CHARLESTON, WV—June 11, 2025
The Problem Gambling Help Network of West Virginia (PGHNWV), which operates 1-800-GAMBLER in West Virginia, has partnered with CHESS Health to launch the first customized version of the evidence-based Connections recovery support app specifically designed for individuals with problem gambling.
First Choice Services, PGHNWV’s parent organization, previously partnered with CHESS Health five years ago to provide the Connections app for substance use disorder recovery. Building on that success, the organizations have now expanded their collaboration to address gambling addiction—marking the first specialized gambling recovery version of the platform.
The initial demonstration project will support individuals with problem gambling in West Virginia.
“We have seen how the Connections app brings people in substance use recovery together, so we want to give this opportunity to individuals who are struggling with gambling addiction,” said Sheila Moran, First Choice Service’s director of communications and marketing.
Connections for Gambling features the same evidence-based foundation as the Substance Use Disorder version—including moderated online communities, 24/7 crisis response, virtual support meetings, daily check-ins, and recovery-focused content—but customized specifically for gambling addiction recovery. Key gambling-specific features include seamless integration with the 1800GAMBLER hotline, specialized educational resources, and dedicated community forums for individuals addressing gambling problems.
The partnership represents a significant expansion of digital recovery support tools into the underserved gambling addiction space, leveraging proven technology with specialized clinical expertise.
Research shows a high correlation between gambling addiction and SUD, with a significant percentage of individuals with gambling issues also struggling with alcohol use disorder and/or substance use. The negative emotional and mental health impacts of gambling addiction can cause individuals to self-medicate, which can quickly develop into a co-occurring addiction. Understanding this connection, PGHNWV will offer surveys within the gambling and SUD app versions to ensure that individuals have meaningful support for both, Moran said.
Support group meetings for Gamblers Anonymous are not widely offered in West Virginia, so the virtual meetings will be a critical new resource for individuals, along with gambling-specific peer support in the community.
CHESS Health was pleased to create this version of the powerful Connections app for PGHNWV to help individuals with problem gambling receive the benefits of accessible support anytime and anywhere. “PGHNWV has seen firsthand how the Connections app has helped people with other addictions,” said Hans Morefield, CHESS Health’s CEO. “Extending these valuable tools to address problem gambling will make a lasting, positive difference in lives and communities across West Virginia.”
About First Choice Services First Choice Services operates multiple programs and helplines across several states with the common goal of promoting well-being and facilitating access to behavioral health and social services.
About CHESS Health CHESS Health is a leading provider of evidence-based digital behavioral health solutions backed by peer support. These tools empower providers, health plans, and public sector organizations to address the substance use disorder crisis by enhancing prevention, facilitating care coordination, and improving adherence to care plans and treatment retention, ultimately resulting in better health outcomes. For more information, visit www.chess.health.
