GSS 008: What’s It Like to Attend a Gamblers Anonymous Meeting?

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Full Episode Transcript

This is episode 8 of the Gambling Still Sucks podcast. In this episode, we’ll discuss what it’s like to attend your very first Gamblers Anonymous (GA) meeting.

Hey there, and welcome to the Gambling Still Sucks podcast. My name is Jamie. I’m a compulsive gambler, and I’m also the host of this show. I haven’t gambled since July 15th of 2010.

If you’ve listened to past episodes, you know that I am a big believer in the power of Gamblers Anonymous. I know what it has done for my life, and I’ve seen what it has done for others. A question I often see asked is, “Hey, what actually happens at a GA meeting?” In this episode, I hope to share what it’s like to attend your first GA meeting so that you’ll feel more comfortable when you walk in for the first time.

I know I wish I would have had this guide. I think I even Googled things like “What do you do at a GA meeting?” Maybe I got some of the information, but it’s always nice to know what you’re walking into. So, what can you expect from a GA meeting?

I’ll be sharing the format of our group, but I’ve found it’s very similar to many other groups around the country and around the world. The details may vary slightly, depending on the group and the number of people there, but this will give you a general idea of what to expect at any GA meeting.

First of all, here’s an insider tip. This is serious, but also a bit lighthearted—many GA meetings have coffee, juice, or snacks, like donuts. When people ask if you’d like something, go ahead and grab one. I waited three or four weeks before I felt comfortable doing that, but you don’t have to. These items are for everyone, and you don’t have to contribute money for them. So, grab a coffee or a snack—it’ll make you feel more comfortable, and that’s what it’s there for.

On that note, most GA groups are self-supporting. Contributions are used to pay for things like snacks, renting the meeting space (often at a church or community center), and purchasing new literature. There may be a collection or donation bucket, but don’t feel any obligation to put money in on your first night. Even in later meetings, you’re not required to give anything if you’re not in a position to do so. The typical contribution is usually a dollar or two, and only when you’re able.

So, let’s talk about the actual meeting. Generally, a GA meeting consists of reading from GA literature and then group therapy, where people share their experiences. In our group, we start with a reading from the yellow book, called the “combo book,” which contains much of the literature found on the Gamblers Anonymous website. This reading takes about 15-20 minutes, and we usually go around the room taking turns. On your first night, nobody will expect you to read if you’re not comfortable. If you’d like to read, that’s great, but it’s perfectly okay to pass.

After reading from the combo book, your first meeting will include the “20 Questions.” A group member will ask these questions to you, and they’re simple yes or no questions. You don’t have to explain your answers, and no one will judge you. Most people answer “yes” to a lot of the questions—it’s very common. I remember my first night, I tried to say “no” to a couple of them just because I felt embarrassed about having so many “yes” answers. But over time, you realize that everyone else is in the same boat, so just answer honestly.

After the 20 questions, there is usually a reading from the blue book, which is called the “Day at a Time” book. This book contains daily readings, similar to the AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) book, adapted for GA. The blue book is where you’ll hear references to God or a higher power. GA emphasizes that when God is mentioned, it refers to a higher power of your own understanding. It could be anything—some people say their dog or cat is their higher power. If you’re uncomfortable with religious aspects, just remember that GA is more about spirituality and connection, not a specific religious belief.

After the reading from the blue book, our group takes a short break. Originally, it was called a “smoke break” when we had some smokers in the group, but now it’s just a general break for coffee refills or bathroom visits. This first half of the meeting lasts about 20-25 minutes.

After the break, we have the therapy portion. Each person introduces themselves, just like I did at the beginning of this episode: “Hey, I’m Jamie, and I’m a compulsive gambler. The last day I gambled was July 15th, 2010.” If it’s your first meeting, you won’t have to go first—usually, new people go last. And sometimes, all you need to say is, “I appreciate everyone sharing. I don’t feel comfortable sharing tonight.” That’s perfectly fine, and it can be your therapy for your first meeting.

