Responsible Gambling Guide
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National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
1-800-522-4700
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Online chat and resources at www.ncpg.org
What Is Problem Gambling?
Problem gambling—also called gambling addiction or compulsive gambling—is when someone loses control over their gambling. It's not about luck or winning. It's a behavioral health issue where the person continues gambling despite knowing it causes harm.
Problem gambling affects finances, relationships, mental health, and work. It's treatable. Help is available. You don't have to struggle alone.
Signs of Problem Gambling
Do any of these describe your gambling habits? If so, you may have a gambling problem:
Behavioral Warning Signs
- You gamble with more money than you planned
- You chase losses by depositing more money
- You think about gambling when you're not doing it
- You hide gambling from family or friends
- You've tried to quit or cut back but can't
- You feel anxious or irritable when you try to stop
- You use gambling to escape problems or stress
- You gamble to avoid negative emotions
Financial and Life Impact Warning Signs
- Gambling affects your finances or debt
- You've borrowed money to gamble
- You've lied about gambling or money to family
- Gambling affects your work performance or job
- Gambling damages your relationships
- You've missed bills, rent, or family responsibilities for gambling
- You feel guilty or ashamed about gambling
- You've lost friendships because of gambling
- You experience mood swings related to wins and losses
If you experience 4 or more of these signs, consider reaching out for help. Many people think they can handle it alone. Professional support makes a real difference.
Personal Assessment
Answer these questions honestly:
Quick Self-Assessment
- Have you ever felt the need to bet more money to get the same excitement?
- Have family or friends ever complained about your gambling?
- Have you ever lied to people important to you about how much you gamble?
- Have you ever felt you wanted to stop gambling but weren't able to?
- Have you ever gambled as a way to escape from worries or problems?
- Have you ever committed a crime to finance gambling?
- Have you ever felt desperation while gambling that you may lose control?
If you answered yes to 3 or more questions, seek help. Call NCPG at 1-800-522-4700.
Responsible Gambling Practices
Set a Budget
Decide how much you can afford to lose before you gamble. Treat it like entertainment cost—like a movie or concert ticket. When that money is gone, stop. Don't deposit more.
Budget tips:
- Set a weekly or monthly gambling budget
- Use cash instead of cards to limit spending
- Keep the amount small relative to your income
- Never use money needed for bills or essentials
- Don't increase your budget after losses
Set Time Limits
Decide how long you'll gamble each session. Use a timer. When time's up, stop—whether you're winning or losing.
Time management tips:
- Gamble for set time periods (30 minutes, 1 hour)
- Take breaks between sessions
- Never gamble when tired or emotional
- Don't gamble before work or important events
- Schedule gambling like other activities
Never Chase Losses
This is the most important rule. If you lose money, accept it and move on. Chasing losses means depositing more money trying to win it back. This almost always leads to bigger losses.
If you're tempted to chase losses:
- Stop and step away from the computer
- Call someone you trust
- Remember: the house always has an edge in the long run
- Remember: short-term luck doesn't change the math
- Close the casino app or tab
Avoid Gambling as Stress Relief
Many people gamble to escape stress, anxiety, or sadness. This becomes a problem because:
- Gambling doesn't solve the underlying problem
- It creates new problems (financial loss, shame)
- It becomes a cycle: stress → gamble → lose → stress
- Losses create more stress, requiring more gambling
Healthier ways to manage stress:
- Exercise or go for a walk
- Talk to a friend or therapist
- Practice meditation or breathing exercises
- Hobbies (reading, sports, music, art)
- Spend time with loved ones
- Seek professional mental health support
Don't Gamble Under the Influence
Never gamble when drunk, high, or on medication that impairs judgment. Impaired decision-making leads to larger bets and poor choices. You're more likely to exceed your budget and chase losses.
Understand the Math
Every casino game has a house edge. Over time, the casino wins:
- Slot machines: 2-8% house edge (you lose $2-8 per $100 wagered long-term)
- Roulette: 2.7% house edge
- Blackjack: 0.5% house edge (with basic strategy)
- Baccarat: 1-1.5% house edge
Key fact: You will lose money over time. The longer you play, the more likely you'll lose. This isn't bad luck—it's math. Gamble for entertainment, not profit.
Self-Exclusion Programs
Most reputable casinos offer self-exclusion—a tool to block your account. If you need a break, many casinos let you:
- Temporarily lock your account (cooling off period)
- Permanently exclude yourself from the casino
- Set deposit limits
- Set loss limits
- Prevent marketing communications
Most casinos allow 24-72 hour cooling off periods where you can close your account and can't reopen it for a set time. This gives you space to think.
If a casino you're using doesn't offer self-exclusion, that's a red flag. Contact customer support to set deposit limits or close your account.
Gambling Help Resources
National Resources (United States)
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
Phone: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7)
Website: www.ncpg.org
Services: Phone counseling, chat, referrals to local counselors, resources, self-assessment tools
Confidential. Free. The primary resource in the US.
Gamblers Anonymous
Support groups and meetings (in-person and online)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Support for mental health and co-occurring addiction
International Resources
GamCare (UK/International)
Support, counseling, and self-exclusion tools
BeGambleAware (UK)
Information, self-assessment, and resources
Gambling Therapy (International)
Free online counseling and support forum
State-Specific Resources
Many states have gambling problem organizations. Search "[Your State] problem gambling" or contact your state gaming commission for local resources.
How to Help Someone with a Gambling Problem
If someone you know has a gambling problem, here's how to help:
Do:
- Listen without judgment
- Encourage them to seek professional help
- Suggest resources like NCPG or Gamblers Anonymous
- Be patient—recovery takes time
- Set boundaries to protect yourself
- Attend support groups for family members (like GamAnon)
- Recognize recovery as a process
Don't:
- Shame or criticize them for gambling
- Give them money or loan them money
- Enable gambling by covering losses
- Expect them to quit immediately
- Think willpower alone will fix it
- Accept promises to quit without professional help
- Blame yourself for their addiction
GamAnon is for families and friends: www.gam-anon.org
When Gambling Becomes a Crisis
If you're in crisis:
- Call 988: Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (they help with all crises, including gambling)
- Call 911: If you're experiencing a medical emergency
- Call NCPG: 1-800-522-4700 for immediate gambling crisis support
- Text 741741: Crisis Text Line
If you're thinking about harming yourself, reach out immediately. Help is available.
Financial Recovery from Gambling Loss
If you've lost significant money to gambling, recovery is possible:
Immediate Steps
- Stop gambling: Close accounts, use self-exclusion, or delete casino apps
- List your debts: Know exactly how much you owe
- Create a budget: Track income and necessary expenses
- Tell someone you trust: A partner, family member, or counselor
- Seek professional help: Financial counselor, therapist, or both
Financial Resources
National Foundation for Credit Counseling
Free or low-cost financial counseling
www.nfcc.org or call 1-800-388-2227
Financial Counseling Association
Help with budgeting, debt management, and financial recovery
Recovery Is Possible
Gambling addiction is treatable. Many people recover. Recovery looks different for everyone:
- Some quit entirely and never gamble again
- Some learn to gamble occasionally without losing control
- Some find healthy ways to manage triggers
Professional help—therapy, counseling, support groups—works. It's not weakness to ask for help. It's strength.
A Note from Us
We provide gambling reviews to help people find legitimate casinos. But we're serious about responsible gambling. If our reviews or content contribute to problem gambling, that's not okay with us.
Gambling should be entertainment—like going to a movie or concert. If it's become a financial problem, a source of stress, or a way to cope with emotions, seek help. The resources on this page are real, they're free, and they work.