Responsible Gambling

This page explains Bettingoffice.us’s commitment to responsible gambling, outlines warning signs of problem gambling, and connects you or a loved one with free, confidential help resources.

Our Commitment to Responsible Gambling

Bettingoffice.us is an editorial and comparison site for US sports bettors. We take responsible gambling seriously. Our goal is to help adults make informed decisions, not to encourage excessive or harmful betting.

We do not target people who are vulnerable, underage, or in recovery. Every page on this site carries a 21+ notice. This page exists because we believe access to help should be easy to find.

Know the Warning Signs

Problem gambling can affect anyone. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) identifies the following warning signs. If several of these apply to you or someone you know, reaching out for support is a smart next step.

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended.
• Chasing losses by betting more to try to win back what you lost.
• Lying to family members or friends about how much you gamble.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
• Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut back or stop.
• Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other problems.
• Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities because of gambling.
• Continuing to gamble even after repeated failed attempts to stop.
• Thinking about gambling constantly, including planning your next session.
• Risking or losing a significant relationship or job opportunity because of gambling.
• Relying on others to bail you out of financial trouble caused by gambling.

Recognizing these signs early makes a real difference. You do not need to hit “rock bottom” before asking for help.

Take Breaks and Set Limits

Healthy gambling habits start with clear boundaries. Most licensed sportsbooks operating in the US offer built-in tools to help you stay in control.

• Deposit limits: Cap how much money you can add to your account per day, week, or month.
• Wager limits: Restrict the size of individual bets.
• Loss limits: Set a ceiling on how much you can lose in a given period.
• Session time limits: Receive an alert or automatic logout after a set amount of time.
• Cooling-off periods: Temporarily suspend your account for 24 hours, a week, or longer.
• Reality checks: On-screen reminders that show how long you have been playing and how much you have wagered.

Set these limits when you are calm, not in the middle of a session. Most platforms apply limit reductions immediately but require a waiting period before limits can be raised again.

Get Help: Free and Confidential

If you or someone you care about needs support, help is available right now at no cost.

National Helpline (NCPG)

The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. All contacts are free and confidential.

• Call: 1-800-522-4700
• Text: Text 1-800-522-4700
• Chat: Live chat at ncpgambling.org

State Helplines

If you are in one of the states where Bettingoffice.us actively covers legal sports betting, your state may have a dedicated helpline with local resources.

• New Jersey: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
• New York: 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369)
• Pennsylvania: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
• Michigan: 1-800-270-7117
• Colorado: 1-800-522-4700
• Illinois: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
• Tennessee: 1-800-522-4700
• Virginia: 1-888-532-3500

Online Peer Support

GamTalk offers free, moderated online peer support forums for people affected by problem gambling. No registration is required to read, and posting is anonymous.

Self-Exclusion and Blocking Tools

Self-exclusion lets you formally ban yourself from gambling sites or physical casinos for a set period. It is one of the most effective tools available for people who want to stop gambling.

State Self-Exclusion Programs

Every state with legal sports betting has a self-exclusion registry. Contact your state gaming commission or visit the sportsbook’s responsible gambling page to enroll. Once enrolled, operators are required to close your account and refund any remaining balance.

BetBlocker

BetBlocker is a free app that blocks access to gambling websites on your devices. It works across Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. You can set a blocking period from 24 hours up to 5 years. It takes about two minutes to install.

Other Blocking Software

Gamban and Gamblock are additional paid options that offer broader blocking coverage across thousands of gambling domains. Your bank may also offer a gambling transaction block through its mobile app.

For Friends and Family

Watching someone you love struggle with gambling can be painful and confusing. You are not responsible for their choices, but you can offer support.

• Avoid covering gambling debts, which can enable continued gambling.
• Express concern calmly and without blame, focusing on specific behaviors you have observed.
• Encourage the person to call 1-800-522-4700 or visit the NCPG chat line.
• Look into Gam-Anon, a support group specifically for friends and family members of people with gambling problems.
• Take care of your own mental health. Seek counseling if you need it.

Recovery is possible. Many people with gambling disorders go on to lead healthy, fulfilling lives with the right support.

If You Are Under 21

All content on Bettingoffice.us is intended for adults aged 21 and older. Sports betting is illegal for anyone under 21 in every US state where it is legal. If you are under 21, please leave this site.

If you are a parent or guardian concerned about a young person’s gambling habits, the NCPG helpline at 1-800-522-4700 can connect you with counselors who specialize in youth gambling issues.