As you become more comfortable, you may want to share your story, talk about the topic of the night, or even talk about your experiences with gambling. Some people share what’s currently going on in their lives, and others use “back therapy”—talking about past experiences in gambling. The point is to share thoughts that you’ve kept to yourself for a long time. This is a safe environment to get those things out in the open.

Sharing is valuable, but listening is just as important. Often, you’ll hear other people share and think, “Wow, that sounds like my story.” It’s incredible how many experiences are shared among compulsive gamblers. People talk about relationships, money problems, their family, their work—all of it. You might find someone with an experience similar to yours, or you might hear strategies that have helped someone else and might help you too.

The therapy portion generally lasts between 25 to 45 minutes, depending on how many people are sharing and how much they want to share. In our group, we typically have six to twelve people, so there’s time for everyone to speak for a few minutes. The entire meeting generally lasts a little over an hour, sometimes up to an hour and twenty minutes. In larger groups, meetings might go longer, or they may limit the number of people who can share.

At the end of the meeting, we usually stand and say the Serenity Prayer. This prayer is another aspect that can feel religious, but it doesn’t have to be—it’s more about finding strength in the group and in your own journey. If you’re not familiar, the Serenity Prayer goes like this: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” It’s a fitting reminder of what recovery is all about—having the courage to take the necessary actions while also accepting the things we cannot change, like our past.

Most groups will have some people who hang around for a few minutes after the meeting, chatting or catching up. If it’s your first night, expect that some people will want to talk to you. It’s nothing to be nervous about—everyone just wants to encourage you to come back. It’s a welcoming atmosphere, and most of us remember what it was like to walk in for the first time.

The people in the group genuinely care. For me, I often see new people walk in with a lot of pain. I remember feeling that same weight, and I know how transformative it can be to continue coming back. Seeing someone go from that initial pain to progress in recovery is one of the most rewarding aspects of GA.

GA meetings are filled with people from all walks of life—all ages, races, and backgrounds. Gambling doesn’t discriminate, and neither do GA groups. You’ll see people who have been coming for 30 years alongside those just starting their recovery. And it’s truly a symbiotic relationship—newcomers help those with more time remember where they started, and those with more time help guide the newcomers. We help each other heal.

If you attend your first GA meeting and it doesn’t feel right, please try another one if you can. Every group is a little different, and it may take some time to find the right fit. The most important thing is to give it a shot, because having that support in recovery is invaluable.

To wrap things up, I want to thank you for tuning in and for your support. If you’ve listened, left a review, shared feedback, or even just thought about going to a GA meeting, thank you. This podcast has been incredibly rewarding for me to create, knowing that it’s helping others. We’re already over 400 downloads in just two weeks, and that blows my mind. I appreciate everyone who has reached out, shared their ideas, or expressed interest in sharing their story. If you’d like to share your story, please get in touch—I’d love to set something up.

Now, before you go, I want to go over a few important things. First, remember that problem gambling is a treatable disorder. There is no scientific evidence that says we are doomed to suffer forever. While it may feel that way sometimes, science doesn’t back that up—recovery is possible.

Second, help is available. Many states in the U.S. offer free counseling for gamblers and their families. You can find more information by calling the hotline number: 1-800-522-4700. This number is run by the National Council on Problem Gambling, and it’s a good place to start finding help in your area. There are also hotlines available worldwide—just search for gambling help or a gambling hotline for your region.

Additionally, there are numerous resources available online. Visit gamblingstillsucks.com/help to find chat groups, forums, and other resources that can help you in your recovery.

As always, this podcast does not provide legal or medical advice. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or therapist—just a guy who had a gambling problem. I share what has worked for me, but please seek professional help if you need it.

The music for this podcast is “Something Elated” by Broke for Free and is licensed under Creative Commons.

Thanks again for listening. I’ll see you in the next episode.