Back to Home

Responsible Gaming

We genuinely care about your wellbeing. Sports betting should be fun — if it stops being fun, it's time to stop.

Get Help Now: 1-800-GAMBLER

1. Our Commitment

At SportsBettingML, we believe sports betting should be a form of entertainment — never a way to make money or solve financial problems.

We are committed to promoting responsible gambling practices and providing resources to help those who may be struggling.

If gambling stops being fun, it's time to stop.

2. Recognize the Warning Signs

Problem gambling can affect anyone. If you recognize any of these behaviors in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:

  • Betting more than you can afford to lose
  • Chasing losses by betting more to recover money
  • Lying to friends or family about gambling
  • Gambling interfering with work, school, or relationships
  • Borrowing money to gamble
  • Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable when trying to cut back
  • Using gambling to escape problems or relieve stress
  • Neglecting responsibilities to gamble

3. Set Limits

Setting limits before you start is one of the most effective ways to stay in control:

  • Budget firstSet a budget before you start and stick to it
  • Essentials firstNever bet money you need for bills, food, or other expenses
  • Time limitsSet time limits — don't let gambling consume your day
  • No chasingNever chase losses — walk away when you hit your limit
  • Regular breaksTake regular breaks from betting
  • Stay clear-headedDon't bet under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • BoundariesKeep gambling separate from other activities
  • Track everythingTrack your spending honestly

4. Self-Exclusion Options

Self-exclusion is a powerful tool that allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from gambling:

  • Most sportsbooks offer self-exclusion programs
  • You can exclude yourself for 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, or permanently
  • During exclusion, you cannot access your account or place bets
  • Consider using multiple sportsbooks' exclusion programs
  • Self-exclusion is confidential and protected

Many states also offer statewide self-exclusion programs through their gaming commissions.

5. Get Help

State-Specific Resources

Illinois1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
New York877-8-HOPENY (877-846-7369)
New Jersey1-800-GAMBLER
Pennsylvania1-800-GAMBLER
Michigan1-800-270-7117
Colorado1-800-522-4700
Indiana1-800-994-8448
Virginia1-888-532-3500

Financial Help

Debtors Anonymous
Financial Counseling Services

6. Tools to Help You

Most sportsbooks offer these responsible gambling tools:

Reality Check

Set reminders to check time spent gambling

Deposit Limits

Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits

Loss Limits

Cap how much you can lose in a period

Session Time Limits

Limit how long you can gamble

Cool-off Periods

Take a break for 24-72 hours

Self-Assessment

Take a quiz at ncpgambling.org

7. For Friends & Family

If someone you care about has a gambling problem, you're not alone. Here's how you can help:

  • Learn to recognize the warning signs of problem gambling
  • Approach the conversation with compassion, not judgment
  • Encourage them to seek professional help
  • Take care of your own mental health and wellbeing
Gam-Anon: Support for Families

8. Underage Gambling Prevention

Gambling is illegal for anyone under 21 (18+ in some jurisdictions).

  • We do not target content to minors
  • Parents: Monitor your children's internet activity
  • Report underage gambling: 1-800-522-4700

9. Our Responsible Content Practices

At SportsBettingML, we hold ourselves to high standards:

  • We do not promote gambling as a way to make money
  • We emphasize entertainment and strategy over profit guarantees
  • We provide realistic expectations about betting outcomes
  • We include responsible gambling reminders in our content
  • We will never pressure you to bet

Need Help Right Now?

Support is available 24/7, confidential, and free.

1-800-GAMBLER

Or visit ncpgambling.org

21+ | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER