Responsible gambling means staying in control of how you gamble, how much you spend, and how much time you spend gambling. It also means understanding the risks, following legal age and location requirements, and knowing where to turn for help if gambling starts to cause problems.
Responsible gambling means keeping gambling within safe and affordable limits while remaining in control of how much you spend and how much time you spend gambling. It also means understanding the risks, making informed decisions, and knowing when to take a break or seek help.
Gambling should be viewed as entertainment rather than a way to make money or recover losses. Before gambling, make sure you meet the legal age and location requirements where you live and use only licensed and regulated gambling operators.
There are several simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of gambling-related harm:
Gambling operators also have a role to play in promoting responsible gambling. They can provide resources and tools to help players gamble responsibly, such as self-exclusion programs, deposit limits, and time limits on gameplay. They can also implement responsible gambling policies and practices, such as training staff to recognize and respond to gambling-related harm and providing information about responsible gambling to customers.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) can be reached 24/7, free of charge, by phone/text at 1-800-522-4700 or ncpgambling.org/chat.
Licensed and regulated US sportsbooks offer a range of responsible gambling tools designed to help customers manage their betting activity and reduce the risk of gambling-related harm. The tools available, and the specific requirements that apply to operators, can vary by state and jurisdiction.
Common responsible gambling tools include:
If gambling is becoming difficult to control, affecting your finances or relationships, or causing stress or other problems in your life, help is available. You do not have to wait until gambling has become a serious problem before reaching out for support. Help is available for people concerned about their own gambling as well as for family members and loved ones.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) is a nonprofit organization that provides information, resources, and support for people affected by problem gambling. Its National Problem Gambling Helpline connects individuals with local support and treatment resources throughout the United States and its territories.
National Problem Gambling Helpline: Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) or use the online chat service. The helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, is free and confidential, and can connect you with resources in your state.
The NCPG website also provides gambling self-assessment tools, information about problem gambling, treatment resources, and a state-by-state directory of support services.
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is a fellowship for people who want to stop gambling and recover from gambling-related problems. GA offers in-person, virtual, and telephone meetings where people can connect with others who have experienced similar challenges.
Gamblers Anonymous National Hotline: 855-222-5542 (855-2CALLGA)
GA also provides a meeting directory, self-assessment questionnaire, recovery resources, and information about its program. Family members and friends can also find support through related resources such as Gam-Anon.
GamTalk is an online peer-support community for people affected by gambling-related problems. It provides a place where people can share their experiences, connect with others, and learn from people who have faced similar challenges.
GamTalk can be useful for people who prefer online peer support or want to learn more about other people's experiences with problem gambling. It should be considered a peer-support resource rather than a substitute for professional treatment or counseling.
Problem gambling services and contact information can vary by state and may change over time. Rather than relying on a static list of telephone numbers, US readers can use the National Council on Problem Gambling's Help by State directory to find current local resources.
The NCPG directory covers all 50 states and provides information about local problem gambling organizations, treatment resources, and other support services.
You can also call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET to be connected with resources in your state.
Important: Gambling support numbers and services can change. Always confirm contact information through the relevant organization's or state authority's current website.
Ontario has several resources available to people who want to reduce or stop their gambling or who are looking for support.
BetGuard is Ontario's centralized self-exclusion tool for regulated online gambling. It allows people aged 19 and older to opt out of all regulated online gambling in Ontario through a single registration rather than excluding themselves separately with individual operators.
Players can choose a self-exclusion period of 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, or a custom term. BetGuard is provided by iGaming Ontario and includes regulated online gambling sites across Ontario's market.
ConnexOntario provides free and confidential information and referrals for mental health, addiction, and problem gambling services in Ontario.
Call: 1-866-531-2600
Text: CONNEX to 247247
Online: ConnexOntario's website and live chat
Support is available 24/7, and ConnexOntario can help connect individuals and families with appropriate services in their area.
iGaming Ontario is an agency of the Government of Ontario that oversees the regulated online gambling market in the province. Its website provides information about Ontario's regulated iGaming market and responsible gambling measures.
Recognizing that gambling is causing problems is an important first step. You can speak with a gambling counselor, contact a support organization, use self-exclusion tools, or reach out to a helpline for guidance. You do not need to handle a gambling problem alone.