Responsible gambling: it's about more than money

If you play for fun and within your means, we know that gambling is a safe and enjoyable form of entertainment. That's why Casino.org is committed to keeping you safe online, both from dangerous sites and from dangerous betting behaviors. To help you stay in control of your play, we thoroughly check all of the casinos we list on our site with a 25-step reviews process. You can also use the range of help guides we've created for a variety of game types to keep you informed. The more knowledge you have, the better your decisions will be, and the safer your gambling will be.

However, we understand that even with safety measures in place addiction and problem gambling can develop and lead to a range of serious issues.

If you think you might be at risk of developing a gaming or betting problem, all of the information listed below can lead you to the information and support you need to get help.

Responsible gambling essentially means playing for fun and keeping your gambling under control.

By gambling responsibly you are in full control of your actions, deciding what you are playing and when, and how much you are playing with. You will have set and defined limits which you stick to, and you are not causing yourself financial or mental strain as a result of your play.

If your play stops becoming fun at any point, if you are experiencing a loss of control, feelings of depression, a strain on your finances, lying about how much you play, chasing losses, or generally having bad gaming experiences, even while trying to gamble responsibly, you are showing signs of a gambling addiction. You should find help immediately if this is the case.

• 1

  Set a budget and stick to it

  Budgeting properly is one of the most important things you can do to gamble responsibly. Check your income and expenses, and use that information to decide how much you are happy to spend and potentially lose on gambling each week or month. Stick to that limit.

• 2

  Don't chase your losses

  Never try to win back your losses by gambling more. This is a guaranteed way to lose even more money. If you've followed the above advice on budgeting, stick to that budget. You should only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose.

• 3

  Take breaks from gambling

  Are you gambling more than you intended? Do you feel stressed or anxious about how much you are spending? Take a break. Taking a few days or even a week off from gambling to clear your head and resetting your gambling habits will be a big help to both your mental health and finances. If taking a break does not help then you need to consider using gambling exclusion services to keep yourself safe. In situations like this, seeking professional advice is also recommended.

• 4

  Be aware of the odds

  You should always be aware of the odds when you gamble. The chances of winning are always stacked against you, so don't expect to win every time you gamble. Our truth about sports betting and truth about slots guides gives you a more detailed breakdown on how to understand the odds and risks of these games, helping you play smarter and more responsibly as a result.

• 5

  Don't gamble when you are emotional

  Never gamble when you are angry, sad, or stressed. Doing anything when you are emotional can lead to bad decisions, and that's true of gambling as well. If you aren't feeling like your normal self, you should wait until you have calmed down and refocused before you gamble.

• 6

  Do not gamble when you are under the influence of alcohol or other substances

  Alcohol, prescription medication, and recreational drug use (whether legal or not) alters your state of mind, increasing your risks of making bad decisions. Unless you are calm and thinking clearly, you can, and will, take more risks in this altered state. This is a big problem when it comes to gambling as you should always be fully aware and capable of making smart choices when you play. Always let any substance you may have taken leave your system before you start to gamble.

• 7

  Get help if you are struggling

  If you simply can't cope with your current gambling habits, there is no shame in getting the help you need. There are plenty resources available, all of them judgement free. In most countries and states with legalized gambling, there are a range organizations and services offering support to anyone who has or is at risk of developing gambling problems.

If you are finding the above tips difficult to follow, that may be a warning sign for gambling addiction. We recommend taking a free self-assessment test from a safer gambling service to check your behaviours and risks of developing a problem.

The truth about gambling addiction is that anyone can get it, especially if someone doesn't gamble responsibly. If you, your friend, or a family member, enjoys gambling and you are worried about any problems developing, our list below should help you spot potential signs and symptoms:

