Gambler’s Anonymous, Gam-Anon to host open meeting on Staten Island

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Island Gamblers Anonymous (GA) and Gam-Anon will hold a joint open meeting on Sunday, Oct. 20, for anyone who thinks they or a loved one might have a gambling problem.

GA is a fellowship of men and women who share their experiences with each other to solve a common problem of compulsive gambling through a 12-step program, based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling. There are no dues or fees, because the meetings are self-supporting through contributions.

Gam-Anon gives assistance to those affected by someone else’s gambling problem. Family or friends may attend alone, whether or not their loved one recognizes that their gambling is a problem.

Sunday’s meeting will be held in the Church of St. Andrew, Richmond. Light food and beverages will be served at 4 p.m., and the meeting will take place from 5 to 7 p.m.

The meeting is open to anyone who wants to learn more about compulsive gambling, whether they think they may have a problem or think a loved one might be struggling.

Gambling and gambling addiction have risen dramatically on Staten Island in recent years, said a member of GA, who asked to remain anonymous.

“They legalized gambling, and the way they advertise it, over and over, they lure you in with offers that sound so tempting,‘‘ he said. “It’s incredible how many young people now come to meetings. There’s only one true way to stop gambling, and that’s through Gambler’s Anonymous.”

No one attending a GA meeting ever will be asked their name, he said. “When you go there, it’s very private. What you say there, stays there.”

Compulsive gamblers face life-altering consequences, like shattered relationships, insurmountable debt and even criminal activity resulting from the desperation and dishonesty needed to fuel gambling addiction.

Much of today’s compulsive gambling takes place on cell phones, where New Yorkers can legally place sports and casino wagers 24-7 since January 2022.

At Gam-Anon, the rising gambling trend is also being noticed, leaders in the group have said.

“These days, the gamblers are younger and younger, so mostly the people coming into Gam-Anon are parents and grandparents, grandparents who have cashed in IRAs, cashed in retirement funds, because they don’t want to see their grandchild get into trouble,’’ one GA member recently told the Advance/SILive.com. “It’s heartbreaking, but this is what’s happening.”

Gambler’s Anonymous meetings on Staten Island

Five in-person GA meetings take place each week on Staten Island. For more meeting information, visit the Gambler’s Anonymous website.

Monday:

7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Coptic Orthodox Diocese 500 Todt Hill Rd, Todt Hill

Wednesday:

7:15 to 9:15 p.m., St. Francis Seminary, 500 Todt Hill Rd., Todt Hill

Thursday:

7:30 to 10 p.m., St. Mary’s Christian Center, 500 Todt Hill Rd., Todt Hill

Saturday:

10:15 a.m. to noon, Immanuel Lutheran Church 2024 Richmond Ave., Bulls Head

Sunday:

7 to 8:30 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2024 Richmond Ave., Bulls Head

Gam-Anon

The Gam-Anon meetings take place virtually, either by Zoom or by telephone conference call. For a Gam-Anon meetings schedule, visit: Gamanon.org.

More gambling help

Regional Problem Gambling Resource Centers, including the Richmond University Medical Center Gambling Resource Center and the South Beach Addiction Treatment Center, are funded by OASAS.

The New York State HOPEline, 877-846-7369, operates 24/7, 365 days a year, and will connect anyone in need of supportive services in their community.

To reach the Gambler’s Anonymous helpline, call 855-222-5542 or visit www.gamblersanonymous.org.