Reviewed by: Madina Abdrakhmanova, addiction psychologist · updated 6 Nov 2026
Key facts
- ICD-10 code
- F63.0
- Who provides care
- a psychotherapist; a psychiatrist if there is depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts
- Format
- one-on-one video sessions, separate consultations for the family, messaging with a care coordinator between sessions
- Duration
- 50-minute sessions; a course usually includes at least 8–12 sessions, followed by maintenance sessions
- Confidentiality
- no registration and no full name required; medical confidentiality under the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- When it's an emergency
- suicidal thoughts or despair over debts — call 103, 112 or 150
- Outcome
- reduced urge to gamble, control over money, refusal skills and repaired relationships
What you should know
Gambling addiction rarely looks dramatic from the outside: the person simply sits with their phone, goes to work, attends meetings. But inside there are constant thoughts about the next bet, attempts to “win it back” and growing debts. Getting help with us is simple: you message us on WhatsApp — you don't even have to explain in detail — and within the same day a psychotherapist joins a video call. At the first session, they ask what you play and for how long, how much time and money it takes, what you have already tried and how the situation affects your family and work.
The online format makes particular sense for gambling addiction: the game itself lives in the smartphone, so help can come through it too — without a drive through traffic on Sain Street or Tole Bi Street after work. Psychiatry Online patients from Bostandyk district and from Kaskelen join at a convenient time, often late in the evening, when the urge to gamble is strongest. The doctor helps not only to reduce the desire to play but also to put practical barriers in place: blocks, controlled access to money and a plan for high-risk hours.
Signs of Gambling Addiction
- you think about gambling or betting for most of the day and plan where to get money
- your bets keep growing because the old amounts no longer give the same thrill
- after a loss, you feel an urgent need to “win it back”
- you hide from loved ones how much time and money goes into gambling
- you have taken out loans or payday microloans, or owe friends money, because of gambling
- when you try to stop, you become irritable, anxious or unable to sleep
- gambling has become a way to escape stress, boredom or problems at work and at home
If heavy drinking has lasted more than two or three days, or there is shaking, vomiting, blood-pressure spikes or insomnia, you need a doctor rather than stopping alone. An online consultation is free and helps assess the risks before a visit. For seizures, confusion or hallucinations call 103 or 112.
Why Gambling Becomes Addictive
Pathological gambling (F63.0 in ICD-10; called gambling disorder, 6C50, in ICD-11) develops through mechanisms similar to substance addiction. Unpredictable wins activate the brain's reward system more strongly than anything else, and rare big wins reinforce the belief that “luck is just around the corner.” Online casinos and betting sites are available around the clock, in a single click, with no pause to think — and this speeds up the development of addiction.
Risk factors for gambling addiction include impulsivity, a tendency to take risks, anxiety and depressive disorders, ADHD, and life crises such as job loss, divorce or loneliness. Cognitive distortions play an important role: a sense of control over chance, belief in a “system,” and the conviction that losses must be won back. These distortions are the main target of cognitive behavioral therapy, which is considered the primary treatment for gambling addiction.
How Online Gambling Addiction Treatment Works
Sessions take place on WhatsApp, Telegram or Zoom, from any place where you can talk freely. Together with you, the psychotherapist analyzes gambling episodes: what came before, what you were thinking, and how you felt afterward. You keep a diary of urges and spending and practice refusal skills. Practical protection is discussed separately: self-exclusion on gambling platforms, blocking apps, and handing control of your bank cards to a trusted person for the duration of treatment.
The online format is not suitable if a person has severe depression with suicidal thoughts and no support nearby — in that case, an in-person appointment with a psychiatrist is needed, and if there is a threat to life, call 103 or 112; young people can call 150. If gambling addiction is combined with alcohol or drug dependence with severe withdrawal, in-person addiction care may be needed. The doctor does not resolve legal issues related to debts but will help you find the strength to turn to the right specialists.
How we help
Cognitive behavioral therapy
The main method, with a strong evidence base. The psychotherapist helps you recognize and challenge gambling beliefs such as “I almost won,” “I have a system” or “I need to win it back.” You learn to notice early signs of an urge and plan alternative actions in advance. A course usually takes at least 8–12 sessions and works well by video.
Motivational interviewing
Many people come with doubts about whether this is even a problem. A motivational conversation helps you weigh, without pressure, what gambling gives you and what it takes away — money, time, relationships, sleep. You put your own reasons for change into words, which makes the decision more lasting. The method is often used in the first sessions and forms the basis for further work.
Treating co-occurring disorders
Gambling addiction often goes hand in hand with depression, anxiety, ADHD or alcohol misuse. A psychiatrist assesses these conditions and, when indicated, discusses treatment, including medications from the relevant groups. Prescribing follows the requirements of Kazakhstan law and sometimes requires an in-person examination. This treatment runs in parallel.
