Responsible gambling and consumer protection lead. Former counselor at a state-funded gambling-treatment program. Certified Problem Gambling Counselor.
Background and credentials
Chris Thompson spent four years (2019-2023) as a counselor at a state-funded problem gambling treatment program, working directly with individuals affected by gambling-related harm and their families. The role involved 1:1 counseling, group facilitation, and outreach to local communities about problem gambling resources.
Chris joined BettingOnline.org in 2023 as Responsible Gambling Lead. The role focuses on ensuring BettingOnline.org's content models healthy betting behavior, presents responsible-gambling resources prominently, and avoids any content that could exacerbate harm for vulnerable users.
Chris holds an M.S.W. (Master of Social Work) and is a Certified Problem Gambling Counselor (CPGC) — the credentialing certification administered by the National Council on Problem Gambling. Chris completes 20+ hours of continuing education annually on gambling-related harm.
Coverage areas
- Responsible gambling resources. Maintaining the site's responsible gambling resource page, ensuring resource lists are current, and providing context for readers seeking help.
- Operator RG tooling assessment. Reviewing the responsible-gambling tools (deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion) at major operators as part of our 100-point rating framework.
- Tax and consumer-protection content. Content like our tax strategy guide that helps readers manage gambling-related financial obligations.
- AGA standards and industry RG developments. Coverage of industry-wide changes to responsible-gambling standards, as in our 2026 AGA standards news article.
Notable published work
- AGA Publishes Updated Responsible Gambling Standards for 2026
- Tax Strategy for Sports Bettors: A 2026 Primer
- Why Most Retail Sports Bettors Lose Money
- Responsible Gambling Resources
- Quarterly review of operator responsible-gambling tooling for our 100-point rating framework.
Editorial principles & disclosures
Chris follows the BettingOnline.org editorial standards. Content under Chris's byline never minimizes gambling-related harm or implies that problem gambling is a personal failing. Where applicable, content directs readers to the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline (operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling) and to state-specific resources.
To prevent conflicts of interest, Chris does not currently practice clinically. He maintains his certifications as part of his professional development. His clinical training informs his editorial perspective without creating client-side obligations.
Chris has no equity, advisory, or other relationships with any operator or with BettingOnline.org's parent company beyond standard editorial-team compensation. Any conflicts of interest related to specific organizations or programs are disclosed at the article level.
If betting stops being fun
Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Call 1-800-GAMBLER in the US, visit ncpgambling.org, or use your state's specific helpline (linked from our responsible gambling resources page).
Contact
For responsible-gambling content suggestions or RG-program partnership inquiries: editorial@bettingonline.org with "Chris Thompson — RG" in the subject line. For individual users seeking help with gambling-related harm, please contact 1-800-GAMBLER directly — that helpline is staffed by trained counselors who can provide immediate support.