If you or someone you care about is dealing with money problems connected to gambling, there is specific help available. Free, confidential financial counseling is offered to Minnesota residents through a program called GamFin, funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Gambling can create serious financial harm. Debt can pile up faster than it feels possible to address, and the pressure of owing money can make everything harder, including any effort to step back from gambling.
This page explains what GamFin is, who it helps, and how to get started, at whatever pace makes sense for you.
What Is GamFin?
GamFin is a financial counseling program designed specifically for people experiencing financial harm connected to gambling. It is not a debt consolidation service, and it does not sell financial products. GamFin counselors do not earn commissions and will not try to sell you anything.
What GamFin counselors do is help you understand your full financial picture, work through the debt, and create a realistic plan to move forward. Sessions are virtual, one-on-one, and completely confidential. For Minnesota residents, there is no cost.
Free for Minnesota Residents
GamFin services are funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. If you live in Minnesota and are dealing with financial harm related to gambling, whether your own or a loved one's, there is no charge for counseling sessions.
Who GamFin Helps
GamFin serves people in a range of situations. You do not have to be in crisis to qualify, and you do not have to have a formal diagnosis or be in treatment.
If you're dealing with your own gambling and finances
Maybe you've noticed that money has become a source of real stress; debt you didn't expect, accounts that are overdrawn, loans that have gotten complicated. You don't have to have everything figured out to reach out. GamFin's intake process is designed to meet you where you are and help you understand your options without pressure.
A GamFin counselor will listen, ask questions to understand your situation, and work with you to build a budget and a plan. Most people complete three to four sessions and come away with a personalized Financial Recovery Plan: A concrete, step-by-step document outlining your budget, debt repayment strategies, and next steps.
If you're not sure you're ready
That's a reasonable place to be. GamFin also offers free group sessions that are open to anyone in the U.S. There is no pressure to share or participate. You can simply listen, learn what financial recovery looks like, and decide at your own pace whether one-on-one counseling is something you want to explore.
If a loved one's gambling has affected your family's finances
GamFin is available to family members and partners as well, not just the person who is gambling. If you are trying to understand the damage, protect shared finances, or figure out what you can do without overstepping, a GamFin counselor can offer guidance specific to your situation.
Partners and loved ones are also welcome in group sessions, which offer a space to learn practical strategies for managing family finances when gambling has caused harm.
If you are a parent worried about your child's gambling and debt
GamFin can help you understand the financial landscape your child is in; including how debt works, what the realistic options are, and how to have conversations about finances without making the situation worse. You do not need to have all the answers before reaching out.
What to Expect
Getting started with GamFin is a low-commitment process. Here is how it works:
- Book an intake session. This is a brief initial meeting with a GamFin intake specialist. The purpose is to understand your situation and match you with the right counselor. You are not committing to a full program by booking an intake.
- Complete a short intake form. Before your first session, you will fill out some onboarding information to help your counselor prepare.
- Meet with your counselor. Sessions are virtual, confidential, and judgment-free. Your counselor will listen, assess your situation, and help you build a realistic path forward.
GamFin is HIPAA-compliant. Your information will not be shared with anyone without your written consent.
Sessions are available in English and Spanish.
How Financial Counseling Is Different from Other Financial Services
GamFin counselors are not financial advisers focused on growing wealth. They are specialists in gambling-related financial harm, with experience in budgeting, debt management, credit repair, and rebuilding financial stability after significant loss.
GamFin does not offer loans, and it does not recommend bankruptcy as a first step. The goal is to help you understand your options, address immediate debt, and build habits that support a healthier financial life going forward.
No upselling. No commissions.
GamFin counselors act in your best interest. They do not sell financial products, earn commissions, or recommend services that benefit them. The program exists specifically to help people recover from gambling-related financial harm, nothing else.
Learn More or Get Started
GamFin's website has full information about the program, including how to book an intake session and how to find or join a group session.
Visit gamfin.org to learn more or book an intake session.
You can also reach GamFin directly by calling (800) 311-9667 or emailing support@gamfin.org.
A Note on For Press, Researchers, and Community Partners
GetGamblingHelp.com is Minnesota's official public-facing resource for problem gambling support, operated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. Media inquiries, partnership requests, and research collaboration inquiries can be directed to Minnesota DHS.
Community organizations, treatment providers, and social service agencies that work with Minnesotans affected by gambling are encouraged to link to and share this resource. All content on this site is publicly available and may be referenced freely.
For partnership or referral inquiries related to the GamFin financial counseling program, please visit gamfin.org directly, or reach out to GamFin at support@gamfin.org.
Common Questions
Is this really free?
Yes. For Minnesota residents, GamFin services are funded by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. There is no cost to you for individual counseling sessions.
Do I have to be in a treatment program to use GamFin?
No. GamFin is available to individuals and families whether or not they are currently in any formal treatment program. You do not need a referral.
What if I'm not sure how bad things are financially?
That uncertainty is exactly what the first session is designed to help with. You don't need to have a complete picture of your finances before you call. The intake process is designed to help you understand where things stand.
Can I use GamFin if I'm worried about a family member's finances, not my own?
Yes. GamFin serves family members, partners, and loved ones who are navigating the financial fallout from someone else's gambling. Counselors can help you understand your options and protect your own financial stability.
Will anyone find out that I called?
GamFin is confidential and HIPAA-compliant. Your information will not be shared without your written consent. During the intake process, you will have the opportunity to review and sign privacy forms before anything is discussed.
What if I just want to learn more before I do anything?
GamFin offers free virtual group sessions that are open to anyone in the United States. There is no pressure to participate or share. You can simply listen and learn at your own pace. Visit gamfin.org to find upcoming group session dates.
Questions About Gambling? We're Here Too.
If you have questions about gambling or want to talk through your situation, the Minnesota Problem Gambling Helpline is available any time.
Call: 1-800-333-HOPE (4673) Text: HOPE to 53342
Calls and texts are free, confidential, and answered by licensed counselors, not a bot. You do not have to make any decisions or commitments by reaching out.