• 1
  Preoccupation with gambling. The person may talk about gambling constantly, or spend a lot of time thinking about it. They may also plan their day around gambling, or make excuses to go gambling.
• 2
  Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same thrill. This is known as tolerance. The person may start out gambling with small amounts of money, but over time they will need to gamble more and more, often with larger amounts, to get the same excitement.
• 3
  Trying to control, cut back, or stop gambling, without success. The person may try to quit gambling, but they will find it very difficult to do so. They might promise themselves or others that they will stop gambling, but they will eventually break these promises.
• 4
  Feeling restless or irritable when they try to cut down on gambling. This is a sign of withdrawal. When a person stops gambling, they may experience physical and emotional symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and irritability.
• 5
  Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness, guilt, anxiety, or depression. The person may gamble as a way to cope with difficult emotions or situations. They may feel like gambling is the only way to escape their problems.
• 6
  Chasing losses. This is when the person gambles more money in an attempt to win back money they have already lost. This is a very destructive cycle, as it often leads to even greater losses.
• 7
  Lying to family members or others to hide the extent of their gambling. The person may lie about how much they are gambling, how much money they have lost, or where they have been. They may also try to hide their gambling from others by gambling online or at casinos that are far away.
• 8
  Risking or losing important relationships, a job, or school or work opportunities because of gambling. The person's gambling may start to interfere with their work, school, or relationships. They may miss work or school, or they may neglect their relationships in order to gamble.
• 9
  Asking others to bail them out of financial trouble because they gambled money away. The person may borrow money from friends, family, or even strangers to cover their gambling losses. They may also max out their credit cards or take out loans to gamble.

What to do if you see signs of problem gambling

If you are worried that a friend or family member might be developing, or already has, a gambling problem based on the list above, it is important to talk to them about it.

Avoid being confrontational where possible. Offer your support and help in finding resources and services that can provide the care they need.

If you recognize the signs in yourself, it’s important to get help immediately. Some of the types of resources you can turn to based on personal preference and location include:

• Gambling addiction treatment programs: These programs can provide you with the support and treatment you need to overcome your addiction.
• Gambling hotlines: These hotlines can provide you with information and support about problem gambling.
• Gambling counseling services: These services can help you understand your gambling behavior and develop strategies to manage it.
• Gambling support groups: These groups can provide you with support from people who understand what you're going through.

Self-exclusion and blocking tools are vital when it comes to battling and controlling gambling addiction. However, another big part of responsible gambling is seeking professional help and support from experts trained to identify problem gambling and suggest treatment options tailored to your needs.

To help you make the first step in finding help, we’ve teamed up with addiction specialists Aaron Sternlicht, LMHC, CASAC and Lin Anderson, LMHC, M.A., Ed.M., to create an expert guide to gambling addiction. While it's no substitute for talking to someone in person or over the phone, this guide should support you on your way to getting the in-person professional help and advice you need.

When you are ready for more tailored advice and to speak to someone in person, most countries with regulated gambling industries have a wide range of help and support options available. The US is no different, and there are a wide range of helplines and professional counselling services on offer at both national and state level.

To help you find the support you need, we’ve listed some of the most useful resources below:

While it is illegal for children to gamble in the US, it’s important to teach them about gambling and how to keep themselves safe if they decide to play when legally allowed to do so. If you’re unsure how to start and what you can do to protect them, we’ve made a list of steps you can take:

• Talk to your children about gambling. Explain to them what gambling is, and why it can be both a fun and enjoyable pastime while also potentially being harmful. Talk to them about the risks of gambling, such as losing money, getting into debt, and developing a gambling addiction.
• Set a good example. If you gamble, make sure that you do so responsibly. Don't gamble more than you can afford to lose, and don't let gambling interfere with your work, school, or relationships. Always prioritise the needs of your child over any gambling related activity.
• Monitor your children's online activity. Be aware of the websites that your children are visiting, and the games that they are playing. Many online games now include gambling elements, and it's important to be aware of these so that you can talk to your children about them.
• Talk to your children about the dangers of loot boxes. Related to monitoring online activity, it’s important to address loot boxes in video games. These are a type of in-game purchase that gives players a random chance of winning a prize. Loot boxes have been linked to gambling addiction, and it's important to talk to your children about the risks before they start buying them.
• Teach your children about financial responsibility. Help them to understand the value of money, and how to make wise financial decisions. This will help them to avoid getting into debt, and to make better choices about gambling.
• Use blocking tools to add a layer of protection. Using tools such as NetNanny (where available) to block potentially harmful sites from being accessed by children is a great way to help protect kids from problem gambling. While the industry is regulated and most markets have legal minimum age requirements for gambling, unregulated and unsafe sites exist. By installing blocking tools you can keep your child from accessing these sites in the first place.
• Be supportive. If you are concerned that your child may be at risk of developing, or have already developed, a gambling problem, be supportive and offer your help. There are many resources available to help children and families who are struggling with gambling problems and can be a big help when dealing with the issue.
• Stay informed. You should always take it upon yourself to know the status of gambling in your state. While regulated in some states, it's still unregulated in others. Some states have higher legal minimum ages for gambling than others. It's legal to bet on sports in some states and not in others. Keeping yourself updated on what's going on means you can pass accurate information to your child to keep them safe.

