Responsible Gambling — Tools, Help & Safer Play (USA)
Spot the warning signs early, set practical limits, use self-exclusion when needed, and reach out for confidential help. This page provides quick tools and verified resources for US players.
Immediate Help (24/7)
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 • Chat at ncpgambling.org/chat • Text 800GAM to 53342
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7)
Confidential and free. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
Common Warning Signs
- Spending more time or money than planned
- Chasing losses or raising bets after losses
- Hiding gambling from friends/family
- Borrowing for gambling or skipping bills
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or guilty about gambling
- Using gambling to cope with stress or negative moods
Quick Self-Assessment
Rate each item from 0 to 3 (0=Never, 1=Sometimes, 2=Often, 3=Almost always). This is not a diagnosis — it’s a private check to help you decide on next steps.
- I gamble with money I can’t comfortably afford to lose.
- I chase losses after a bad session.
- I hide or downplay my gambling.
- I feel stressed, anxious, or guilty after gambling.
- My gambling affects work, school, or relationships.
- I borrow money or skip bills due to gambling.
- I raise bets to feel the same excitement.
- I have trouble sticking to time or money limits.
- I gamble when upset, bored, or to escape problems.
- I tried to stop but couldn’t stick with it.
Guidance: 0–6 = low risk; 7–15 = moderate; 16–30 = high. Consider limits, cool-offs, or talking to a counselor.
Set Your Limits
How To Apply Limits
- Open your casino account settings → Responsible Gambling.
- Choose Deposit, Loss, and Time limits.
- Pick daily/weekly/monthly values that fit your budget.
- Enable reality checks and set session reminders.
- Use cool-off (24h–30d) or self-exclusion (months/years) if needed.
Quick Budget Helpers
Self-Exclusion & State Resources
Each state runs its own program. You can also request site-specific exclusions with each operator’s support team.
| State | Helpline | Resource |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ) | Open site → |
| Pennsylvania | 1-800-GAMBLER (PA) | Open site → |
| Michigan | 1-800-270-7117 | Open site → |
| West Virginia | 1-800-GAMBLER (WV) | Open site → |
| Connecticut | 1-888-789-7777 | Open site → |
| Delaware | 1-888-850-8888 | Open site → |
Myths vs Facts
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| “I can win it back if I keep playing.” | Chasing losses increases risk and stress. Take a break and review your limits. |
| “Bonuses are free money.” | Bonuses have wagering, contribution, max bet, and expiry rules. They extend playtime, not guaranteed profit. |
| “High RTP means I won’t lose.” | RTP is long-run math. Short sessions still swing. Limits and breaks matter. |
| “Self-exclusion is permanent everywhere.” | It’s program-based by state/operator. Durations vary and can be renewed. |
Support & Links
National
- NCPG National Helpline — 1-800-522-4700 — Open site → • Text 800GAM to 53342 • Chat available
- Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — 988 — Open site → • 24/7 crisis counseling (call/text/chat)
On-Site Controls
- Deposit, loss, and time limits
- Reality check pop-ups
- Cool-off / time-out
- Self-exclusion (site or state)
Responsible Gambling — FAQ
What’s the safest way to start?
Set deposit, loss, and time limits before your first deposit. Begin with small stakes and schedule breaks.
How do I stop chasing losses?
Pre-set a stop-loss (e.g., -30% to -50% of your session budget) and use reality checks/alarms to end the session on time.
Will self-exclusion close all my accounts?
State self-exclusion applies to operators in that jurisdiction; some programs are site- or brand-specific. Consider both state and operator options.
Does using limits hurt my bonus eligibility?
No. Limits are encouraged by regulators and do not affect eligibility. Always follow max-bet rules when clearing bonuses.
Is help confidential?
Yes. National and state helplines provide confidential, non-judgmental support 24/7.