What Is GamTalk and How Does It Help Gamblers in 2026?

GamTalk interacts with individuals and communities to help them deal with anything negative that stems from compulsive gambling habits. It encourages responsible gambling and explains that one should play consciously, only for pleasure, and while taking care of their mental health.

To do this, GamTalk offers actionable solutions to people facing similar difficulties. These include 24/7 support groups, online resources, and a live chat platform. All initiatives are free.

In contrast to Gamblers Anonymous, GamTalk provides virtual support rather than in-person meet-ups in physical locations. However, in no way does the community prohibit such voluntary GamTalk meetings if they can help on the path to recovery.

About GamTalk

The full name of the organization is GamTalk. It is a welcoming community that helps those facing gambling-related issues by providing:

• A way to connect with others who have faced similar situations;
• Numerous Stories of Hope;
• Important insights like keeping a Progress Diary;
• Links to helplines, hotlines, and websites of other fellowships.

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History and Mission

The organization GamTalk.org was founded in 2018 and is based in Canada. The community operates primarily online and has no specific physical headquarters.

The founder and chief executive of GamTalk is Dr. Richard Wood. He has 18 years of experience in responsible gaming research and consultancy.

GamTalk’s mission is to provide a private, free, anonymous, and supportive network where people do not condemn but help. For those dealing with gambling problems, the organization helps to:

• connect, 
• share their narratives,
• seek mutual aid, and
• find guidance on coping with their challenges. 

It is not a treatment provider, and the community itself does not operate a dedicated GamTalk hotline number.

The organization strives to promote positive outcomes such as raising awareness of gambling issues, preventing addiction through timely intervention, and supporting individuals and families affected by this problem (just like Gam-Anon).

GamTalk Is Now at Evive

Beginning in 2026, the long-standing GamTalk community will officially be hosted on Evive. This move marks a significant shift—not in purpose, but in platform. 

The conversations, peer support, and shared experiences that defined GamTalk will continue, now integrated into a broader mobile and online ecosystem designed specifically to address gambling harm.

Rather than operating in isolation, GamTalk will operate within Evive’s dedicated support environment, combining familiar discussion spaces with expanded tools and features aimed at long-term behavior change.

What Is Evive?

Evive is a mobile app and online community designed to support people experiencing gambling harm. It brings together peer conversation, practical tools, and educational resources in one accessible platform. 

Rather than focusing on a single solution, Evive offers a combination of community spaces, chats, behavior-change tools, and guided resources that help individuals better understand their habits and work toward long-term change.

The platform is built with privacy, civility, and safety at its core, allowing members to share as much—or as little—personal information as they feel comfortable. 

Seeking open conversations, structured tools, or a combination of both? Evive strives to offer consistent support through a user-friendly, app-based platform.

What Stays the Same: The Core GamTalk Community

The transition preserves the heart of GamTalk:

• Ongoing conversations among existing members
• Peer-to-peer support and shared lived experiences
• A safe space for discussing gambling challenges
• Access to message boards and community chats

Members can still connect with people who understand gambling harm firsthand. The difference is that these interactions will now take place within Evive’s structured app environment, alongside additional support features.

What’s New: Enhanced Features and Broader Support

Enhanced Community Experience

Evive is designed with privacy, civility, and safety at the center. Members can choose how much personal information to share and engage at their comfort level. The environment aims to reduce stigma while encouraging constructive dialogue.

Integrated Tools for Behavior Change

Unlike a traditional message board, Evive combines:

• Educational resources
• Habit-tracking tools
• Supportive community spaces
• Chat features
• Structured self-guided supports

This creates a more holistic support experience. Some members may primarily use the conversation spaces, while others may lean into the practical tools. Many will likely use both.

Mobile Accessibility

As a mobile app, Evive places gambling support “in your pocket,” making it easier to access help at any time.

How to Join the New GamTalk Community

The onboarding process is straightforward:

1. Create an account – Sign up with your email and choose a username.
2. Set up your profile – Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.
3. Join spaces – Access GamTalk spaces immediately after signing up.
4. Start connecting – Introduce yourself and participate in discussions.

