Responsible Gambling

Recognizing problem gambling

Problem gambling is a recognized addictive disorder, treated with the same approaches that work for substance addictions. Common signs:

• Spending more money on gambling than you can afford to lose
• Borrowing money to gamble or to pay off gambling debts
• Lying about how much you're gambling or losing
• Gambling to escape stress, anxiety or depression
• Continuing to gamble after running out of money you intended to spend
• Chasing losses with bigger bets to "get back to even"
• Feeling restless, irritable or anxious when not gambling
• Gambling affecting your relationships, work or schoolwork

Even one or two of these signs is worth taking seriously. Problem gambling is highly treatable — with high success rates when help is sought early.

Tools every operator provides

Every licensed sportsbook and casino in the US is required to provide responsible-gambling tools. These work and they're free:

• Deposit limits. Set a daily, weekly or monthly cap on how much you can deposit. The operator enforces it.
• Wager limits. Set a max bet size or total session loss.
• Time-out. Voluntary lock-out from your account for 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days, etc.
• Self-exclusion. Voluntary multi-year (typically 1, 5, or lifetime) ban from the operator. Once activated, it cannot be reversed for the duration.
• Reality checks. In-app pop-ups every 30/60 minutes showing time spent and net deposit/withdrawal.

Find these in your operator's account settings, usually under "Responsible Gaming" or "Account Limits."

Statewide self-exclusion programs

Most US states with regulated gambling operate centralized self-exclusion lists. Once you join, you are excluded from every licensed operator in the state for the chosen duration. Programs include:

• NJ DGE Self-Exclusion (lifetime, 5-year, 1-year)
• PA Gaming Control Board Self-Exclusion
• Michigan Gaming Control Board Self-Exclusion
• New York State Gaming Commission Self-Exclusion

Most other states with legalized betting have similar programs. Search "[your state] gambling self-exclusion" or contact your state's gaming regulator directly.

Resources

• National Council on Problem Gambling: ncpgambling.org — Helpline, treatment finder, support groups, family resources
• Gamblers Anonymous: gamblersanonymous.org — In-person and virtual peer-support meetings
• Gam-Anon: gam-anon.org — Support specifically for family and friends of problem gamblers
• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP — General mental-health and addiction support, 24/7
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988. If you are in crisis, please reach out.

For the people who love you

Problem gambling affects families. Spouses, children, parents and friends often experience the financial and emotional consequences alongside the gambler. Gam-Anon (above) is a free peer-support community specifically for family and friends. The NCPG helpline can also direct family members to local resources.

Our commitment

BettingOnline.org will never publish content that we believe encourages problem gambling. We don't celebrate "betting your rent." We don't promote chasing losses. We don't encourage anyone to bet more than they can afford to lose.

If you want to talk to someone about your gambling habits — yours, or someone you care about — please reach out to one of the resources above. The conversation is free, confidential, and the right first step.