This page contains national and state-level responsible gambling resources as well as an overview of the best practices for betting in a legal and safe manner.
The term “responsible gambling” covers all activities by gambling operators and bettors alike to ensure all wagering is conducted in a legal and safe manner. It also includes raising awareness of the dangers of gambling and knowledge of the warning signs of gambling compulsion and addiction.
Here, we’ve provided a list of responsible gambling resources, including state-specific and national-level options for information and treatment. We have also explained steps you can take today to put safeguards in place for your betting activities.
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, 2.5 million U.S. adults have a severe gambling addiction while another 5-8 million have a mild or moderate gambling problem. This number is expected to rise as more states expand gambling access by launching or expanding online sports betting and online casino gaming.
To help ensure gambling activities are conducted in a fair, ethical, and safe manner, responsible gambling initiatives fall on gambling operators and bettors alike. At an individual level, gamblers should plan to set limits on their accounts, learn the differences between safe and unsafe betting strategies, and understand how to recognize the warning signs of problem gambling.
Warning signs for problem gambling can include, but are not limited to:
We strongly encourage you to familiarize yourself with these national resources for responsible gambling:
Below is a list of state-specific responsible gambling resources:
Online gambling sites and mobile betting apps will allow users to limit how much can be wagered, withdrawn, or deposited in daily, weekly, and/or monthly time periods. However, another important limit is the amount of time users spend on the platforms, especially for online casinos.
Cool-down periods are another important aspect of responsible gambling, as they lock a user out of their account for a brief time (usually a day or two, but possibly up to a week). In more extreme cases, it’s worth considering applying for your state’s gambling self-exclusion program, which prohibits betting activities for longer periods of time (and up to a lifetime ban if necessary).
Bettor In Green has composed betting strategy guides to help you understand some of the most popular gambling systems, highlighting the riskiness of more extreme methods. Several of the popular options closely mirror loss chasing, which is attempting to cover all losses with a single win; these strategies are dangerous and should only be utilized in very specific circumstances that will not apply to casual bettors.
As we mentioned before, gambling operators have a role to play in promoting responsible gambling. Most legitimate operators will prominently display their responsible gambling information on their websites or mobile apps, so if this information seems difficult to find, it’s best to stay away!
One of the easiest ways for operators to promote responsible gambling is to easily allow users to set limits on the amount of time and money they spend on their platforms. Popup reminders of how long a user has been “in session,” as well as emails and text messages to encourage them to “take a break” are other useful options.
Many states have offered gambling self-exclusion programs to put extreme safeguards in place for those who are most at risk. Operators will also link to these materials (or offer them in person at betting facilities) while reporting to local governing bodies any attempts to violate the rules of the programs.
Finally, agreeing to practice responsible advertising is another important step. Operators must avoid promoting their product in areas where those under the legal gambling age and who have voluntarily self-excluded would be the primary target demographics, and to encourage responsible gambling measures in those ads.
Offshore sportsbooks should always be avoided for your gambling activities. The reason they exist is to circumvent state and federal regulations; this allows them to ignore responsible gambling best practices.
Additionally, they do not need to abide by the same rules for fair play and consumer protections as legitimate land-based betting operators. This means by using those sites, you could be putting your personal and financial information at risk; you’ll also have no legal recourse if offshore books refuse to pay you or delay your withdrawals.
Gambling is an inherently risky activity even with proper protections in place. It falls on bettors and gambling operators alike to make sure any wagering activity is above board and done responsibly.
By making yourself aware of the warning signs of problem gambling and familiarizing yourself with gambling compulsion resources in your state, you’ve taken a big step toward practicing responsible gambling! Be sure to set limits, take breaks, and only bet what you can afford to lose.
Additionally, if you or someone you know may be struggling with a gambling addiction/compulsion, please feel empowered to reach out for help! You are not alone, and the resources listed above will help you.
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Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