One of the more worrying recent trends in the gambling industry is the rate college students are turning to gambling as an option for paying student loans and other fees associated with student life.

While there is nothing wrong with legal aged Americans gambling if they have the funds set aside to allow them to do so, the behavior of relying on winning to pay off debts can become a dangerous pattern if not kept in check.

One of the major risks of developing gambling addiction is becoming reliant on winning as a regular source of income. If you are a college student currently exhibiting this behavior, it is worth taking regular assessments to check you aren't developing a problem, to keep clear budgets and times for gambling, and to get help as soon as you think you might be developing a problem with your gambling habits.

Once someone has developed an addiction, unfortunately, there’s no real “cure” - you can only manage the problem.

To help you keep on top of things, there are lots of self-exclusion tools and blocking-software options available for you install on your devices as a key part of responsible gambling.

These tools can stop you registering with a new casino or sports betting site, and prevent you from accessing existing accounts if you’re already registered. Blocking software should prevent your device from being able to visit gambling sites completely.

The best tools and software can also provide support to anyone struggling with gambling addiction. Some offer access to resources such as counseling and financial assistance. This can help people to overcome their addiction and rebuild their lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, there are many reputable resources available to help. You can talk to a doctor, a therapist, or a gambling addiction support organization to get the help you need.

If you need help, please check the list of some of the most highly recommended self-exclusion, blocking tools, and general support options below.

Remember: it’s vital to find the service that works best for you.

