Responsible Gambling
Online sports betting and casino gaming have become increasingly popular forms of entertainment since the Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018. While fun when done in moderation, casual gambling can develop into a problem or even an addiction when left unchecked, leading to serious consequences for a gambler and his or her family.
Problem gambling and gambling addiction are on the rise nationwide. Fortunately, every state now offers state-specific gambling addiction resources to those in need. To protect yourself or someone you know from harm, it’s important to adopt proper responsible gambling habits before issues arise and to know how to deal with those potential issues if they do.
Whether you enjoy betting on sports, playing table games, or entering the lottery, this page provides a full guide on how to gamble responsibly.
7 Tips to Encourage Responsible Gambling
Understanding how to game responsibly begins with understanding what causes individuals to gamble irresponsibly. To avoid potentially precarious situations while you’re gambling, here are 7 tips:
1) Set a Budget
One of the most important things to do when betting on sports is to set a budget. Decide how much money you are comfortable losing and stick to that limit. Gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a source of income.
Never bet more than you can afford to lose.
2) Understand the Odds
It’s crucial to understand the odds before placing a bet. The odds determine the probability of a particular outcome happening. Knowing the odds can help you make informed decisions about which bets to place.
3) Bet on What You Know
When betting on sports, it’s a good idea to bet on what you know. Stick to the sports you know and understand, and avoid betting on sports or events you have no knowledge of. This will increase your chances of making informed decisions and winning your bets.
4) Avoid Chasing Losses
One of the most important things to remember to avoid chasing losses. Don’t try to win back the money you’ve lost by placing more bets. Chasing losses can lead to further losses and financial problems.
5) Take Breaks
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a game and lose track of time and money. Take regular breaks to give yourself time to reflect on your bets and ensure you’re not betting more than you can afford.
6) Don’t Drink and Bet
Drinking alcohol while betting on sports can lead to poor decision-making and irresponsible behavior. It’s best to avoid alcohol altogether when betting on sports to ensure you make informed decisions.
7) Seek Help if Needed
Remember, gambling should be an enjoyable activity, not one that causes financial problems or addiction. If you think your gambling is becoming an issue, seek help before your problem turns into an addiction.
There is no shame in asking for help. Moreover, problem gambling help is more accessible than ever. Each state with legal gambling offers specific addiction prevention and treatment resources to guide you through the journey.
For more information, visit our guide on gambling addiction.
Nationwide assistance is also available 24/7 through call or chat via the National Council on Problem Gambling hotline:
1-800-GAMBLER
Responsible Gambling Safeguards
As sports betting and casino gambling have become more popular, regulators have begun enforcing more stringent responsible gambling practices for operators.
This is part of the reason why regulated gambling is significantly safer than betting in unregulated markets. However, compulsive gambling can still manifest in any market, whether legal or not.
Many operators now feature in-app tools and integrated pop-ups to encourage players to set safeguards while gambling. Some of the most popular responsible gambling tools available include:
Set Deposit Limits
Limits the amount of money a bettor can deposit into his or her sportsbook account on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Set Wager Limits
Limits the amount you can place on an individual wager.
Set Session Time Limits
Limits the amount of time you may be logged into the sportsbook site in a single day.
Set Loss Limits
Similar to wager limits, this option allows you to set a cap on potential losses over a fixed period of time.
Account Cool Off
This option allows you to block access to your account for a specified amount of time, giving you an opportunity to step away and perhaps seek help.
Self-Exclusion
Problem gamblers also have the more definitive choice of voluntary self-exclusion. This option allows players to opt out of all gambling activities at in-person and online sportsbooks and casinos for anywhere from one to five years.
Exclusion is especially difficult to reverse once implemented, making it the most effective solution for those struggling with gambling addiction.
However, the decision shouldn’t be taken lightly since it is a more permanent process.
