Gambling should be entertaining, not harmful. If you're concerned about your gambling habits or someone you care about, free confidential help is available.
📞 Call 1-800-GAMBLER NowThese helplines are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Answer these questions honestly to evaluate your gambling habits
This quick assessment can help you identify if gambling is becoming a problem. Check all that apply to you:
If you checked 3 or more items, we strongly encourage you to seek help. Gambling addiction is treatable, and recovery is possible.
Get Help NowHowever, if you ever feel concerned about your gambling, don't hesitate to reach out for support.
View Safe Gambling TipsPractical tips to keep gambling fun and under control
Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start gambling. Never exceed this amount and never borrow money to gamble.
Decide in advance how long you'll gamble and stick to it. Set alarms or use operator tools to track your session time.
Accept losses as part of the game. Never try to win back money you've lost by gambling more or raising your stakes.
View gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money. The odds always favor the house in the long run.
Never gamble when under the influence. Substances impair judgment and can lead to reckless betting decisions.
Gambling should never interfere with work, relationships, or responsibilities. Maintain other hobbies and interests.
How licensed operators help you stay in control
Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit. Once reached, you cannot deposit more until the period resets.
Take a short break from gambling. During a time-out (24 hours to 6 weeks), you cannot log in or place bets.
The most powerful tool. Exclude yourself from gambling sites for 6 months to 5 years. This is legally binding.
Receive pop-up notifications showing your time spent and net win/loss during your session.
Licensed operators must offer self-exclusion through state gaming authorities:
Recognize these behaviors in yourself or loved ones
Borrowing money, selling possessions, missing bills, or taking out loans to gamble or cover gambling debts.
Spending excessive time gambling, thinking about gambling, or recovering from gambling sessions.
Feeling anxious, depressed, irritable, or restless when not gambling or trying to cut back.
Lying to family, friends, or therapists about the extent of gambling involvement or losses.
Missing work or school, jeopardizing job, or engaging in illegal activities to fund gambling.
Returning to gamble more to win back money lost, often with increasingly risky behavior.
Trusted organizations dedicated to helping problem gamblers
The national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families. Offers 24/7 helpline and chat support.
Visit NCPG →Fellowship of men and women who share their experience to help others recover from gambling addiction. Free meetings nationwide.
Find Meetings →Self-help organization for the family members and close friends of compulsive gamblers. Support for those affected by others' gambling.
Get Support →Research institution dedicated to studying gambling disorders and youth gambling. Funds scientific research on addiction.
Learn More →Thousands of people have overcome gambling addiction. Help is available, confidential, and effective. Take the first step today.
📞 Call 1-800-GAMBLER