NJ Launches Free Financial Counseling Program To Address Gambling-Related Debt And Stress

State Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced Wednesday that New Jersey residents now have access to GamFin, a free and confidential financial counseling pilot program aimed at helping those coping with gambling-related financial difficulties.

The initiative, launched through the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE), comes at a time when the state is spotlighting consumer protection during Responsible Gaming Education Month.

GamFin connects users with certified financial counselors for private, online sessions focused on budgeting, debt management, and restoring stability. The service is open not only to individuals who gamble but also to partners and family members impacted by a loved one’s gambling behavior. Sessions are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and can be scheduled through the program’s website: www.gamfin.org/nj

“Our residents need support when they find that gaming becomes problematic, harmful, or otherwise detrimental to their quality of life. That’s why DGE is launching this important pilot to provide financial counseling to those who need support with problem gambling,” Platkin said in a statement.

DGE Interim Director Mary Jo Flaherty emphasized the practical goals of the partnership: “We are giving residents access to tools and guidance for regaining financial control, reducing stress, and working toward a healthier future,” she said. 

The hope, Flaherty noted, is that individuals seeking financial help through GamFin will be able to address their needs confidentially and proactively with support from trained professionals.

GamFin was recommended by the state’s Responsible Gaming Task Force, whose report earlier this year underscored that financial harms are among the most acute consequences of problem gambling. Early intervention, through programs like GamFin, can mitigate risk and help affected families start on the path to recovery, the press release said.

The pilot is part of a broader push to expand resources for New Jersey’s expanding gaming sector, which has seen growth in both legal gambling and cases of gambling addiction. 

Residents are also reminded of other responsible gaming tools, including the state’s self-exclusion program and the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline, which remain available for those seeking a formal break from gambling or immediate help.

While sessions are available for a limited time, state officials say the pilot could inform future investments in financial counseling services for individuals facing gambling-related distress. The Division of Gaming Enforcement will monitor utilization and outcomes to determine the long-term value and impact of the initiative.