Responsible Gambling: What It Is and How to Safely Bet Online

Online sportsbooks and casinos can be a lot of fun, but they’re only fun if you use them responsibly. The increasing legalization of online betting across the country has made responsible gambling more important than ever before.

In this complete guide on responsible gambling, we’ll talk about how you can keep your betting habits in check as the goal should be entertainment, not a means to make a living. We’ll also share tips for addressing problem gambling and resources that can help you take back control.

What Is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling is the practice of reducing the risks associated with wagering ranging from online sports betting to casino gaming.

The number one rule of responsible gambling is to never gamble more than you’re willing to lose. It’s great to make money while gambling, but you should be thinking about it as a form of entertainment, not a money-making plan. This mindset will help you to budget for gambling as you would movies or vacations, which can help to support safer gambling habits.

You should also make sure to take frequent breaks rather than getting absorbed into the online sportsbook or casino. If you struggle with stepping away, just about every gambling operator runs a self-exclusion program, which bars self-excluded individuals from playing for certain periods by locking their accounts.

A good rule to remember is that when gambling isn’t fun anymore, walk away. Even if you’re in a hole, betting more might just dig you deeper rather than getting you out.

Tips for Players to Practice Gaming Responsibly

Setting a budget before you even start is a huge step towards avoiding gambling problems. In terms of knowing how well you’re sticking to your budget, it’s also helpful to track all of your wagers to see how much money you’re making or losing in the big picture. If you’re doing well, it can be a fun way to track your success and find some helpful trends. If you’re doing poorly, it can be a good way to signal that you need to make a change.

You should also self-impose breaks and timeouts when necessary so you don’t get sucked into the online sportsbook or casino as problem gamblers often do.

Operator Tips for Responsible Gambling

Reputable operators provide responsible gambling tools to not only support their customers but also comply with licensing requirements. In the RG sections of sportsbook and casino websites, you’ll find resources such as account timeouts and limits on deposits, wagers, and playtime. You should also see links and phone numbers to responsible gaming organizations that can provide additional support.

Additionally, reputable operators will clearly list game odds and terms and conditions related to their promos. This transparency can help bettors understand what they’re signing up for when they place a wager or claim a welcome offer.

Perhaps most importantly, you should stick to reputable operators and stay far away from unlicensed sportsbooks and casinos. Sketchy providers usually don’t care about responsible gambling and may encourage predatory practices like underage gambling.

Problem Gambling Signs

It’s important to be able to recognize when your gambling activities stray from a fun pastime into a real problem. The general rule is that your gambling habit is an issue when it’s negatively affecting your:

• Work
• Relationships with friends and family
• Finances
• Credit score
• Ability to pay your bills

Let’s take a look at some of the more specific ways to tell if you’re developing a gambling problem. Remember that you shouldn’t just be looking out for these signs in regard to yourself; if anyone you know begins to exhibit them, always reach out and try to help them change their trajectory in any way you feel comfortable.

Common Signs of Problematic Gaming

Through self-reflection, you can determine if your gaming habits show any of these problematic signs:

• Frequently spending more money or time than you planned to
• Choosing to gamble over other commitments like work or spending time with others
• Feeling guilty after placing bets
• Thinking you have to keep playing to “turn things around”

Defining Problematic Betting Behavior

If you feel the need to hide your betting from your friends, family, and colleagues, that’s a good sign that your behavior is problematic. The stress of consistently losing can also impact your mental or even physical health, another sure telltale sign that you need to make a change.

Additionally, you should reach out for help if you’re going into debt to play or if you’re prioritizing spending money on gambling ahead of paying for bills and essential expenses.

Perhaps the most subtle yet obvious sign is staying at the table after you have already previously decided to step away; that inability to leave is a clear indicator of a gambling problem.

Ways to Adjust Your Gaming Habits

The simplest answer to adjusting your gambling practice is self-exclusion. By walking away from your phone, tablet, or computer, you remove yourself from the problem. Of course, this is easier said than done.

Luckily, online casinos and sportsbooks almost always offer self-exclusion programs that can either lock or limit your account so that you don’t slip after deciding to slow down or quit.

You should also never feel ashamed to ask for support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a support group or helpline. You might even ask family members and friends, the ones you might be impacting the most with your gambling addiction.

How to Place Responsible Gambling Limits on Apps

Plenty of online sportsbooks and casinos allow you to place limits on depositing, wagering, and even playtime. You can use these features as soon as you create your account or any time you feel that it’s necessary.

Here’s how you can go about setting limits:

1. Create your account, entering and verifying your details in the process.
2. Read the terms and conditions of your offer.
3. Finish setting up your online account with limits in place.
4. Go to the Responsible Gambling section of the website or app and turn on the features necessary to manage your habits.

Responsible Gambling Resources for US Players

Check out these responsible gambling resources for US players:

• National Problem Gambling Helpline: The National Council on Problem Gambling brings to you the National Problem Gambling Helpline; just call (1-800-GAMBLER) for support. It’s always available with 24/7 service, making it one of the best resources since you never know when or where a personal crisis is going to take place. You can call this number for advice on how to handle the situation and beyond.
• Gamblers Anonymous: You may have heard of Alcoholics Anonymous, but did you know that there are similar organizations to help tackle addictions other than alcohol? If you have a gambling problem, Gamblers Anonymous can connect you to people who experience similar struggles.
• GamTalk: If you can’t make it to an in-person meeting, or you’re a bit anxious to do so, that’s completely fine. GamTalk is there for users who would prefer to receive their gambling addiction support in an online setting. This online community offers chats, support groups, and even compilations of treatment and support resources for you to access.

State-Specific Resources

States have state-specific gambling resources that are also there to support people who are struggling with problem gambling. Examples by state include:

• Connecticut: http://ccpg.org/
• Massachusetts: http://gamblinghelplinema.org/
• Maryland: http://www.mdgamblinghelp.org/
• West Virginia: http://1800gambler.net
• New York: https://oasas.ny.gov/hopeline

Responsible Gambling Practices FAQs

Want to learn more about ways to practice responsible gambling and why it’s important? Read these common questions and answers we’ve compiled below: