What is Problem Gambling (PG) Live Chat?
Problem Gambling (PG) Chat provides emotional support and referrals for the problem gambler, and others impacted by gambler's behavior. (e.g. family members, friends, co-workers, employers, etc.).

All Chat specialists have expertise in problem gambling and provide emotional support and link chat visitors to local treatment services.

Who should use Problem Gambling Chat?
Anyone who has identified him/herself as having a gambling problem, anyone who is concerned about his/her current gambling behavior, and others (e.g. family members, friends, co-workers, employers, etc.) who have been affected by the problem gambling behavior of another.

It's provided by the CT Council on Problem Gambling for residents of the State of Connecticut. Residents in nearby states of Rhode Island and Massachusetts will also be given referral information in their geographic areas.

Problem Gambling Chat aims to:

• Be supportive and non-judgmental
• Assist people to consider healthier decisions regarding their gambling addiction
• Connect chat visitors to local treatment services

What should I expect during a chat session?
Help the problem gambler and/or affected others to reduce stress and feel empowered to make healthier decisions regarding the gambling problem.

Connect chatters to local treatment services to cope with the gambling problem that is having serious effects.

You may be asked questions related to:

• your safety
• emotions/behaviors created by the problem gambling behavior
• reviewing current emotional, financial, and other stressors
• history around the gambling behavior

Is Problem Gambling Chat really free?
Yes, problem gambling chat is absolutely free.

When is the problem gambling chat service available?
When you click on "Chat Now," you will be asked for your zip code, which will route you to the Chat site. If services are available for your area and there is a chat specialist available, you will be connected right away or be informed of a wait if the chat is busy. Wait time is dependent on how many chats are in process or waiting. If the chat is not open, you will see the available chat schedule so that you can contact chat at a later time.

When no chat service is available, you can also call the CT Problem Gambling Helpline directly at 1-888-789-7777 or 1-800-346-6238.

Why are chat specialists asking for identifying information?
Can I remain anonymous?
Your city/state is requested to connect you to local resources. Non-identifying demographic information (like your age, city of residence, ethnicity, gender, and, type of concern) is also collected to demonstrate need for funding to expand prevention, treatment, research, and advocacy efforts in CT and nationally.

You are not required to use your real name on the Chat. If you would like to remain anonymous, you may make up a fictitious name or choose the "chat anonymously" option.

Your phone number or other contact information is requested for a chat specialist to contact you in case of a disconnected chat; or in the case of an emergency in which your safety is at risk. Your personal information will never be shared unless a chat specialist feels your life, or the life of someone else you identify, is in imminent danger.

How is my information stored?
Your information and chats are confidential and are in compliance with requirements of state and federal laws.

Is Problem Gambling Chat communication secure?
Confidentiality and security of chats are ensured through the PG Chat software provider, which uses the same encryption* and data protection standards required by major financial institutions to transact business with each other. All of your communications are securely encrypted from your computer to ours.

*changing information into a code, so it can only be read by those to whom it was intended.

Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-888-789-7777, 1-800-346-6238