US gambling website blocking tools

US state gambling self-exclusion options

• Alabama: There are currently no officially recognized state-level self-exclusion options in Alabama.
• Alaska: There are currently no officially recognized state-level self-exclusion options in Alaska. Please check with any local venues whether they offer self-exclusion options, or use the blocking tools suggested above.
• Arizona: The Arizona Department of Gaming runs a state-wide self-exclusion program. You need to download a form from their website, get it notarized and then send it to the Department of Gaming along with a current photo of yourself. You can also visit their office by appointment, or drop your forms off in person.
• Arkansas: There is currently no officially recognized self-exclusion option in Arkansas. Southland Casino does offer a self-exclusion program for their casino as part of their responsible gambling commitment.
• California: California currently offers a self-exclusion program for gambling through the Department of Justice Office of the Attorney General. Self-exclusion options include 30 day, 90 day, 1 year, or lifetime restrictions.
• Colorado: The Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado, in partnership with the Colorado Gaming Association, currently runs a voluntary self-exclusion program. It will remove you from casino marketing lists, cancel club memberships, and any check-cashing methods available to you at Colorado casinos.
• Connecticut: Connecticut's self-exclusion program is run by the state government, while both Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino offer their own self-exclusion options. If you're having trouble self-excluding, you can email the state website for assistance at: [email protected].
• Delaware: Self-exclusion in Delaware runs through Delaware Lottery Games, and includes the option of excluding yourself from The Casino at Delaware Park, Dover Downs Hotel and Casino, and Harrington Raceway and Casino, as well as their websites.
• Florida: There is currently no officially recognized self-exclusion option in Florida. Please check with any local venues whether they offer self-exclusion options, or use the blocking tools suggested above.
• Georgia: The Georgia Lottery currently runs a self-exclusion program. In order to join, you need to call the Player Information Hotline at 1-800-425-8259. This only blocks you from accessing your account, it doesn't stop you buying lottery tickets at retail locations. Please check any local casino venues or use the blocking tools listed above for more help.
• Hawaii: There are currently no officially recognized state-level self-exclusion options in Hawaii.
• Idaho: There are currently no officially recognized state-level self-exclusion options in Idaho.
• Illinois: The Illinois Gaming Board is responsible for self-exclusion in the state. It covers both casino and sports betting on a state-wide level, and created several other resources to help combat problem gambling such as a website, phone number (1-800-426-2537), and text messaging service (text 'ILGAMB' to 53342).
• Indiana: The Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) runs a voluntary self-exclusion program that covers all casinos in the state. You will need to fill out a Request for Voluntary Exclusion form at an Indiana casino, at the IGC office in Indianapolis, or with a designated treatment provider. It will need to be witnessed by a gaming agent or IGC designee, and your picture will be taken as part of the process. IGC office hours are 8:15am to 4:45pm, and you can call 317-234-3600 in advance to check someone will be there to help you.
• Iowa: Iowa Racing and Gaming Comission's (IRGC) self-exclusion program lets you self-exclude from all casino, racetrack, sports wagering, and fantasy sports operators licensed by the state. You will need to complete an enrollment form and send it via mail, or you can enroll in person at the IRGC Des Moines Office, at an Iowa Gambling Treatment Program agency, or at any state licensed casino or racetrack.
• Kansas: The Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC) administers the statewide Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP) for problem gamblers. You can enroll at any state owned casinos in Kansas, as well as at the Topeka office if you make an appointment beforehand (call: 785-296-5800 to set this up).
• Kentucky: There are currently no officially recognized state-level self-exclusion options in Kentucky. Please check with any local venues whether they offer self-exclusion options, or use the blocking tools suggested above.
• Louisiana: Louisiana Gaming Control Board operates the state voluntary exclusion service. You have to appear in person at a Louisiana State Police, Gaming Enforcement Division location, complete and sign the self-exclusion forms in the presence of a Division Agent in order to enroll in the program.
• Maine: The self-exclusion program for Maine sits under the domain of the Division of Disease Prevention, and lets you ban yourself from entering all casinos in Maine for a specific timeframe ranging from one year to a lifetime. The Gambling Control Board holds the official list and it can only be used by state approved casinos.
• Maryland: If you're a Maryland resident you can apply for voluntary self-exclusion through the Maryland Alliance for Responsible Gambling. This will ban you from casinos, the state lottery, bingo halls, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports. You will also be removed from all casino marketing lists.
• Massachusetts: The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is responsible for voluntary self-exclusion options in the state. You can either exclude yourself from gaming (which will ban you from entering casinos and playing casino games), sports wagering on any and all platforms, or opt for a dual self-exclusion by banning yourself from both.
• Michigan: The Michigan Gaming Control Board offers responsible gambling resources, tips, quizzes, and the option to self-exclude from a range of gambling options. These include both the Disassociated Persons List, which allows for a lifetime ban from commercial casinos, and the Responsible Gaming Database which allows self-exclusion from regulated online gaming and sports betting in the state.
• Minnesota: Rather than managing the service themselves, Minnesota has teamed up with Gamban to provide self-exclusion options for residents. To combat the rise in online gambling problems over gambling in-person, the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling is offering free one-year subscriptions to the Gamban service. Simply email [email protected] to get your free account created.
• Mississippi: Mississippi's self-exclusion option is managed by the Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC). You can complete the form at home, but you must submit it in person. It is a comprehensive ban on all casinos within the state. You won't be allowed to set foot on casino property, whether in a gambling area or not.
• Missouri: Missouri runs a Problem Gambling List through the Missouri Gambling Commission. This lets you ban yourself for life from gambling in the state, with an option to remove yourself from the list after five years. You can choose to register online or by visiting a licensed office and filling out an application form.
• Montana: There are currently no officially recognized state-level self-exclusion options in Montana. Please check with any local venues whether they offer self-exclusion options, or use the blocking tools suggested above.
