Responsible Gambling in the United States
Gambling is supposed to be fun. Unfortunately, it may have become something else for you or someone that you love. If so, then you’ve come to the right place. The pages within this guide can help you understand how problem gambling works, what you can do to gamble responsibly, and what treatment options are available if things are getting out of hand.
Problem gambling is not a matter of being weak-minded or weak-hearted. It can happen to anyone. The only wrong choice is to ignore it and hope it goes away. Help can be minutes away, so let’s start the process of getting you the information you need.
What does it mean to gamble responsibly?
To gamble responsibly means to bet using a controlled set of practices and behaviors. The goal is that gambling remains a source of fun like it is meant to be.
By contrast, problem gambling is any level of gambling in which you are spending too much money gambling, too much time gambling, or both.
Technically, problem gambling is distinct from gambling addiction in that addicted gamblers are no longer capable of stopping. However, people often use the terms interchangeably. And really, it’s probably best to consider problem gambling and gambling addiction as two points on the same spectrum. Very few people become gambling addicts overnight; they usually spend quite some time as problem gamblers. Besides, either way, you want to explore areas of help.
A deeper look at problem gambling and gambling addiction
Problem gambling and gambling addiction are big issues for society. Billions are lost needlessly each year. Unsurprisingly, numerous groups and entities are conducting scholarly research on the topics.
Notable organizations with a scholarly focus on gambling in general, which includes responsible gambling, include the National Institutes of Health, the International Center for Responsible Gambling, and the Journal of Gambling Studies. If you prefer a more academic approach to the topic, these organizations are great places to start.
Of course, many news organizations report on these studies as well. You can always follow the PlayUSA news page for our reporting on the latest.
Do I have a gambling problem?
This question may linger somewhere in the mind of every gambler, and it’s probably healthy to keep checking whether your habits are in control.
However, there are a few common signs of a gambling problem. None of them are diagnostic, mind you, but they may indicate that you should start paying closer attention.
We have an entire page about how to identify whether you have developed problem gambling. Even if you think that you’re still OK, it doesn’t hurt to know when the alarm bells are beginning to ring. And if you want to make sure that your betting is staying fun and safe, check out our tips on how to gamble responsibly.
However, here is a quick guide
Signs of problem gambling
It’s not always easy to recognize when gambling has shifted from fun to risky. Watch for these common signs:
- ⏰ Spending more time gambling than planned
- 🔄 Chasing losses by trying to win back money you’ve lost
- 💸 Betting larger amounts to feel the same excitement
- 🤥 Hiding your gambling from friends or family
- 😔 Feeling stressed, anxious, or guilty after gambling
- 💳 Borrowing money or using funds meant for bills or essentials
👉 If even one of these sounds familiar, it may be time to pause and check in with yourself.
🧭 Next steps
If you recognize some of the signs above, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Here are simple steps you can take today:
- Take a Self-Check Quiz
– Gamblers Anonymous 20 Questions
– BeGambleAware Self-Assessment
– NORC Diagnostic Screen (NODS)
- Reach Out for Help
– Call 1-800-GAMBLER (free, confidential, available 24/7)
– Find resources in your state through the National Council on Problem Gambling.
- Set Up Tools Right Away
– Install BetBlocker or Gamban on your devices.
– Activate deposit or time limits in your online casino app.
Responsible gambling tools & apps
If you need more than encouraging words to gamble responsibly, there are several tools to help you stay in order. We’ve compiled a detailed list and explanations of useful responsible gambling tools to help.
There are more resources than ever to help you stay in control. Here are the most effective options available today:
🎮 Built-in operator safeguards
Most licensed operators provide these easy-to-use features:
- Deposit limits – Set a maximum amount you can load per day, week, or month.
- Time limits – Choose reminders or auto-logout after a set session length.
- Wager limits – Control how much you can bet in a single wager or per day.
- Self-exclusion & cooldowns – Lock yourself out for days, months, or even permanently.
📱 Independent tools & apps
- BetBlocker – Free software now integrated with major operators (FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM). It offers customizable scheduling to block access during risky times, like playoffs or weekends.
- Gamban – Instantly blocks gambling apps and websites on all your devices.
- GameSense – Education-focused program offered by many casinos to promote healthy play habits.
🏛️ State & National Resources
- 1-800-GAMBLER – Free, confidential helpline across most U.S. states.
- NCPG Help By State – A hub to find resources where you live.
- Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support and community nationwide.
One element to bear in mind is that these tools are not meant to be cures for problem gambling. They are merely aids to assist in your journey.
If you don’t know where to start, head to our Service and Support page.
Self-exclusion
There is one option that most gamblers have available to them as a sort of last resort. Self-exclusion programs are master lists of gamblers who have voluntarily chosen to be banned from gambling outlets in a certain jurisdiction for a preset length of time.
Because these lists prescribe such severe measures—a complete ban, enforceable by law—they are usually kept by the appropriate branch or agency of each state government. In some cases, individual online casinos may also maintain self-exclusion lists and capabilities. Read more about self-exclusion and how it can help.
Support for friends and family
Gambling problems don’t just affect the sufferer. The friends and family of problem gamblers and gambling addicts need support, too. They need guidance on how to help their loved one with problem gambling, but they also need support for their own struggles with the situation.
In terms of guidance, the most important thing to do is remain as positive as you can about your loved one’s eventual position in recovery. Give them support and honesty about the problem, but avoid judgment, as the problem gambler is likely defensive and vulnerable about their problem already.
For you (the friend or family member), it’s important to get yourself some assistance and support from people who undoubtedly understand your situation. GAM-ANON is the sister program to Gamblers Anonymous and is specifically designed to unite loved ones of problem gamblers in support, advice, and friendship.
Additional resource: responsible gambling terms
Like all human activities, responsible gambling has its own terminology. To avoid confusion, we have provided a glossary for common responsible gambling terms.
Closing
Responsible gambling is about balance and enjoyment. If you ever feel things tipping in the wrong direction, remember:
- You’re not alone. Millions of people use these tools every year.
- Support is available 24/7. Whether through a quick chat, a phone call, or software help, assistance is only a click away.
- Every step counts. Even small actions—like setting a deposit limit—can make a big difference.
✨ Play for fun, play with balance, and know that support is here whenever you need it.
