The National Council on Problem Gambling advocates deciding on a treatment program that meets three criteria. The criterions as described by the Council, in their own words, are:

• have at least one full time clinical staff member who is a Certified Gambling Counselor.
• be licensed or accredited by a state or national authority to provide substance abuse and/or mental health treatment; AND
  
• have a gambling specific track or protocol specifically designed for problem gambling clients, indicating a comprehensive view to gambling treatment, thorough assessment and adequate care of gambling specific treatment needs (family, educational, financial, legal etc.)

In addition, the council advises to consider asking the following twelve questions when selecting a gambling treatment program:

• Are their counselors and staff experienced in treating problem gamblers? (How many problem gamblers are currently in their program; how many problem gamblers have they treated in the past year; what percentage of the patients are problem gamblers)?
• How many hours per day are dedicated to gambling specific treatment or education? What are the groups or educational topics that address the specific needs of problem gamblers and their families?
  
• Does the program accept your insurance? If not, will they work with you on a payment plan or find other means of support for you?
• Does the program encompass the full range of assessment and treatment needs of the individual/family (medical: including universal precautions for infectious diseases; psychological: including co-occurring substance abuse and mental health problems; financial: money management, budgeting and restitution; social; vocational; legal; spiritual; etc.)?
• Does the treatment program also address sexual orientation and physical disabilities as well as provide age, gender and culturally appropriate services?
• Is long-term continuing care support and/or guidance encouraged, provided and maintained?
• Is there ongoing assessment of an individual's treatment plan to ensure it meets changing needs?
• Does the program employ strategies to engage and keep individuals in treatment, increasing the likelihood of success?
• Does the program offer counseling (individual and group) and other behavioral therapies to enhance the individual's ability to function in the family/community?
• Does the program offer medication as part of the treatment regimen, if appropriate?
• Is there ongoing monitoring of possible relapse?
• Are services or referrals offered to family members to ensure they understand problem gambling, its impact on the family and the recovery process?