• Nebraska: The Nebraska State Racing and Gaming Commission operates a voluntary self-exclusion program for the state. The self-exclusion applies to all officially licensed operators in the state.
• Nevada: There is no state-held list of excluded gamblers in Nevada. Instead, you will need to check with the various casinos in operation to see what their responsible gambling policies and self-exclusion options are.
• New Hampshire: There are currently no officially recognized state-level self-exclusion options in New Hampshire. Please check with any local venues whether they offer self-exclusion options, or use the blocking tools suggested above.
• New Jersey: New Jersey's self-exclusion program is run through the Division of Gaming Enforcement in collaboration with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, and covers online and land-based casino gambling. You can register online, in person, via video conference call, or through your online player accounts.
• New Mexico: The New Mexico Gaming Control Board has a self-exclusion program in operation. You can only register in person by handing in a completed request for self-exclusion form. For more information and to setup an appointment at the Albuquerque office, call 505-841-9700.
• New York: You can voluntarily self-exclude from all forms of regulated gaming in New York state through the New York State Gaming Commission. You must complete and submit a notarized form with photograph, or by visiting a licensed gaming facility in the state.
• North Carolina: There is no state-level self-exclusion program in North Carolina. However, the Catawba Two Kings Casino offers a self-exclusion program which will let you ban yourself for one year, five years, or permanently. You can do this by asking a staff member at the casino, or by completing an submitting a form through the mail or in-person.
• North Dakota: There are currently no officially recognized state-level self-exclusion options in North Dakota. Please check with any local venues whether they offer self-exclusion options, or use the blocking tools suggested above.
• Ohio: Ohio offers a self-exclusion program called 'Time Out Ohio', which is jointly run between the Ohio Casino Control and the Ohio Lottery Commission. You can sign up for the scheme online, and it will let you ban yourself from casino and racing properties for one year, five years, or for life. You could face charges of trespass if you enter a casino after registering with the program, and if found to have gambled you will need to hand over any winnings.
• Oklahoma: 'Smart Play OK' is a statewide self-exclusion tool for anyone in Oklahoma who wants to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling establishments. Once you've signed up, you cannot reverse it until the length of your original exclusion expires. Not all tribes are signed up to the program, so you'll need to check the list for full details.
• Oregon: There are currently no officially recognized state-level self-exclusion options in Oregon. Please check with any local venues whether they offer self-exclusion options, or use the blocking tools suggested above.
• Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board operates the self-exclusion program for the state, and you can use it to ban yourself from casinos, internet-based gambling, video gaming terminals and fantasy sports wagering. Simply follow their guide and you'll be able to register to the service.
• Rhode Island: Problem Gambling Services of RI (PGSRI) run a self-exclusion program but you must contact them directly for more information. You can reach them by phone at 401-383-0301.
• South Carolina: There are currently no officially recognized state-level self-exclusion options in South Carolina. Please check with any local venues whether they offer self-exclusion options, or use the blocking tools suggested above.
• South Dakota: The South Dakota Department of Revenue runs an exclusion list for gambling in the state. You'll need to contact them directly for more information. They are available via chat on their website, by calling 1-800-829-9188, or by scheduling a virtual office visit.
• Tennessee: There are currently no officially recognized state-level self-exclusion options in Tennessee. Please check with any local venues whether they offer self-exclusion options, or use the blocking tools suggested above.
• Texas: There are currently no officially recognized state-level self-exclusion options in Texas. Please check with any local venues whether they offer self-exclusion options, or use the blocking tools suggested above.
• Utah: There are currently no officially recognized state-level self-exclusion options in Utah. Please check with any local venues whether they offer self-exclusion options, or use the blocking tools suggested above.
• Vermont: There are currently no officially recognized state-level self-exclusion options in Vermont. Please check with any local venues whether they offer self-exclusion options, or use the blocking tools suggested above.
• Virginia: The Virginia Lottery runs a voluntary self-exclusion program that lets you exclude yourself from Virginia casinos, sports betting, lottery, an gaming activities run by the Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs and the Virginia Racing Commission. You can apply online, but the request is to only open the link if you are serious about excluding yourself.
• Washington: Washington State Gambling Commission runs a confidential self-exclusion program that stops you gambling, claiming any prizes, or visiting gambling venues in the state. While you cannot enroll online, you can do so by visiting any licensed gambling facility, or by completing the form and mailing it to the Washington State Gambling Commission office in Olympia.
• Washington D.C.: The District of Columbia Government Office of Lottery and Gaming (DC Lottery) operates a self-exclusion program for the district. You can apply for self-exclusion online or in person at the Office of Lottery and Gaming (appointment only) or by visiting a class A or B sports wagering operation.
• West Virginia: The West Virginia Lotter covers self-exclusion for the state, although different providers might supplement this with their own options. You need to fill out the form and attach a copy of your photo ID before submitting it through the mail.
• Wisconsin: There are currently no officially recognized state-level self-exclusion options in Wisconsin. Please check with any local venues whether they offer self-exclusion options, or use the blocking tools suggested above.
• Wyoming: The Wyoming Gambling Commission operates a self-exclusion program for the state. You need to complete a form either in person or via mail in order to self-exclude. If you're sending your application via mail, don't forget to include a copy of photo ID.

Due to the partial legalization of gambling across the US, there is not quite as much help and support on offer for problem gambling from banks as there is in other countries.

While there are national and state level options for finding support in general, for financial support direct from your bank the situation is more complicated. Some banks will block transactions with gambling sites by default, others you might need to ask them to do so, and some might not have specific programs for supporting responsible gambling at all.

The best option is to check with your bank directly regarding their stance and policies on responsible gambling, or to use blocking software from 3rd party providers to help you keep on top of your gambling. You can also check with the National Council on Problem Gambling for help as they provide support on a range of issues related to gambling addiction on both a national and a state level.