Oct 16, 2026 | HEALTHY PLAY, PROBLEM GAMBLING, PROFESSIONALS, RECOVERY, RESOURCES
For years, the front door to gambling support has looked much the same: a helpline, a counselor or a support group.
While those resources remain invaluable, they’re no longer the only way people seek help.
Today, many people facing challenges first reach for their phone to search for answers, connect with others or learn on their own. That’s the thinking behind Evive, a free digital platform now available to Minnesotans through the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG).
Created by entrepreneur and person in recovery Sam DeMello, Evive combines education, self-guided tools, peer support and connections to local resources in one place. Rather than replacing traditional treatment, it’s designed to help more people find it.
“It’s not so much an app as it is digital infrastructure for the public health system,” says Sam.
What You’ll Find in Evive
• Daily check-ins
• Mood and urge tracking
• Recovery journal
• Educational lessons
• Guided coping exercises
• Peer support community
• Virtual support meetings
• Minnesota-specific resources
• Connections to counselors and treatment
• Goal options: stop gambling or manage gambling
Evive Foundation
The Evive Foundation provides help for gambling problems to anyone who needs it, regardless of income, location or insurance status. The foundation operates as a fiscal sponsorship program under a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, helping make support more accessible to people affected by gambling.
Built from Lived Experience
Sam didn’t set out to build a gambling recovery platform. He spent more than a decade building technology companies before entering the digital health field, where he saw how software was being used to help people manage behavioral health conditions. At the same time, he was quietly fighting a gambling addiction that had begun in childhood.
His gambling started with poker at age 12 and escalated dramatically with online sports betting. Despite earning a good living and paying his bills, he lost hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years.
“I looked very successful,” he says. “The addiction wasn’t just hidden from other people. It was hidden from me.”
Because he wasn’t bankrupt and didn’t fit the stereotype often associated with gambling disorder, he never believed treatment was meant for someone like him. When he finally sought help, he found caring professionals, but many resources simply didn’t reflect his experience.
“I was gambling on my cellphone with cryptocurrency,” he recalls. “They were talking about the horse track in 1978.”
Eventually, with support from his wife and a better understanding of the neuroscience behind addiction, he entered recovery. As his life improved, he assumed that chapter was behind him.
Then, after unexpectedly losing his job in 2023, he began searching for tools that could strengthen his recovery. He hoped to find a comprehensive digital resource, but instead found a gap. “There was nowhere that you could go to find all of the resources in one place,” he says.
Meeting People Where They Are
One of Evive’s defining characteristics is that it doesn’t require users to identify as having a gambling problem. When someone opens the platform, they’re simply asked what they’d like to accomplish: stop gambling or manage gambling.
“The reason it’s called Evive and not ‘Quit Gambling Today’ is because it’s for everybody,” says Sam.
Rather than labeling people, Evive focuses on helping them understand their own behavior and supporting whatever positive changes they’re ready to make.
“I don’t need to tell people to stop gambling,” says Sam. “I just need to hold up a mirror.”
Support Whenever It’s Needed
Evive brings together resources that are often scattered across multiple organizations, including daily check-ins, tracking tools, educational lessons, coping exercises, virtual peer meetings and direct connections to local treatment resources.
For Minnesotans, the experience is customized with links to MNAPG resources and services available throughout the state.
Community First
Although Evive includes sophisticated technology, its greatest strength isn’t the software.
“The community is probably the most valuable experience,” says Sam. Members encourage one another, share setbacks and successes, attend recovery meetings together and remind each other they’re not alone.
The community aspect helps address the shame and stigma that keep many from reaching out for help.
A Partner for Minnesota
MNAPG partnered with Evive because it complements — not replaces — the state’s existing prevention, treatment and recovery efforts.
For someone who’s ready to call the helpline or meet with a counselor, those resources remain available. For someone who’s not quite ready, Evive offers another path into the support system.
