Financial Help
Free, Confidential Financial Counseling for Gamblers
If gambling is causing financial stress for you or someone you care about, you don’t have to face it alone. The Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling partners with two no-cost financial counseling services, LSS Financial Counseling and GamFin, to help you take control—offering practical guidance, personalized budgeting support and strategies to rebuild financial stability and peace of mind. Whether you’re directly affected by problem gambling or supporting a loved one, expert counselors can help you find a clear path forward.
LSS Financial Counseling provides free, confidential assistance for those experiencing financial issues from gambling, whether for the gambler or a family member affected by the gambler’s behavior.
This includes up to six free confidential sessions with a certified financial counselor who understands how gambling can impact an individual or family’s finances.
LSS counselors can help you:
- Build a realistic budget and regain financial confidence
- Develop a debt management plan to become debt-free
- Explore student loan repayment options
- Understand homeownership at every stage
- Review and strengthen your credit report
Sessions are available in person, by phone or online.
GamFin offers free, confidential financial counseling to Minnesota residents experiencing financial harm from gambling. Get help managing debt, rebuild your finances and regain control of your life.
If gambling has created financial challenges, you’re not alone.
GamFin financial counselors are here to help you:
- Take control of debt
- Boost your money confidence
- Rebuild and strengthen your credit
- Ease money-related tension with loved ones
- Explore your financial options and set goals
- Build lasting financial habits
- Create a budget that works for you
- Transform your relationship with money
- Connect you to local social services and community organizations, providing additional support in recovery.
Note: if you’re seeing a counselor for problem gambling treatment, GamFin will work together with you and your counselor as you work on your recovery.
Funding and support for LSS Financial Counseling and GamFin is provided by the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling and the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Tools and Resources
Families should seek financial counseling, with or without the gambler, as they need to protect themselves. Here are some things families can do:
Develop a financial plan which compares expenses and debt with income
Limit the gambler’s access to credit. Apply for credit in your name only
Limit the gambler’s access to cash; create daily limits
Investigate other financial tools that can help to protect the family and their assets
Develop strategies to address financial limitations
