Gamblers Anonymous is a worldwide association of people who share the problem of compulsive gambling and work together to solve it. The focus of GA is to help its members stop gambling.

GA describes compulsive gambling as "an illness, progressive in its nature, which can never be cured, but can be arrested."

GA characterizes the typical compulsive gambler as someone who is emotionally insecure and unable to see the real world. They gamble to feel in control of their lives and to feel accepted by a group of people.

Another common reason these people gamble is to be financially independent without having to work for it. They "are very sick people who can recover if they will follow to the best of their ability a simple program that has proved successful for thousands of other men and women with a gambling or compulsive gambling problem."

The GA program was started in 1957 by two friends who decided they had to help themselves overcome the problems in their lives caused by gambling. They decided that the key points were to admit they had a problem and needed help and to make permanent changes in their characters.

So how do you know if you have a problem? GA has developed a list of 20 questions for you to consider. If you answer yes to 7 or more, you've got a problem.

According to GA once you admit you have a problem you're on the road to recovery. GA suggests that you join their meetings, follow their program -- which is modeled on the successful 12 Steps to Recovery of Alcoholics Anonymous -- and be prepared to do some hard work. GA compares the gambler to the alcoholic and the first bet to the first drink of the alcoholic. The first bet will cause a return to the same destructive pattern of behavior.

GA does not solicit members. Anyone can join and GA does not promote any religious philosophy. GA doesn't charge for its services and relies solely on the financial contributions of its members.

For more information, visit the Gamblers Anonymous website.