Definition of Gam-anon

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is Twelve Step program for problem gamblers. GA began in Los Angeles on September 13, 1957. As of 2005 there were over 1000 GA meetings in the United States and meetings established in the United Kingdom, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Israel, Kenya, Uganda, Korea and Japan. Problem gambling is estimated to occur in 1.6% of the adult population in the United States. Aside from financial insecurity, it has been shown to cause dysfunctional families, legal problems, employment difficulties, psychological distress and higher rates of suicide and attempted suicide. Less than 10% of those with gambling problems seek treatment for the syndrome. The only requirement for GA membership is a desire to stop gambling. GA has auxiliary groups, Gam-Anon and Gam-A-Teen for spouses and children of problem gamblers.