The process is designed to be quick while respecting user privacy.

Pros of GamTalk Moving to Evive

1. Holistic Support Ecosystem: Members gain access to tools, resources, and structured supports—not just conversation threads.
2. Improved Privacy and Safety: A platform built specifically for gambling harm can prioritize moderation, civility, and member well-being.
3. Broader Community: GamTalk users can interact not only with familiar members but also with the wider Evive community.
4. Mobile Convenience: Having support available via app increases accessibility and real-time engagement.
5. Long-Term Behavior Change Focus: Evive emphasizes sustained change, not just immediate crisis discussion.

Cons of the Transition

1. Platform Adjustment: Existing members may need time to adapt to a new interface and app-based environment.
2. Community Identity Concerns: Some long-time users may feel the standalone GamTalk identity is diluted within a larger platform.
3. Technology Barriers: Members who prefer web-only forums or have limited smartphone access may find the shift challenging.
4. Privacy Perception: Even with strong safeguards, some users may feel hesitant about moving to a new platform that requires account creation.

The Jackpot Sounds’ Team View: What’s It All About

Evive’s positioning around real-life gambling support and peer-driven conversations enables lived-experience sharing. The migration of an established community like GamTalk strengthens the platform's experiential credibility.

A platform focused exclusively on gambling harm signals subject-matter specialization. If Evive incorporates evidence-based tools, behavioral strategies, and structured resources, it enhances its expertise profile.

Hosting an established community can strengthen Evive’s standing in the gambling support space. Authority increases when communities, tools, and educational resources coexist within a single, mission-driven platform.

Gambling addiction intersects with financial and mental health risks. Because of this:

• Content must avoid misleading claims.
• Tools should not overpromise results.
• Community moderation must prevent harmful advice.
• Clear disclaimers about professional support versus peer support are essential.

If Evive balances peer-driven conversation with responsible guidance and safeguards, the transition of GamTalk into its ecosystem could strengthen user protection rather than weaken it.

Key Achievements and Partnerships

Over the past years, GamTalk has expanded its reach and formed partnerships with provincial gaming organizations in Canada and beyond. It has made notable progress in advocating for responsible gambling and assisting people in their recovery journey.

GamTalk has established significant alliances with organizations in the gambling addiction support community. These collaborations have enhanced its credibility.

Currently, the organization partners with the following sponsors:

• Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority
• Nova Scotia Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation
• Western Canada Lotto
• BCLC
• Quebec Lotto
• Sasks Sports
• NB Lotteries & Gaming
• Manitoba Lotto
• SASK
• NCPG
• OLG
• ORLOT
• ATLL
• AGLC

Furthermore, testimonials from GamTalk clients highlight the organization’s commitment to advocating for responsible gambling practices and assisting individuals affected by compulsive gambling.

Services Offered by GamTalk

GamTalk has become a major resource advocating for responsible gambling based on alliances, online forums, a moderated GamTalk live chat, self-exclusion tools, and collaboration with national helplines.

Through collaborations with various organizations, GamTalk offers extensive resources and support. Let’s look at its services in more detail.

Educational Materials

At GamTalk, education is inherently embedded in the shared stories, advice, and recovery discussions on the platform. While it doesn’t have a wealth of educational resources, the organization is extremely successful in raising awareness of problem gambling.

In fact, GamTalk offers materials in the form of informational resources within its community. It covers topics such as:

• understanding the signs of gambling addiction,
• setting limits on gambling activities,
• financial management strategies, and
• tips for seeking help.

This collective wisdom, shared through personal stories, is a practical and relatable resource that empowers people to make informed decisions about their gambling habits.

Unlike other similar organizations such as ICRG and 800gambler.org, it does not offer ready-made multistep programs, books, or booklets. But that’s a good thing! The main trait of this organization is lively, 24/7, anonymous online interaction. Services vary; that’s why there are different organizations, and every gambler or their family can choose the service that suits them best.

Community Support Wall

This is the main distinguishing feature of the organization. The Community Wall is a safe space for members to share their thoughts and experiences and request advice from both peers and moderators.

To participate, individuals must join the community via the “Join Now” button on the site, and then they must adhere to community rules.

