This study is among the first to examine Internet-based help for individuals with gambling problems. It is a natural extension of a growing literature which suggests that many are benefiting from online support groups. Data were derived from 50 individuals who responded to either broad or direct invitations to participate. Participants were recruited from GAweb, an internationally popular online support group for problem gamblers. Results were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Since much has been written about how the traditional treatment and self-help systems have only succeeded in helping a small percentage of those in need and that many report significant obstacles to obtaining assistance, the data were examined with these issues in mind.Seventy percent of the sample were found to have previously avoided attendance at face-to-face programs because of a variety of concerns related to stigma. Those who experienced the greatest degree of stigma tended to be individuals who had not received any care, other than GAweb. Exposure to GAweb, was associated with a greater likelihood of participation in a future program of recovery. Most participants reported that the ability to secretly lurk at GAweb contributed to the likelihood that they would disclose personal information. Very few differences between mens and womens utilization of GAweb were found despite that fact that women were much newer to GAweb than men.These findings led to the development of the Pathways Disclosure Model, which helps to explain why online assistance may be of particular utility to problem gamblers who are in a precontemplative stage of change. This model suggests that ongoing help for problem gamblers is more likely after visiting an online self-help group because individuals have complete control over the disclosure process. As a result, problem gamblers have a unique opportunity to secretly sample the helping process; this in turn, leads to a greater degree of comfort and an increased willingness to participate more actively. While the immediacy of the Internet helps to explain the initial attraction, it is the safety of absolute anonymity which likely explains the sustainability of this form of recovery. Implications of this model are discussed.