Sam believes that’s essential as gambling continues to evolve. “If we’re going to address this problem in the United States we have to break the stigma,” he says.
For him, every person who discovers they aren’t alone represents progress. “The reason I talk about it out loud now is that every time I do, I get emails from people saying, ‘I didn’t think anyone else was like me.’”
That’s ultimately what Evive hopes to offer Minnesotans—a welcoming first step toward support, recovery and hope, wherever they are on their journey.
Jul 1, 2026 | RESOURCES
For many people struggling with gambling-related harm, the financial damage can feel overwhelming. Debt piles up, relationships become strained and the pressure to “win it back” can keep the cycle going. That’s where GamFin is working to make a difference.
GamFin, which now operates in 19 states including Minnesota, provides specialized financial counseling and recovery support designed specifically for people affected by gambling problems. According to Jim Huh, GamFin’s senior vice president of Sales and Customer Success, the organization fills a gap that traditional financial counseling often cannot address.
“Traditional financial counseling is about your relationship with money,” Huh said. “But gambling creates unique challenges that often contradict traditional strategies.”
Since launching its expanded services in late 2024, GamFin has helped approximately 1,500 to 2,000 people nationwide and is currently providing around 300 counseling sessions each month. In Minnesota, the organization has already served about 60 clients, averaging 3.6 appointments per person.
Unlike standard financial counseling, GamFin’s work focuses heavily on recovery and relapse prevention. Huh explained that some common financial decisions — such as borrowing from a 401(k), filing bankruptcy too quickly or receiving repeated family bailouts — can actually increase vulnerability during the first year of recovery.
Instead, GamFin helps clients create realistic repayment plans while building “guardrails” to reduce risky financial behavior. One tool the organization uses is TruLink, a customizable debit card that can block purchases such as lottery tickets, gambling transactions or cash withdrawals. Families can also receive alerts and monitoring support.
The counseling process often begins by identifying which debts are causing the most emotional stress.
“Sometimes it’s not the credit card company keeping someone up at night,” Huh said. “Sometimes it’s Uncle Bob.”
GamFin counselors work with clients to organize repayment plans they can present to family members or creditors, helping restore trust and reduce conflict.
Beyond the financial strategies, Huh said one of the most important outcomes is helping people regain hope.
“It’s great to see people walk away saying, ‘I finally have hope,’ instead of feeling like they just need one big win to fix everything,” he said.
GamFin also works with affected family members, who make up roughly one-third of its clients. Huh noted that gambling problems rarely impact just one person.
“We know there are six to nine affected others for every one person with a gambling problem,” he said.
Many of the calls GamFin receives come from parents worried about adult children struggling with gambling. Huh said the emotional toll can be significant, affecting relationships, careers and future plans.
Looking ahead, GamFin is preparing to launch a new HIPAA-compliant financial transparency app called Guardian, designed to help clients, families and treatment providers monitor financial behaviors between counseling sessions. The app is expected to launch this summer.
Minnesota residents can self-refer to GamFin services, though Huh said awareness remains one of the biggest challenges.
“If we can provide hope, that’s a big thing,” he said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GamFin?
GamFin is an organization operating in 19 states that provides specialized financial counseling and recovery support designed specifically for individuals affected by gambling problems and their families.
How does GamFin differ from traditional financial counseling?
Unlike traditional financial counseling, GamFin focuses heavily on recovery and relapse prevention, addressing the unique challenges of gambling debt and avoiding strategies — like borrowing from a 401(k) or filing bankruptcy too quickly — that might increase vulnerability during early recovery.
What is the TruLink debit card?
TruLink is a customizable debit card used by GamFin that can block purchases such as lottery tickets, gambling transactions, or cash withdrawals to help build “guardrails” against risky financial behavior during recovery.
Jul 1, 2026 | RESOURCES
When the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling (MNAPG) partnered with LSS Financial Counseling in mid-2024, the goal was to connect individuals affected by problem gambling with practical, compassionate financial guidance. Less than two years in, the program is steadily growing and making a meaningful difference.
