Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be fun. It should never be a way to make money, cover bills or escape stress — and it should never put your finances or wellbeing at risk. This page explains where to get help, how to stay in control, and one thing that is easy to miss: offshore operators are not part of any US-state self-exclusion program, so the responsibility to set limits sits with you.
Get help now — 1-800-GAMBLER
If gambling is causing you or someone you know harm, free and confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG):
- Call or text: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
- Text: 800GAM
- Chat online: ncpgambling.org
You do not have to be in crisis to reach out. The helpline offers support, information and referrals to local treatment — whatever stage you are at.
Offshore operators and self-exclusion — read this
This is important and often overlooked. The operators we review are licensed offshore and are not participants in any US-state self-exclusion program. If you have enrolled in a state exclusion program, it will not block these sites. That means the tools to protect yourself must be set on each operator individually. Every reputable offshore operator provides its own responsible-gambling controls — use them proactively:
- Deposit limits — cap how much you can add to your account per day, week or month.
- Cool-off periods — take a short, defined break from an account.
- Self-exclusion — lock yourself out of an operator for an extended period or permanently.
Set these on every site you use, before you have a problem — not after.
Warning signs of a gambling problem
Gambling may be becoming harmful if you notice any of these:
- Betting more than you can afford to lose, or gambling with money meant for bills or essentials
- Chasing losses — trying to win back money you've lost
- Borrowing money, selling things, or lying to fund gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when you're not gambling
- Gambling to escape stress, low mood or problems
- Neglecting work, relationships or responsibilities because of gambling
- Being unable to stop or cut back even when you want to
If several of these sound familiar, please reach out to 1-800-GAMBLER. Recognizing it early makes it far easier to address.
Tips to stay in control
- Set a budget and limits first. Decide what you can afford to lose before you play, and set deposit limits to enforce it.
- Never chase losses. Losses are part of gambling; trying to win them back is how small problems become big ones.
- Treat it as entertainment, not income. If you're relying on gambling for money, stop — the house always has the edge over time.
- Set time limits and take breaks. Don't gamble when tired, stressed or under the influence.
- Never borrow to gamble. If you're using credit or borrowing, that's a clear red flag.
- Keep it balanced. Make sure gambling is one small part of your life, not the center of it.
State helplines
In addition to the national helpline, these state services can help:
| State | Helpline |
|---|---|
| California (CalGETS) | 1-800-GAMBLER |
| Florida | 888-ADMIT-IT (1-888-236-4848) |
| Georgia | 1-888-236-4848 |
| Texas | 1-800-522-4700 |
Protecting minors
You must be at least 21 to gamble at the operators we review, and gambling by minors is never acceptable. If children use your devices, consider parental-control and filtering software such as GamBlock or Net Nanny, and keep your account credentials private.
Common questions
Can I self-exclude from offshore operators?
Offshore operators are not part of any US-state self-exclusion program, so a state exclusion will not block them. You must use each operator's own self-exclusion, cool-off and deposit-limit tools individually, on every site you use.
Is the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline free and confidential?
Yes. The National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER / 1-800-426-2537) is free, confidential and available 24/7 by phone, text (800GAM) and online chat.
What age do I need to be to gamble?
You must be at least 21 to gamble at the operators we review. Gambling by minors is never acceptable.
21+ If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Help is free, confidential and available 24/7.