Responsible Gambling in Arizona — Help, Resources & Self-Assessment

Last updated: June 3, 2026 · By Ryan Callahan

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling is on a spectrum — from occasional concerning behavior (at-risk) to severe gambling disorder (pathological). The American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5 lists nine diagnostic criteria. Four or more in the past 12 months indicates gambling disorder. Common signs:

• Needing to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement (tolerance)
• Restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down, control or stop
• Preoccupation — frequently thinking about past gambling, planning the next session, or thinking of ways to get money to gamble
• Gambling when distressed — using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, helplessness or guilt
• Chasing losses — returning to "get even" after losing
• Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble or how much you've lost
• Jeopardizing relationships, jobs or opportunities because of gambling
• Relying on others for money to relieve gambling-caused financial situations

PGSI Self-Assessment — 9 Questions, 5 Minutes

The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) is a validated 9-question screening tool used internationally to identify problem gambling. Answer each question based on your gambling activity in the past 12 months:

Interpreting Your PGSI Score

This self-assessment is not a clinical diagnosis. If you scored 3 or higher, we recommend calling the Arizona Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-NEXT-STEP for a confidential conversation with a trained counselor. The call is free, takes 15-30 minutes, and you can speak anonymously.

Arizona Self-Exclusion Programs

Self-exclusion is a voluntary process where you ban yourself from gambling at participating venues for a defined period. Arizona has multiple self-exclusion programs:

Arizona Department of Gaming Self-Exclusion List

Statewide voluntary self-exclusion administered by ADG. Once enrolled, you are banned from all 26 tribal casinos and all licensed sportsbooks for the duration you choose (1 year, 5 years, or lifetime). Enrollment is at any tribal casino's security office or by appointment with ADG. Bring government-issued ID.

Once enrolled, if you enter a tribal casino during your exclusion period, you can be removed by security and prosecuted for trespass. Any winnings won during the exclusion period are forfeited to the AZ Problem Gambling Trust Fund.

Sportsbook-Specific Self-Exclusion

Every ADG-licensed sportsbook (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, etc.) has its own self-exclusion process accessible in account settings. You can self-exclude from one sportsbook without joining the statewide ADG list. Useful for targeted exclusion if you only want to ban one specific brand.

Offshore Casino Self-Exclusion

Every reputable offshore casino we recommend has a "Responsible Gambling" section in account settings with self-exclusion options. Most allow 6-month, 12-month, 24-month or permanent exclusions. The brand cannot re-open your account during the exclusion period regardless of what you ask. Some brands also have "cool-off" periods (24-72 hours) for shorter breaks.

Treatment Options for AZ Residents

State-Funded Counseling

The Arizona Department of Gaming funds free, confidential gambling counseling for any AZ resident affected by problem gambling. Access through:

• problemgambling.az.gov — counselor directory by region
• 1-800-NEXT-STEP helpline — operator can refer you to a counselor in your area
• No cost to AZ residents. Confidential. In-person or telehealth options available.

Gamblers Anonymous

12-step program with in-person meetings across Arizona. Free, anonymous, peer-led recovery. Phoenix metro has 15+ weekly meetings; Tucson has 6+; smaller meetings statewide. Meeting finder: gamblersanonymous.org.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is the most evidence-supported treatment for gambling disorder. Helps identify triggers, restructure thinking patterns and develop coping strategies. Available through state-funded counselors or private therapists. Many AZ therapists specialize in gambling addiction (search problemgambling.az.gov directory).

Medication-Assisted Treatment

For severe gambling disorder, some psychiatrists prescribe naltrexone (opioid antagonist used off-label for behavioral addictions) or SSRIs (for co-occurring depression). Discuss with a psychiatrist via referral from your primary care doctor or a state-funded counselor.

Inpatient and Intensive Outpatient Programs

For severe cases, several Arizona facilities offer specialized gambling-addiction inpatient or IOP programs:

• Sierra Tucson — luxury inpatient (private pay)
• Cottonwood Tucson — inpatient and IOP
• Banner Behavioral Health — outpatient services in multiple AZ cities
• The Pathway Program — Phoenix-area outpatient with gambling specialty

Helping a Loved One With a Gambling Problem

If you're concerned about a family member's or partner's gambling, you can:

• Call the AZ Problem Gambling Helpline yourself for guidance — the line serves family members too.
• Attend Gam-Anon meetings — the family/friends parallel to Gamblers Anonymous. Phoenix has 5+ weekly meetings. Free, confidential, peer-led.
• Avoid bailing them out financially. Paying off gambling debts removes natural consequences and enables continued behavior. Counselors universally advise against this.
• Express concern without ultimatums. Direct confrontation often escalates denial. State your concern, share specific behaviors you've observed, and offer to help connect them with resources.
• Protect joint finances. Separate accounts, monitor credit reports, consider legal/financial advice if assets are at risk.
• Take care of yourself. Problem gambling affects the whole household. Therapy or support groups (Gam-Anon) help family members process the emotional and financial impact.

Setting Limits Before You Need Them

Every brand we recommend offers built-in tools to help you control your gambling. Use them before you need them, when your judgment is clear:

• Deposit limits: Daily, weekly or monthly maximum deposit amount. Cannot be increased on impulse — most brands require a 24-72 hour cool-off period before a limit increase takes effect.
• Session time limits: Automatic logout after X minutes of play. Prevents extended sessions where decision-making degrades.
• Loss limits: Maximum loss per session or day. When reached, the account locks until reset.
• Cool-off periods: Short-term breaks (24-72 hours) without permanent self-exclusion. Useful after a bad session.
• Reality checks: Pop-up reminders every 30/60/90 minutes showing your session duration and net win/loss. Forces conscious awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Arizona Gambling Guides

Continue your research with these related guides:

• Arizona Gambling Laws
• Arizona Tribal Casinos Directory
• How to Play Online Casino in Arizona
• Crypto Deposits at AZ Casinos
• Arizona Casino Bonuses Explained