60 clients in 2025, $13,000 in credit card debt repaid, one client closed on a home within seven months
In the fourth quarter of 2024, LSS Financial Counseling worked with four MNAPG-referred clients. That number quickly rose to 60 clients for 2025 and, through early May of 2026, 28 individuals have already accessed services — suggesting that awareness and utilization of the program are expanding.
Referrals come from a variety of sources, including the MNAPG website, counselors and community organizations. The most common referrals are through word of mouth. Family members and friends, often witnessing the financial and emotional toll of gambling, are helping connect loved ones to support.
LSS Financial Counseling Individualized Approach:
LSS Financial Counseling employs an individualized approach that starts with a holistic financial review, taking time to understand what brought the person in, what concerns feel most urgent and what goals clients hope to achieve. From there, counselors may pull credit reports, organize debts and review monthly expenses to get a clear picture of the situation.
For many, credit card debt is a central challenge. In those cases, LSS may recommend a debt management plan, which consolidates multiple payments into a single monthly due date and often reduces interest rates. This structure can be especially helpful for individuals in recovery, offering both simplicity and accountability.
Other clients arrive overwhelmed, sometimes with unopened bills and collection notices. In these situations, just opening and organizing mail can be a critical first step. For those whose financial situation may not be resolved through repayment alone, counselors can also provide information about options such as bankruptcy, helping clients make informed decisions without judgment.
That emphasis on dignity and understanding is central to the program’s impact. According to client satisfaction surveys, the most common feedback is that individuals say they do not feel judged. This is particularly important, because shame and fear often prevent people from seeking help. Creating a safe, respectful environment allows clients to move forward.
LSS has a team of financial counselors who have completed specialized training through MNAPG and are knowledgeable about gambling-related challenges. When gambling is identified as a factor — either at intake or later — clients are connected with these counselors. And to better meet the needs of a diverse community, LSS recently added a Spanish-speaking, gambling-knowledgeable counselor.
While the program is still relatively new, early outcomes are promising. Six MNAPG clients have enrolled in debt management plans since the partnership began. Together, participants have already repaid approximately $13,000 in credit card debt.
Individual stories further demonstrate the impact. One client, after months of financial disarray and ongoing recovery work, was able to regain stability and close on a home within seven months — while remaining free from gambling during that time.
As the partnership grows, LSS Financial Counseling is proving to be a vital complement to treatment and recovery services. By addressing the financial consequences of problem gambling with empathy and structure, the program is helping individuals not only regain control of their finances but rebuild confidence in their future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MNAPG-LSS Financial Counseling partnership?
It is a partnership between MNAPG and LSS Financial Counseling designed to connect individuals affected by problem gambling with specialized, compassionate financial guidance and debt management services.
Can financial counseling help with gambling debt?
Yes. Specialized financial counselors can help organize debts, recommend debt management plans to consolidate payments and reduce interest rates, and explore options like bankruptcy for those with gambling-related debt.
Do LSS financial counselors understand problem gambling?
Yes. LSS has a team of financial counselors who have completed specialized training through MNAPG to ensure they are knowledgeable about gambling-related challenges and can offer support without judgment.
Apr 10, 2026 | PROBLEM GAMBLING, RESOURCES, SPORTS BETTING, YOUTH GAMBLING
We come across numerous articles about problem gambling and problem gaming. Here are a few:
The article reports that Washington State has sued the makers of the Bingo Blitz app, alleging it operates as illegal gambling and uses child-appealing content, weak age controls and aggressive in-app purchases that expose minors and other users to addiction risks and significant financial harm.
https://gamblingharm.org/bingo-blitz-app-illegal-gambling-children/
The column argues that the growing ubiquity and normalization of gambling—especially through sports betting and youth exposure—risks fostering addiction, financial harm and a cultural shift toward chasing quick wealth through luck rather than stable, meaningful paths.
