State-sanctioned online sports betting kicked off in Missouri on Dec. 1, 2025, along with a dizzying flood of advertisements.
You’re not alone if you are struggling with gambling in any form. Missouri gambling addiction treatment and help are available.
The state legalized sports betting in 2024, despite sports betting being among the most addictive forms of gambling and increasingly condemned by society. Sports betting apps are designed to be addictive, with half of online sports bettors experiencing problems with their play.
You should not feel shame for developing a gambling problem using Missouri-sanctioned betting apps. While it’s best not to start using an addictive product, you can beat an addiction to sports betting. The earlier you address the problem, the better.
This article, which is for informational purposes only, covers what to do if you’re struggling with problem gambling in Missouri.
Signs of a Gambling Problem
Let’s start with a quick rundown of how to tell if you have a gambling problem:
- Preoccupation with gambling, including stress, anxiety, or depression linked to gambling
- Chasing losses to reverse negative feelings associated with gambling
- Borrowing or stealing money, including selling personal possessions to fund gambling, overdrawing bank accounts, or maxing out credit cards
- Inability to stop, including feelings of guilt, shame, or helplessness after gambling, and hiding gambling behavior from family, friends, or therapists
- Neglecting responsibilities, including using gambling as an escape from stress and withdrawal from family or social activities
- Gambling despite the general negative consequences
Gambling Treatment in Missouri
The agencies listed below have contracts to provide gambling services in Missouri at no cost to the individual and the impacted family.
People seeking gambling addiction treatment must meet specific admission criteria.
On average, problem gambling can harm six people who are close to the gambling addict, according to the World Health Organization.
Having a contract does not guarantee the agency listed below has a Certified Gambling Disorder Counselor (CGDC) on staff.
Interested parties should contact the provider directly to inquire about appointment availability.
Adair County
Preferred Family Healthcare
(660) 665-1962
Shane England (CGDC)
900 E LaHarpe St.
Kirksville, MO 63501
Buchanan County
Family Guidance Center
(816) 364-1862
Beth Crumpler (CGDC)
901 Felix St.
St. Joseph, MO 64501
Butler County
Southeast MO Behavioral Health
(573) 686-509
Sharon Gholson (CGDC)
101 S Main St
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Carter County
Family Counseling Center
(573) 888- 5925 Ext. 3282
Julia Flood (CGDC)
1011 Main St.
Van Buren, MO 63965
Clay County
Northland Counseling Services
(816) 505-0909
Peter Gusman (CCGC)
4131 N. Mulberry Dr, Suite 245
Briarcliff Village, 64116
Dent County
Southeast MO Behavioral Health
(573) 729-4103
Sharon Gholson (CGDC)
203 North Grand, P.O. Box 429
Salem, MO 65560-0429
Douglas County
Family Counseling Center
(573) 359-0955
Julia Flood (CGDC)
808 S. Jackson Ave.
Ava, MO 65608
Jackson County
University Health – Recovery Health Services
816-404-5850
Jordyn Hanson (CGDC)
2301 Campbell
Kansas City, MO 64108
University Health – Recovery Health Services
816-404-5850
Jordyn Hanson (CGDC)
2020 Charlotte St
Kansas City, MO 64108
Newton County
Ozark Center
(417) 347-7730
Nichole Jasso, LCSW
1105 E. 32nd St.
Joplin, MO 64804
Nodaway County
Family Guidance Center
(660) 582-3139
Beth Crumpler (CGDC)
109 E Summit Dr.
Maryville, MO 64468
Pemiscot County
Family Counseling Center
(573) 359-0955
Julia Flood (CGDC)
581 Hwy J
North Hayti, MO 63581
Platte County
Northland Counseling Services
(816) 505-0909
Peter Gusman (CGDC)
4131 N. Mulberry Dr, Suite 245
Briarcliff Village, 64116
Ripley County
Family Counseling Center
(573) 888- 5925 Ext. 3282
Julia Flood (CGDC)
Hwy 160 E
Doniphan, MO, 63935
St. Francois County
Southeast MO Behavioral Health
(573) 756-5749
Sharon Gholson (CGDC)
1103 Weber Road
Farmington, MO 63640
Stoddard County
Family Counseling Center
(573) 359-0955
Julia Flood (CGDC)
1719 Business Hwy 61
Dexter, MO 63841
Southeast MO Behavioral Health
(573) 624-6937
Sharon Gholson (CGDC)
916 Smith Ave
Dexter, MO 63841
Missouri Crisis Hotline for Gambling
In 2022, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline transitioned to the new three-digit 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Missourians can use this resource for help.
If you or someone you know is in a mental health, suicide, substance, or gambling use crisis, help is available. Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
The Missouri Independent reported that Missouri’s 988 call centers answered more than 8,000 calls, 2,800 text messages, and 600 chats in July 2024.
Missouri didn’t release data on how many calls were related to gambling.
The state answered 92% of calls at in-state call centers. When the in-state call centers are busy, the call is routed to the national phone line.
Missouri callers, on average, waited 19 seconds to connect with someone for help.
The 988 hotline directs calls based on callers’ area code to their nearest crisis center.
Recovery from Gambling
You can overcome a gambling problem. Whether your addiction is mild or severe, you can build or create a life away from gambling.
Recovery is possible with the right support, treatment, and adjustments to your life.
Depending on the severity, gambling addiction recovery can be a lifelong process. As many former gamblers say, “one day at a time.”
Relapses can happen for some people. Don’t be discouraged.
