Gambling addiction treatment in New York is on the rise, and providers on Long Island say the surge is closely tied to substance use. Even though The Empire State boasts an abundance of programs to assist folks with all kinds of addictions, gambling has spiked, especially among young people.
As sports betting, mobile gaming, and online gambling have become easier to access, more New Yorkers are seeking help, and many of them have to deal with more than one addiction at the same time.
A Sharp Rise Across New York
The number of New Yorkers in inpatient or outpatient treatment with gambling disorders escalated more than 46% from 2020 to 2023. Data from the state’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports notes that the rise coincides with increases in online betting on various digital platforms, including social media and gambling apps.
Clinicians agree. At Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research on Long Island, Steve Chassman, a licensed clinical social worker and the center’s vice president of organizational development, has observed a 20% uptick in people coming in since January 2025.
Gambling and Substance Use Often Go Together
One of the most striking points from Wellbridge is how rarely gambling shows up on its own. About 90% of the people coming in for gambling also have a co-occurring substance use issue, Chassman observed. This means they’re drinking alcohol or using other substances while they gamble. Providers also reported rising levels of suicidal thinking, particularly among young men and women facing heavy gambling debts.
Timothy Scanlon, an Oceanside resident who went through treatment at Wellbridge, described how the two problems fed each other. Scanlon proudly pointed out how, thanks to the care he’s received, he’s now coming up on two years of being sober and clean.
Understanding Co-Occurring Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction, also called gambling disorder, is a behavioral addiction in which a person keeps gambling despite mounting harm to their finances, relationships, and health. Common signs of gambling addiction include chasing losses, lying about money, borrowing to keep betting, and an inability to stop even when the consequences pile up. When drug use layers on top, the risks to a person’s safety and mental health climb quickly.
When gambling and substance use appear together, treating only one usually isn’t enough. Integrated programs for co-occurring conditions that address both the behavioral addiction and the substance use at the same time tend to give people a better shot at lasting recovery. New York’s regulators have also pushed for stronger responsible-gaming safeguards, and the state Gaming Commission requires licensed operators to maintain responsible gaming programs.
Addiction Treatment in New York & Beyond
If you or someone you love struggles with gambling and/or substance use, help is standing by across New York State and the rest of the country. Search nearby addiction treatment centers and look for programs that treat co-occurring conditions. Ask specifically whether a facility handles both gambling and substance use.
Our comprehensive directory lists verified treatment centers across all 50 states, including programs equipped for co-occurring care. For free, confidential support any time, you can also call
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