A room full of people who get it can do things a book or an app can't. GA isn't your only option, though. The right group is the one you'll actually keep showing up to.
GA vs. SMART Recovery at a glance
| Gamblers Anonymous | SMART Recovery | |
|---|---|---|
| Approach | 12 steps, peer fellowship | Skills-based, built on cognitive-behavioral and motivational techniques |
| Focus | Gambling only | All addictive behaviors, including gambling |
| Spiritual element | Yes, a "higher power" of your own understanding | No |
| Sponsors | Yes | No; you can lean on more experienced members |
| Labels | Members often call themselves compulsive gamblers | Avoids labels like "addict" |
| Meetings | In person, online and by phone | In person and online |
| Cost | Free; voluntary contributions | Free; voluntary contributions |
Gamblers Anonymous
GA held its first meeting in Los Angeles in 1957. It follows 12 steps. You start by admitting you're powerless over gambling, then work through a moral and financial inventory, make amends, and help other people with gambling problems.
Why people like it: everyone in the room has been through gambling specifically. A sponsor gives you one person to call. You've got something to show up for every week. And GA is everywhere, including phone meetings late at night.
Where some people get stuck: the spiritual language, the idea of being powerless, or a first meeting that feels heavy. Every group has its own vibe, so try a few before you make up your mind.
SMART Recovery
SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. Its 4-Point Program is about building and keeping your motivation, coping with urges, managing your thoughts and feelings, and living a balanced life.
Why people like it: it's practical. You learn skills, nobody asks you to accept a higher power, and nobody hands you a label. If you like worksheets and tools, you'll feel at home.
Where some people get stuck: the meetings mix people working on alcohol, drugs and other behaviors, so you won't only hear about gambling. There are no sponsors either, so you'll need to build accountability some other way.
How to choose between GA and SMART Recovery
- You want people who've lived through gambling specifically: start with GA.
- You want one person to call when it gets bad: that's what GA sponsors are for. Read how to get a sponsor.
- The spiritual side would keep you from going: try SMART.
- You like tools and a skills approach: try SMART.
- You can't decide: go to one of each this week. Plenty of people use both.
Whichever you pick, pair it with blocking the apps and, if you can, a therapist who specializes in gambling. Read about all your treatment options.
Frequently asked questions
Is SMART Recovery good for gambling?
It can be. SMART treats gambling as one of several addictive behaviors and uses the same tools for it. Meetings are mixed, so you'll hear from people quitting other things too.
Do I have to believe in God to go to GA?
You don't. GA talks about a higher power, and plenty of members define it their own way, like the group itself. If that language is a dealbreaker for you, SMART is a good alternative.
Can I go to both?
Sure. Lots of people find GA's community and SMART's tools work well together.
Sources: Gamblers Anonymous: history; GA recovery program; GA meeting finder; AA Agnostica: 10 ways SMART Recovery differs from 12-step programs; SMART Recovery Australia. Unbettable isn't affiliated with either program.
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