Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be fun. If it stops being fun, it's time to seek help.

Key Principles of Responsible Gambling

Set Limits

Decide how much money and time you're willing to spend before you start playing. Stick to these limits, no matter what.

Only Gamble with What You Can Afford to Lose

Never gamble with money needed for essential expenses like rent, food, or utilities.

View It as Entertainment, Not Income

Think of gambling as entertainment with a cost, like going to a movie. Don't expect to make money.

Take Breaks

Regular breaks help you maintain perspective and reduce the risk of problematic gambling behavior.

Don't Chase Losses

If you lose money, resist the urge to gamble more to win it back. This often leads to bigger losses.

Avoid Gambling When Stressed or Upset

Gambling as a coping mechanism can lead to problem gambling. Address underlying issues instead.

Signs of Problem Gambling

If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to seek help:

Gambling with more money than planned

Feeling the need to gamble more to feel excited

Lying about how much you gamble

Gambling to escape problems or stress

Chasing losses (trying to win back lost money)

Borrowing money to gamble

Neglecting family, friends, or work due to gambling

Experiencing financial difficulties from gambling

Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling

Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling

Self-Exclusion & Account Controls

Self-Exclusion

Most reputable casinos offer self-exclusion programs that allow you to voluntarily ban yourself from their platform for a specified period.

This is a powerful tool to help you control your gambling if you're concerned about problem gambling.

Account Controls

Many casinos offer deposit limits, loss limits, and time-out features that allow you to set boundaries on your gambling.

Use these tools to prevent excessive gambling and maintain control.

Resources & Help

If you're struggling with gambling, remember that you're not alone. Help is available:

Gamblers Anonymous

Free peer support meetings for people with gambling problems. Available worldwide.

www.gamblersanonymous.org

National Council on Problem Gambling

Confidential helpline available 24/7 to those seeking help for gambling problems.

www.ncpg.org | 1-800-522-4700

Gamblers Anonymous Virtual Meetings

Online meetings available for those who prefer virtual support communities.

Find Virtual Meetings

BetterHelp Therapy

Professional online therapy for gambling addiction and related mental health issues.

www.betterhelp.com

Financial Help & Debt Management

National Foundation for Credit Counseling

Free credit counseling to help with debt caused by gambling.

www.nfcc.org

DebtHelpDesk

Resources and information for managing gambling-related debt.

www.debthelpdesk.org

If Someone You Know Has a Gambling Problem

Be Supportive: Approach the conversation with compassion, not judgment. Let them know you care and want to help.

Share Resources: Provide information about support services like Gamblers Anonymous and the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Set Boundaries: You can be supportive while still setting healthy boundaries about lending money or enabling their gambling.

Encourage Professional Help: Suggest they speak with a therapist or counselor who specializes in gambling addiction.

Take Care of Yourself: Supporting someone with a gambling problem can be emotionally draining. Make sure you're also getting support.