WHAT HAPPENS AT A GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS MEETING?
If you are considering attending a Gamblers Anonymous meeting for the first time, you may be interested in what happens during a meeting.
CLOSED & OPEN MEETINGS
Each meeting will be either "Closed" or "Open" and this is indicated on the meetings page. Most GA meetings are closed, meaning that only people who think they have a gambling problem are allowed to attend. Open meetings allow anyone to attend, including gamblers, spouses, friends, family, etc.
MEETING FORMAT / AGENDA
Each meeting operates independently, and as such, each meeting is a little bit different. However, all should follow the general format described below.
NEW MEMBERS
We tend to see the same faces at meetings each week, so it's very likely someone will ask if you are a new member or if it's your first meeting. We provide new members with literature packets and take a little extra time to explain various parts of the meeting. Some meetings will also forego their planned discussion topic when there are new members and instead, members will share their "story" with the group. These stories usually consist of the member's history with gambling, the impact it has had on their life, what led them to seek help, and how they are doing since beginning the recovery program. Many of our new members find they can relate to something from everyone's story. Check out the Our Stories page to read about the experiences of some local members.
INTRODUCING YOURSELF AT A MEETING
As an anonymous organization, GA works on a first-name basis only. Before speaking, each member introduces themselves by stating their first name, such as "Hi! My name is Jim." Many members also choose to identify themselves as a compulsive gambler; for example, "My name is Ann and I am a compulsive gambler." It is up to you to decide how you would like to introduce yourself - there is no right or wrong way - we only ask that you introduce yourself before speaking.
SHARING DURING A MEETING
When GA members talk about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences during a meeting, we call it "sharing". Each member chooses to share as much or as little as they want during a meeting. Some members choose not to share at all. In order to maintain a respectful and safe environment for members to share, we have a few guidelines we expect all members to follow:
share. It is also talking to another member or making distracting noise during the meeting. Some meetings are
more rigid about cross-talk and others are more relaxed. We recommend refraining from cross-talk until you have
been able to observe or ask about what is acceptable at a specific meeting.
CLOSED & OPEN MEETINGS
Each meeting will be either "Closed" or "Open" and this is indicated on the meetings page. Most GA meetings are closed, meaning that only people who think they have a gambling problem are allowed to attend. Open meetings allow anyone to attend, including gamblers, spouses, friends, family, etc.
MEETING FORMAT / AGENDA
Each meeting operates independently, and as such, each meeting is a little bit different. However, all should follow the general format described below.
- Meeting kickoff
- Read aloud from GA literature
- News and announcements
- "Clean Time" acknowledgements
- Discussion topic introduced
- Members share on topic
- Meeting close
NEW MEMBERS
We tend to see the same faces at meetings each week, so it's very likely someone will ask if you are a new member or if it's your first meeting. We provide new members with literature packets and take a little extra time to explain various parts of the meeting. Some meetings will also forego their planned discussion topic when there are new members and instead, members will share their "story" with the group. These stories usually consist of the member's history with gambling, the impact it has had on their life, what led them to seek help, and how they are doing since beginning the recovery program. Many of our new members find they can relate to something from everyone's story. Check out the Our Stories page to read about the experiences of some local members.
INTRODUCING YOURSELF AT A MEETING
As an anonymous organization, GA works on a first-name basis only. Before speaking, each member introduces themselves by stating their first name, such as "Hi! My name is Jim." Many members also choose to identify themselves as a compulsive gambler; for example, "My name is Ann and I am a compulsive gambler." It is up to you to decide how you would like to introduce yourself - there is no right or wrong way - we only ask that you introduce yourself before speaking.
SHARING DURING A MEETING
When GA members talk about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences during a meeting, we call it "sharing". Each member chooses to share as much or as little as they want during a meeting. Some members choose not to share at all. In order to maintain a respectful and safe environment for members to share, we have a few guidelines we expect all members to follow:
- Cross-talk is discouraged
share. It is also talking to another member or making distracting noise during the meeting. Some meetings are
more rigid about cross-talk and others are more relaxed. We recommend refraining from cross-talk until you have
been able to observe or ask about what is acceptable at a specific meeting.
- All comments should be related to recovery from gambling addiction and should focus on our own experience
- Insensitive or offensive comments will not be tolerated
- Every member should have an opportunity to share during a meeting