Pennsylvania Funds First Problem Gambling Case Management Program
Pennsylvania's Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has begun funding case management services for problem gambling for the first time, giving people who bet at the commonwealth's regulated online casinos and sportsbooks a dedicated caseworker option alongside outpatient treatment.
DDAP confirmed the change in a July 21, 2026, statement, directing residents and their families to its Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Locator to find a contracted provider.
What The New Service Covers
DDAP contracts with agencies and private-practice clinicians across Pennsylvania to provide gambling outpatient treatment and case management to at-risk adults and adolescents, people with a diagnosed gambling disorder, and family members affected by someone else's gambling, according to the department's own provider guidance page.
Case managers now sit alongside outpatient treatment and telehealth as options clients can pick from once they decide to seek help.
"Finding support for problem gambling is about more than treatment: it's about having someone help you take the next step," DDAP said in its July 21 announcement, describing the locator tool as the way to find a provider, make a referral, or apply to become a contracted provider.
A Gap DDAP Flagged To State Lawmakers
DDAP told the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee about the plan before it launched.
In written testimony submitted on January 27, 2026, for the fiscal year 2026-27 budget hearings, the department said it was "preparing a contract that will make problem gambling case management services available for the first time in the state," describing the service as guidance for individuals and family members through treatment and recovery, plus help connecting people to employment and other health-related needs.
The same testimony flagged a supply problem behind the move: Pennsylvania is losing gambling treatment providers "due to changing career pathways and an ageing workforce."
DDAP said it updated its service contracting in the 2025-26 state fiscal year to expand the availability of treatment and interventions, and that 28 new problem gambling treatment providers were ready to sign up once the new contract became available.
Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed budget put approximately $331 million behind combined substance use and problem gambling services across five areas: prevention, intervention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery support, according to the testimony.
Built On An Existing Support Network
The case management rollout adds to the infrastructure Pennsylvania already uses to address gambling harm. The state's 1-800-GAMBLER helpline operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and connects callers to treatment referrals and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania's chat service.
At this year's Problem Gambling Awareness Month kickoff, DDAP Secretary Dr Latika Davis-Jones appeared with the Pennsylvania Lottery and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) to promote the resources.
"The Pennsylvania Lottery is proud to help fund the helpline, 1-800-GAMBLER, and of the work we are doing with our partners to promote responsible play and support people who may be suffering from gambling-related harms," said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko.
Elizabeth Lanza, director of the PGCB's Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling, said the state's toolkit now spans "online prevention tools, responsible gaming initiatives, in-person and telehealth treatment, and self-exclusion programs."
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What It Means For Pennsylvania Bettors
For Pennsylvania residents who use the state's licensed sportsbooks or online casinos, the update is a concrete new resource if gambling starts to cause problems, whether for the person betting or for the people around them.
DDAP's own strategic plan lists a "problem gambling case management services program" as a stated 2026 goal, alongside efforts to grow the pool of treatment providers.
Anyone in Pennsylvania who wants to check eligibility or find a contracted case manager can use the DDAP locator tool directly or call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Family members do not need the person gambling to make first contact: DDAP's guidance says the service is open to people "seeking help for yourself or referring someone in your care."
Read more Pennsylvania and problem-gambling coverage on Gambling.com's US news page.
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