What is compulsive gambling?
       There are many and varying interpretations of compulsive gambling. The
explanation that seems most acceptable to GA members is that compulsive gambling is a progressive illness which can never be cured but can be arrested.

What is the first thing a compulsive gambler ought to do in order to stop
gambling?
        To accept the fact that it is a progressive illness and have the desire to get well. Our experience has shown that the GA programme will always work for
Anyone who wants to stop gambling. It will seldom work for the man or woman who cannot, or will not, squarely face the facts about the illness.

Can a compulsive gambler ever gamble normally again?
          No. The first small bet to a problem gambler is like the first small drink to the alcoholic. Sooner or later comes the fall back into the old destructive
pattern.

How does a person stop gambling through the GA programme?
          This is done by bringing about a progressive personality change from within. This can be accomplished by having faith in, and trying to understand
The basic concepts of the GA Recovery programme. There are no short cuts to
gaining this faith and understanding. To recover from one of the most baffling,
Insidious and compulsive addictions will require diligent effort. Honesty,
Openmindedness and willingness are the key words of our recovery.

What is the dream world of the compulsive gambler?
          This is a common characteristic of compulsive gamblers. We spend a lot of time creating images of the great and wonderful things we are going to do when we finally make the big killing. We often see ourselves as charming and charitable persons. We may dream of providing our family and friends with new cars, expensive holidays and other luxuries. We picture ourselves leading pleasant and gracious lives made possible by the huge sums of money we will accrue from our "system". Servants, penthouses, charming friends, nice clothes, yachts and world tours are a few of the wonderful things that are just around the corner when we finally make a big killing.
          Pathetically, however, there never seems to be a big enough win to make even the smallest dreams come true. When we succeed we gamble to dream still greater dreams. When we fail we gamble in reckless desperation and the depts of our misery are fathomless as our dreamworld comes crashing down. Sadly, we struggle back, dream more dreams, and of course suffer more misery. No one can convince us that our great dreams will not someday come true. We believe they will, for without this dreamworld, life for us would not be tolerable.

Isin't compulsive gambling basically a financial problem?
          No, compulsive gambling seems to be an emotional problem. Of course there are financial problems but we also have to face marital problems, employment problems and problems involving ourselves with the law.

Does GA want to abolish gambling?
          No. GA has no opinion on this.

Who can join GA?
          Anyone who has a desire to stop gambling. There are no other rules or
Regulations concerning GA membership.

Can a person recover by themselves by reading literature or medical books on the problem of compulsive gambling?
          Sometimes, but not usually. The GA programme works for the individual when it is recognised and accepted as a programme involving other people.