Franks
MA, LPC-S, LICDC-CS, GAMB
After pulling herself out of financial trouble, Nan wanted to help others in similar situations. Now, she helps everyday people find personalized and practical solutions to financial issues.
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Kyle Grevengoed
CFP®, AFC®
Kyle has worked in financial services since 2007, including several years at two of the largest U.S. credit unions. He is now an independent financial planner and counselor, passionate about helping people align their lives with their longterm goals.
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Jessica Parks
Ph.D., AFC®
Jessica has a PhD in Financial Planning and Consumer Economics. She is passionate about helping families pay off debt & creating realistic spending plans.
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Janice Pierce
CFP®
As a financial advisor with a background in risk management, Janice helps clients build financial knowledge and understand emotions about money.
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Axton Betz-Hamilton
Ph.D., AFC®
Axton is an experienced financial counselor and educator. She earned a PhD in Human Development & Family Studies, an MS in Personal Financial Planning, and a Graduate Certificate in Financial Therapy.
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Ambus Hunter IV
AFC®
As a person in recovery from problem gambling, Ambus now helps clients with their own financial recovery plans.
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What others say about us!

"I work with a GamFin counselor. I absolutely love him! He just got approval to continue counseling me. I use the Money Tracker he created for me once a week. I've always had a debt spreadsheet where I tracked my debt but I never tracked my spending. Nor have I ever had a budget. This Money Tracker captures everything. I look forward to our next meeting on Friday."
Hannah L
There is still work to do, but my counselor is ready to guide me. I am so grateful for this service.
Max F
Getting financial counseling through GamFin can be a turning point in recovery. Struggling with debt caused by gambling can feel overwhelming and isolating, but GamFin’s financial counselors truly understand what someone is going through. They provide practical guidance without judgment or shame, helping people create a realistic plan to rebuild their finances and regain control of their lives after gambling. Their empathy and expertise truly make all the difference.
Christina Cook
Founder & podcast host, Broke Girl Society
"... an invaluable asset in working with individuals and families touched by problem gambling. The feedback from them has been overwhelmingly positive and shows in their response to treatment. And as an added benefit I receive support and training from experts in the field of finances. Something I was never fully comfortable dealing with but is vital in the work we do."
Jennifer Macioce
LCSW, ICGC-1
Milestone Centers
"I had my first appointment this morning. I had been looking for a resource to help with the financial situation I am in right now. This is exactly what I needed. Thank you for sharing."
Jake B
"I have had 3 sessions with Janice from GamFin and their service is so wonderful and has truly helped my anxiety so much, which is my biggest trigger. I look at my finances, get anxiety because I want to solve my issues now, and I gamble. She has really helped us break it down and curb our spending and helped me look at the broader picture."
Nick M
"... 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
Dr. Hampton's empathy, intelligence, and firmness were invaluable.
Emily N
What I like about my GamFin counselor? Her compassion, understanding ... and I left feeling hopeful for a change.
Ben V
"I really like my financial counselor, Yvonne. I shared my financial background with her, and there was no judgement from her. She made me feel very comfortable and offered good suggestions. She seemed like she really cared. She even gave me advice on how to cut back my spending at restaurants and offered ideas on cheaper, healthier alternatives. I felt like she saw me as a whole person instead of just focusing on my finances."
George C
The counselor was beyond helpful, not only with financial advice but gambling-related advice. She pointed me in the right direction for finding a counselor to speak with about my addiction and how to get my finances in order permanently.
Sam W
"I'm always worried about my son's gambling and financial problems, especially his credit score. GamFin has helped me understand that there is a way out of debt without getting scammed by loan consolidators and lenders. I feel 100% better now after talking with the financial counselor at GamFin. I'm confident they can help him make good decisions and give him some hope out of his financial mess."
Jackie T
“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
GamFin helped me understand the steps I needed to take to fix tax issues when I didn’t know where to turn. The thought of dealing with overdue taxes felt overwhelming, but my counselor approached everything with understanding and without an ounce of shame. She guided me through the process step by step, making it manageable and helping me regain control. Thanks to her support and understanding, I’m back on track and finally feel a sense of relief and confidence moving forward.
Christina C
“... 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
"I just want to say THANK YOU for this recommendation. My state wasn’t listed but they work with people here! (New Mexico) It’s been incredible to confront and tell someone out loud about finances, and receive support to create a realistic plan to tackle debts … and in an encouraging and nonjudgmental manner."
Emma N
I liked the ease of making a plan. When my head is spinning because of the numbers, I am calmed by Janice’s expertise.
Hannah B

For professionals: Looking for the GamFin community?

Join our online community of more than 300 professionals who come together to share insights on how to help clients address gambling-related financial harm.

FAQs

Why should I get financial counseling?

We know that the financial effects of a gambling disorder can be devastating, and we’re here to give you ways to help protect yourself and your assets. It may also help the person who is gambling, by slowing them down.

How is financial counseling different

Financial counselors often stick to the fundamentals of personal finance. They can help you manage expenses, build savings, make plans to pay off debt, and navigate financial challenges. Their goal is to help you re-evaluate and heal your relationship with money in order to return to healthy ways of living, saving, and spending.

What does this service cost?

Nothing, to residents in participating states. See our list of state partners to see if your state qualifies.

How many sessions can I get?

On average, a person will benefit from 3 – 4 sessions. Sometimes it is more, other times less. If there are multiple people involved in the session (for example, a family), we may require 4 – 5 sessions.

What if I’m not ready to book an appointment now?

That’s no problem. You can book an appointment whenever you like by visiting our Booking page.

What if I don’t have an email address?

You don’t need an email to book an appointment. Just a phone number. Someone from our team will reach out to you with appointment details.

Do I need to prepare for the appointment?

Bring any financial information you have to the session. If you are able to bring a credit report and pay stub, that is a great starting point. If not, that's ok. The financial counselor will guide you on how to get necessary information.

Who should attend? Does the person gambling need to be present as well?

We encourage both the person who gambles and those impacted by their gambling to attend if they can. However, we recognize that this may not always be possible. In such cases, we understand that sometimes only the affected individual may be present, and we are here to offer support and assistance to them.

What to expect during an initial consultation

GamFin financial counselors can meet you at whatever point you’re at to discuss your concerns. They won’t try to sell you anything or earn a commission. They are there to listen, discuss the situation, and provide guidance. They will not force you to do anything. Apart from completing the required intake forms, no preparation is necessary. 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.

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 a gambling disorder 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. We are HIPAA compliant and will ask for written permission to share it. During your intake process you will have an opportunity to review and sign these forms.

Get support today

Let us help you gain clarity, find a path forward, and help restore hope.