https://www.startribune.com/brown-when-betting-is-everywhere-we-gamble-with-our-future/601567918
NPR's A Martinez speaks with journalist and author Danny Funt about his new book, "Everybody Loses: The Tumultuous Rise of American Sports Gambling."
https://www.npr.org/2026/01/19/nx-s1-5602138/everybody-loses-chronicles-the-rise-of-americas-sports-betting-boom
A piece by PBS on How Sports Betting is changing our Brains and Behavior, features Danny Funt and Dr. Tim Fong.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/video/horizons/2026/02/how-sports-betting-is-changing-our-brains-and-behavior
This Teach-Out is open to anyone interested in learning more about the sports betting industry and its effects on the general population, but it is particularly relevant for young adults and their parents, athletes, educators, and policymakers looking to mitigate the effects of sports betting.
https://online.umich.edu/teach-outs/sports-betting-risks-and-ripple-effects-teach-out/
Apr 7, 2026 | PROBLEM GAMBLING, RESOURCES
Sweepstakes casinos have grown rapidly in recent years, offering online slot machines, poker and other casino-style games without describing themselves as traditional gambling. While they are often marketed as “free-to-play entertainment,” their structure has raised questions among regulators, public health professionals and policymakers.
How sweepstakes casinos work
At first glance, sweepstakes casinos look similar to real-money online casinos. Players sign up, choose games and spin reels or play table games. The key difference is the use of a dual-currency system.
Most platforms offer two types of virtual coins:
- Gold Coins – used only for entertainment play and have no cash value
- Sweeps Coins – used for promotional games and can be redeemed for cash or prizes
Players typically receive Sweeps Coins as a bonus when they purchase Gold Coin packages. They may also obtain Sweeps Coins through free methods such as daily login bonuses, promotions or mail-in requests (often called an Alternate Method of Entry). Because there is always a free way to participate, operators argue that no purchase is required.
This structure is designed to avoid the legal definition of gambling, which generally requires three elements: prize, chance and consideration (payment). By offering a free entry option, sweepstakes casinos attempt to remove the “consideration” element.
Why many view them as gambling
Despite the legal framing, critics argue that sweepstakes casinos function much like traditional gambling for these reasons:
- Games rely on chance and offer real-world prizes.
- Players often purchase virtual currency in practice, even if technically optional.
- The purchase of Gold Coins frequently includes bonus Sweeps Coins, which can be redeemed for cash, creating a financial incentive to spend.
Regulators have described the two-currency model as a way to disguise paid gambling activity. In Minnesota, officials noted that consumers who appear to be buying entertainment currency are effectively purchasing access to prize-eligible play.
Research and surveys also indicate that many users participate with the intention of winning money, reinforcing concerns that the experience mirrors gambling behavior.
Legal and regulatory concerns in Minnesota
Minnesota has taken a particularly strong stance. In 2025, the Attorney General ordered multiple sweepstakes casino operators to stop offering services in the state, stating that such platforms may violate gambling and consumer protection laws.
State officials emphasized several risks, claiming:
- These sites operate outside Minnesota’s regulated gambling system
- Most are based out of state or overseas, limiting oversight
- Players lack protections such as fair-play audits, reliable payouts or dispute resolution
Because the activity is unregulated, it also generates no state tax revenue and does not contribute to programs typically funded by legal gambling, such as public services or problem gambling prevention.
Why the issue matters
Sweepstakes casinos exist in a legal gray area nationwide, but Minnesota’s actions reflect growing concern. When casino-style gambling operates outside regulatory frameworks, states lose both consumer safeguards and public revenue, while residents face potential financial and behavioral risks.
For policymakers and prevention professionals, sweepstakes casinos highlight a broader challenge: as gambling-like products evolve online, the line between entertainment and wagering becomes increasingly blurred. Clear regulation, consumer education and ongoing monitoring will be critical to ensure that emerging gaming models do not bypass the protections and public benefits that accompany legal, regulated gambling.