GamTalk maintains a respectful environment. This means that members agree not to post messages that are obscene, hateful, or threatening. The platform prohibits advertising, disclosing personal information, or creating multiple usernames.

Online Forums and Chats

While the Community Wall is best suited for ongoing longer-form discussions, scheduled Live Chat sessions offer a real-time connection. 24/7 live chat rooms are often based on specific recovery-focused topics.

To send direct questions to the founder, go to the Forum Section and start a new thread titled “Ask Dr. Wood.”

The organization hosts online forums where members can find support and exchange insights on overcoming gambling addiction. GamTalk’s online forums provide emotional support and guidance throughout the recovery journey by creating a sense of belonging and understanding.

Helplines

In collaboration with national helplines like the National Problem Gambling Helpline and organizations around the world, GamTalk offers links to immediate assistance resources and valuable contacts. For example, for telephone support, you can call +1-800-522-4700 in the US and +44-808-8020-133 in the UK.

The partner organizations are trained professionals who offer confidential and nonjudgmental support. They can:

• deliver information and assistance during difficult times,
• refer users to local resources,
• initiate crisis intervention.

The helplines are crucial for gamblers in crisis, as they provide vital emotional support. GamTalk serves as a vital support network, ensuring that anyone facing gambling-related issues can easily access the help they need.

Self-Exclusion Tools

GamTalk empowers its users by providing information and resources related to self-exclusion tools. Please note that the platform does not provide these tools directly.

Still, it guides people toward programs that allow them to voluntarily limit their access to online gambling sites. Through self-exclusion measures, individuals can proactively limit their exposure to triggers and prevent impulsive betting. This is a critical step for many.

Counseling Services

GamTalk serves as an essential first step and ongoing support system, even though it does not provide direct one-on-one professional counseling. The platform’s main strength is its peer-based support model, which makes users feel less alone.

For those who need more structured professional help, GamTalk offers referrals to qualified treatment services and additional professional resources. It wants to make sure users find specialized support.

Organizations providing counseling services for compulsive gamblers include NCPG, ADEPT in collaboration with GamFin, and charities like GamCare and GambleAware.

How to Access These Services: The GamTalk Login Process

To receive assistance, you must register. Please verify that you are on the official website and note that no personal information is required. Users create an account with a username and password; they never have to share an ID, passport, or financial information. 

If you are already registered, please go through the GamTalk login process. This will allow you to participate in moderated chat rooms and forums where members share their experiences and support each other. This is the user authentication stage for accessing the support environment and the community focused on promoting recovery and well-being. On the login page, you can choose to store your username or reset a forgotten password.

GamTalk is an online-first organization focused on providing a digital support community. As such, direct contact information is limited, and they primarily guide users to their online platform and partner helplines.

​Testimonials and Success Stories

GamTalk has been instrumental in transforming the lives of individuals struggling with gambling addiction, as evidenced by various testimonials and so-called Stories of Hope.

These stories recount personal journeys filled with trials, setbacks, and ultimately hope and healing, demonstrating that recovery from gambling addiction is possible. They can be found in a dedicated section of the website.

Below, we will share some examples of stories that may inspire you. They reflect the impact of GamTalk’s services in providing support, guidance, and hope. Through these real-life accounts of recovery and transformation, GamTalk shows the positive outcomes achievable by seeking help.

Bernie's Story

Bernie found himself compulsively gambling with scratch-offs to escape life’s stresses. His turning point came after attending a Gamblers Anonymous meeting, which inspired him to understand his addiction and help others, ultimately allowing him to turn his life around.

Casey’s Story

Casey’s gambling began as fun at the casino but spiraled into chasing losses and binge bets. She had been gambling for over 20 years and lost over $120,000. Today, she finds inspiration to stay away from casinos by attending GA meetings and reading the recovery stories of others.

Sfumato’s Story

After 15 years of a destructive slot machine addiction where winnings were always put back in, Sfumato found a “miracle” in recovery. He froze a credit card and set limits on his debit cards. He’s sure that breaking free from the grip of gambling is possible: he has had absolutely no desire to gamble since.