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Responsible Gambling

At SportsBetting.legal we encourage users to gamble safely, responsibly and only at reputable and secure online sportsbooks that are vetted by industry professionals. We strongly recommend the following responsible gambling protocols to help avoid developing any issues with problem gambling. Our team and affiliated partners consider responsible gambling paramount for all players.

Here we have detailed tips to keep playing responsibly while having fun, how to spot signs of problem gambling, and where to find useful resources for those who recognize that they or someone they know are starting to struggle with their gambling entertainment.

Some of these resources will include helpline numbers, links to forums for problem gambling, and national help centers. Regardless of whether users play online or offline, being a responsible gambler is key to maintaining a nice bankroll, a healthy work-life balance, and enjoying gambling for what it is – fun entertainment.

Why Do People Develop Gambling Addiction?

Some people who experience signs of struggling with an addiction use gambling as a way to earn money whether it be additional income or their sole income source, to offset financial downturns, repay debt, or to patch some internal issue affecting them mentally or emotionally. Gambling involves financial risk and is never a sure thing, but some individuals who struggle with their perspective of healthy gambling often push themselves and their bankroll to the brink.

Unfortunately, individuals who begin to struggle with these issues believe they are ‘owed’ a win or will get their “hot streak” back, sometimes even going into debt in order to attempt to win their losses back. Chasing losses can lead bettors down a rabbit hole where they can experience extreme losses and potentially fall prey to financial predators such as loan sharks and mobsters, and into unsavory lifestyles.

How To Gamble Responsibly

Betting responsibly is crucial to avoiding the development of problem gambling habits and gambling addiction. It is always better to gamble with regulated and licensed betting operators, no matter if they are online or a brick and mortar destination. This is because regulated betting services and operators must follow standards set by local, regional, and federal governments. These standards usually include provisions for problem gambling, self-exclusion programs, and more assistive guidance.

Here are some quick tips for gambling responsibly:

  • Have a set budget to gamble with
  • Don’t place large bets you can’t afford to lose
  • Set a cut off time per gambling session
  • If you’re winning and it’s cut off time – quit while you’re ahead
  • Don’t chase losses
  • Do not wager all of your money - keep your bankroll and winnings separate.
  • Gambling should not be your sole income as it is the outcomes are not reliable
  • Ask for help if you feel you’re developing a problem

Some US states and countries write sports betting laws with specific provisions to prevent problem gambling. Sometimes these provisions require sportsbook operators in their jurisdiction to create various tools within their service such as Deposit limits, Wager limits, Session time limits, Account cool-offs, Loss limits, and Self-exclusion programs.

The recommended sports betting providers you see on our site include various self-exclusion programs within their platform. Their various tools monitor wagering patterns and analyze players over time to determine risk and assist players in avoiding addiction.

National Council on Problem Gambling

2 million adults in the US are “candidates for pathological gambling” says the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). They also say 4-6 million adults are “problem gamblers.” The term compulsive gambler or gambling is also another name for this condition.

More figures from the NCPG, the National Center for Responsible Gaming, and the North American Foundation for Gambling say the prevalence rate of problem gambling is between 2.2-2.6% of the US adult population, while only 1% of the population are classified as severe problem gamblers. Studies have also shown that young adults are impacted by problem gambling at a higher rate.

Signs Of Gambling Addiction

Often, the signs of addiction are not clear or as intense as some might imagine while other times red flags are simply ignored or brushed off.

  • Being unable to control your desire to gamble
  • Continuing to gamble whether win or lose
  • Chasing losses
  • Taking out consistent cash advances
  • Gambling with borrowed money
  • Stealing in order to have funds to gamble
  • Lying to those around you about your finances
  • Lying or hiding your gambling habit
  • Having the urge to gamble no matter if its day or night
  • Using gambling as a way to escape from your problems
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Fighting or worrying about money
  • Drifting from relationships with friends, family, and loved ones

Unfortunately, the biggest sufferers of problem gambling are the friends, relatives, and loved ones of the compulsive gambler who feel helpless about what is happening. The gambler also suffers as they cannot stop their behavior as it develops into obsession and addiction. At this point, it is time to seek professional help.

Where To Turn When Faced With A Gambling Problem

There are plenty of available online, offline, and mobile resources for problem gamblers to seek out for assistance:

Responsible Gambling FAQs

What Is A Self Exclusion Program?

A self-exclusion program is usually run by the state or operator providing the wagering service. These programs assist problem gambler by excluded them from every available gambling option on their site or in the state. Self-exclusion programs are voluntary and must be requested by the gambler.

How Do I Put Myself On a Self Exclusion Program?

You can sign up with the appropriate organizer, be it the betting operator or through state resources. Signing up is simple, and some states even allow you to set a certain time frame for your self-exclusion period. However, if this option is not available, it is typically 1 year.

Is There Treatment Available In My State?

Some US states create laws which require gaming commissions and regulators to create and fund gambling addiction treatment programs. It is best to check with your state health department or gaming commission on the availability of these programs or find your state in our state menu and there you will find local resources for problem gambling help.