Apr 7, 2026 | PROBLEM GAMBLING, RESOURCES, YOUTH GAMBLING
As legalized sports betting and digital wagering continue to expand, gambling has become a routine part of life for many young adults. For colleges and universities, this shift raises an important question: how can campuses help students make informed choices and avoid gambling-related harm?
Dr. Michelle L. Malkin, assistant professor at East Carolina University, is working to answer that question through The Betting Blueprint, a wellness-oriented curriculum designed specifically for students ages 18–24. Her approach combines screening, education, financial wellness and early intervention to reduce risk and support healthier decision-making.
Start with awareness and screening
One of the key messages from Dr. Malkin’s work is that screening should be ongoing, not limited to a single awareness campaign. While March’s Problem Gambling Awareness Month provides an important opportunity for outreach, students engage in gambling year-round. Ideally, campuses host multiple screening efforts, including events early in the fall semester and again in March when March Madness increases betting activity.
Peer-led outreach has proven especially effective. Students are more likely to participate when encouraged by their peers and when screening is quick and accessible, such as through a QR code completed on a phone. Brief screening tools that use clear language like “betting and/or gambling” help identify students who may be experiencing harm and connect them with resources before problems escalate.
Redefining what gambling looks like
The curriculum challenges students’ assumptions about gambling, as many young adults associate gambling only with casinos or money-based games. In reality, gambling includes any activity involving something of value and an element of chance.
Today’s gambling landscape includes, but is not limited to, sports wagering, fantasy sports, prediction markets, loot boxes, esports, cryptocurrency speculation, in-play betting and social gaming features. By broadening students’ understanding, the curriculum helps them recognize behaviors they might not otherwise identify as gambling.
The curriculum also explores why some individuals struggle to gamble responsibly. For certain people, brain responses to rewards can lead to chasing losses, overconfidence or difficulty stopping. Students learn to recognize warning signs such as borrowing money, hiding gambling or continuing despite negative consequences.
Importantly, the focus is not prohibition. Instead, the curriculum promotes lower-risk strategies for those who choose to gamble: setting time and money limits, avoiding gambling when stressed or emotional, understanding the odds and using responsible gambling tools available on many platforms. Students also learn that gambling harms extend beyond the individual, affecting roommates, partners, family members and others.
Financial wellness at the center
Another important aspect of The Betting Blueprint is connecting gambling decisions to financial health. Many students have limited experience managing money, making them particularly vulnerable to overspending on entertainment, including betting.
Through budgeting exercises and real-life scenarios, students explore what financial wellness means and how to give every dollar a purpose. They learn to identify priorities, track income and expenses, and distinguish between appropriate entertainment spending and high-risk funding sources such as borrowed money, financial aid or credit card debt.
A key point is that gambling winnings should never be treated as income. Activities encourage students to track results over time, understand variability and consider how unexpected wins or loses affect long-term goals. The emphasis is on building habits that support stability and reduce financial stress.
Students as problem solvers
A distinctive feature of the curriculum is its interactive design. Small-group activities ask students to respond to common beliefs, such as “I can win back my losses” or “My gambling is under control.” By researching data and developing peer-focused messages, students generate their own solutions rather than being lectured.
This collaborative approach increases engagement and helps shift campus norms around gambling.
Meeting Students at a Critical Time
College campuses provide a unique environment to reach emerging adults during a formative period. Dr. Malkin’s work highlights the importance of integrating gambling awareness into broader wellness efforts, including mental health, substance use prevention and financial education.
As gambling opportunities continue to grow, so does the need for practical, student-centered prevention. With ongoing screening, peer engagement and a focus on financial and personal well-being, The Betting Blueprint offers campuses a proactive way to help students make informed choices and avoid harm—long before problems take hold.
The information in this article was taken from Dr. Malkin’s presentation at the MNAPG conference last November. For more information about the curriculum, please contact Dr. Malkin at malkinm20@ecu.edu.
