Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be entertainment you pay for, with money you can afford to lose. This page covers the warning signs to watch for, the controls licensed US operators give you, and the free, confidential help available 24/7.

Warning signs to take seriously

• Spending more money or time than you planned, or chasing losses.
• Borrowing money, or using money meant for rent, bills or groceries.
• Hiding your gambling from a partner, family or friends.
• Feeling restless, irritable or down when you’re not gambling.
• Gambling to escape stress or other problems.

If any of these sound familiar, reach out now. Calls to 1-800-GAMBLER are free and confidential.

Tools at licensed sportsbooks and online casinos

State-licensed operators offer responsible gaming tools in your account settings, usually under “Responsible Gaming.” They typically include:

• Deposit limits for a day, week or month.
• Wager and time limits that cap how much you bet or how long you play.
• Cool-off periods that lock your account for a short break.
• Self-exclusion that closes your account for a set period or permanently.

Sweepstakes casinos and prediction markets have their own controls, such as purchase or deposit limits and account closure. If you can’t find them, ask customer support.

State self-exclusion programs

Most states with legal sports betting or online casinos run a voluntary self-exclusion list through the state gaming regulator. Signing up bars you from every licensed operator in that state for the period you choose. Check the guide for your state for the regulator that runs it.

Block gambling sites and payments

• Blocking software. Tools such as BetBlocker (free) and Gamban stop gambling sites and apps from loading on your devices.
• Your bank. Some banks and card issuers can block gambling transactions. Ask yours what it offers.

Free, confidential help

• National Problem Gambling Helpline: call 1-800-GAMBLER or text 800GAM, 24/7. Run by the National Council on Problem Gambling.
• Gamblers Anonymous: free peer-support meetings in person and online at gamblersanonymous.org.
• Gam-Anon: support for family and friends of someone who gambles, at gam-anon.org.

Age limits

Real-money sportsbooks and online casinos are 21+ in most states. Prediction markets and sweepstakes casinos are generally 18+. Only play where it’s legal for you, and only with licensed or legally available operators.

Our approach

We only feature operators we believe are legal in the states we list, and our reviews spell out wagering requirements, withdrawal limits and the terms that catch people out. Commissions never affect our ratings; see our affiliate disclaimer.

In the UK? See our UK responsible gambling guide.