Work with the family and finances
Loved ones often learn about the debts suddenly and go through shock, anger and distrust. Family consultations help agree on financial transparency, temporary spending control and how to support the person without constant checks and reproaches. Relatives can also have separate sessions with a psychologist.
Myths and facts
MythGambling addiction is just a lack of willpower
FactPathological gambling is recognized as a disorder in both ICD-10 and ICD-11. It is linked to changes in the brain's reward system and to cognitive distortions, so it calls for treatment, not shame and blame.
MythOne big win would be enough to pay off the debts
FactA win usually makes the addiction stronger: it confirms the belief in luck, and the person keeps playing. Debts, as a rule, only grow. The way out is treatment and a financial plan, not another bet.
MythIf you only gamble on your phone, it isn't serious
FactOnline casinos and betting sites are actually the most dangerous: they are available around the clock, with no breaks and no witnesses. The speed and anonymity of online gambling accelerate the development of addiction, so it deserves to be taken just as seriously as gambling in a casino.
How an online appointment works
- Message or callWrite on WhatsApp or call — our coordinator replies within minutes, day or night. You don't have to give your surname.
- Doctor and timeWe match you with a psychiatrist, addiction specialist or psychotherapist and agree on a time — often the same day.
- Video consultationA secure 50–60 minute video call: the doctor takes a detailed history and uses standardised scales if needed.
- Treatment planYou receive a clear summary, recommendations and a plan: what we do online and what needs an in-person visit or home call.
- Follow-upOnline follow-up sessions, messenger contact with your doctor, and treatment adjustments until you get a stable result.
Prices in Almaty
| Online addiction specialist consultation | 12 000 ₸ |
| Online addiction therapy session | 15 000 ₸ |
| Online support program (one month) | 80 000 ₸ |
The final cost is agreed before treatment starts. Prices are in tenge and do not constitute a public offer.
Where to get help
Psychiatry Online in Almaty: same-day video appointments and two branches for in-person visits — 129 Kurmangazy St., office 8, Almaty and 110 Bogenbay batyra St., office 15, Almaty. Our mobile team works around the clock: all city districts and nearby settlements. If you live elsewhere in Almaty and Almaty Region, starting online is usually easiest.
Confidential and private
Information about your visit, diagnosis and treatment is protected by medical confidentiality under the Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”. We never share it with your employer, school or relatives without your consent; the only exceptions are those expressly set out by law. For an online consultation your first name is enough, video runs over a secure channel and nothing is recorded without your consent.
Questions and answers
How can I tell whether I have an addiction rather than a hobby?
The key signs are loss of control, gambling despite harm, chasing losses, secrecy and debts. If you recognize yourself in even a few of these points, it is worth discussing with a psychotherapist. The first video consultation will help assess the situation without labels.
Can I get treatment if I'm not ready to tell my family?
Yes, treatment is anonymous and confidential. Over time, many people decide to talk to their loved ones, and the psychotherapist can help you prepare for that conversation. But it is your decision, and there will be no pressure. You can join sessions from your car or from work so nobody at home can hear.
How long does gambling addiction treatment take?
A course of CBT usually includes at least 8–12 weekly sessions, after which sessions become less frequent. The length depends on how severe the addiction is, any co-occurring disorders and the support around you. The doctor will discuss an approximate plan at the first session, and it can be revised.
Do blocking websites and apps actually help?
They do not cure the addiction, but they create an important pause between the impulse and the bet. Combined with psychotherapy, blocks, self-exclusion and controlled access to money noticeably reduce the risk of relapse, especially in the first months. Your psychotherapist will help you set them up.
What should I do if debts have led to suicidal thoughts?
This is a dangerous state — don't stay alone with it. Call 103 or 112; young people can call the 150 helpline. Tell someone close to you. Once the immediate danger has passed, a psychiatrist will help by video or in person. You don't have to cope on your own.
Can my wife or parents join the sessions?
Yes, with your consent. Joint sessions help rebuild trust and reach agreements about finances. Loved ones in Almaty can also have separate online consultations to deal with their own distress. We schedule sessions around the whole family's timetable.
Where can I be seen in Almaty?
Online — from anywhere in the city or region. In person — at two branches: 129 Kurmangazy St., office 8, Almaty and 110 Bogenbay batyra St., office 15, Almaty. Both are open 24/7; home visits cover all city districts and nearby settlements.
Sources and methodology
This page was prepared by the Psychiatry Online medical editorial team based on:
- International Classification of Diseases ICD-10 and ICD-11, World Health Organization
- Clinical diagnosis and treatment protocols of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Public Health and the Healthcare System”
- NICE (UK) and APA (US) guidelines on the treatment of mental disorders
- WHO recommendations on telemedicine and digital health
This information is for reference only and does not replace a consultation with a specialist. Editorial policy
