My first meeting
Don't be ashamed
It was hard for all of us to come to that first meeting. We know how you feel. If it is an open meeting, feel free to bring a friend or relative. Sometimes the second meeting is even harder than the first. Please keep coming back.
Seeking help for gambling?
Coming to your first Gamblers Anonymous meeting is a big step. You will find others who understand what you are going through. Help is available, and you do not have to face this alone. Call 888-502-5610.
Meeting format
Each meeting is a little different, and these parts are common.
- Meeting kickoff
- Read aloud from GA literature
- Keychains
- Introductions and donations
- Discussion topic
- Sharing
- News and announcements
- Closing
New members
Someone will likely ask if this is your first meeting. New members get a literature packet, and the group takes a little extra time to explain the meeting. Some groups set aside the planned topic and members share their own story: their history with gambling, what it did to their life, what led them to the meeting, and how they are doing now. You may be asked if you want to share. That choice is yours. Do not feel pressed to speak at your first meeting.
Introducing yourself
The meeting uses first names. Before speaking, a member says their first name, such as "Hi, my name is Jim." Many also say they are a compulsive gambler. There is no required form. If you are still deciding, you can say your name and "I'm glad to be here."
Sharing
Sharing is telling the group your thoughts, feelings, and experience. You can share a little, a lot, or not at all. The meeting stays respectful when everyone follows these guides.
- Cross talk is discouraged. Cross talk is interrupting, giving advice, or commenting directly on another member's share. It is also side conversation or noise during the meeting. Wait until you have seen what that meeting allows.
- Talk about your own recovery. Share experience, strength, and hope. Leave out war stories, specific win and loss amounts, and outside issues. Talk about yourself, not other people.
- Offensive comments are not tolerated. The meeting is not a place for comments that disparage another member, or a group of people, based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or politics. A person who does that may be asked to leave.
- Leave room for everyone. Keep a share to about five minutes so the others in the room can speak.