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.orgNational Council on Problem Gambling
Confidential helpline available 24/7 to those seeking help for gambling problems.
www.ncpg.org | 1-800-522-4700Gamblers Anonymous Virtual Meetings
Online meetings available for those who prefer virtual support communities.
Find Virtual MeetingsBetterHelp Therapy
Professional online therapy for gambling addiction and related mental health issues.
www.betterhelp.comFinancial Help & Debt Management
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
Free credit counseling to help with debt caused by gambling.
www.nfcc.orgIf 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.