New Campaign Helps Californians “Beat the Odds” of Problem Gambling

Statewide public health campaign focuses on confidential support and no-cost treatment options as a path toward recovery

What You Need to Know: California is launching “The Odds Don’t Have to Stay Against You,” a new public awareness campaign to help Californians recognize the signs of problem gambling and connect with confidential no-cost treatment services.

SACRAMENTO – To help promote resources available for problem gambling, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) this week launched “The Odds Don’t Have to Stay Against You.” The statewide media campaign is designed to help people recognize the signs of problem gambling, connect with no‑cost services, and hear hope‑focused messages that are clear, relatable and empathetic. The campaign will run through July 2029.

“Problem gambling can quietly – and powerfully – affect the health and stability of individuals, families and communities,” said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “This campaign is about helping Californians recognize when something feels off, and giving them a clear, compassionate path to support. Our goal is to empower people to reach out early, get connected to free help, and move toward healing and stability.”

Why This Matters

In a recent survey, roughly a quarter of California adults said they gambled at some point during the course of the year. Of those, nearly half a million reported symptoms of problem gambling, including feeling an uncontrollable urge to gamble, experiencing negative effects on finances, deteriorating relationships, and/or mental health problems. Additionally, data from a California Health Interview Survey showed that adults who reported gambling were also more likely to report other behaviors associated with increased risk of poor health outcomes. Adults who reported gambling were more likely to smoke cigarettes or e-cigarettes or binge drink. They were also more likely to use other substances like non-physician directed prescription drugs or illegal drugs like methamphetamine or heroin.

Problem gambling often goes unnoticed until it starts affecting finances, relationships, and well-being. With nearly half a million California adults facing struggles tied to gambling, CDPH is prioritizing early recognition and access to help. This campaign aims to give people practical tools to spot risky behaviors sooner, offers clear pathways to no‑cost treatment, and helps communities talk openly about an issue that often stays hidden.

Help is Available Now

Californians can access confidential, no-cost support by calling 1‑800‑GAMBLER and visiting 800gambler.chat for online help. For more resources, including a gambling self-assessment, please visit CDPH’s Office of Problem Gambling webpage.

The Office of Problem Gambling supports culturally and linguistically informed prevention, education and treatment services statewide, working alongside partners and communities to reduce harms, improve access to treatment and promote recovery.

About the Campaign

CDPH’s problem-gambling prevention and support campaign was informed by extensive formative research, including literature reviews, stakeholder and expert interviews, an assessment of previous media campaigns, a statewide survey of nearly 1,400 respondents, and nine focus groups involving more than 50 participants. The research engaged people experiencing gambling problems, people at risk, and affected family members and friends from diverse communities across California.

The statewide campaign will reach Californians through broadcast radio, digital display, social media and influencers, search and targeted out‑of‑home placements near casinos and other high traffic areas. This outreach will engage the public, problem gamblers, at-risk individuals and affected family and community members across California’s diverse populations, with culturally responsive visuals and materials. Content will be available in multiple languages to broaden access and impact statewide.