When you click 'Accept' you're giving us permission to store cookies. This helps make your site experience smoother, allows us to understand how you use our site, and assists us and our trusted partners in making your experience even better.
Accept
Decline

Responsible Gambling

At Lucky Gambler, our players always come first, which is why we’re huge proponents of responsible gambling. But, with so many social and real money online casinos popping up, it can be hard to stay away from unhealthy betting habits and unruly casinos. It’s our goal to provide you with accurate, verified, and updated information on casinos and their responsible gambling practices.

Do you want a casino that has an active responsible gambling program? Probably, you need resources on responsible betting or want to ensure your information stays safe and secure. It does not matter — we’re here to provide you with the knowledge and tools to do so! Lucky Gambler is your go-to for learning about responsible betting and gambling.

What Does It Mean to Gamble Responsibly?

Gambling responsibly means several things:

  • being in control of your habits
  • choosing the right casinos
  • setting healthy limits
  • not overspending while playing

Responsible gambling means being able to set boundaries, stick to them, and have fun while playing. If you feel stressed, depressed, or even hopeless, this is a sure sign that your playing strategies might be causing more harm than good.

Influence of Irresponsible Gambling

Work problems
Work problems

If gambling leads to you calling out of work, missing deadlines, or neglecting responsibilities, it’s a sign that it is now overtaking a major part of your life

Economic problems
Economic problems

Spending paychecks or savings, not being able to pay bills on time, and becoming financially unstable due to gambling are all signs of the problem.

Troubles in the family
Troubles in the family

No one wants to see their loved ones struggle, but with problem gambling, it’s often hard to hide the consequences. Family members may start to notice missing money or reckless spending habits.

Predisposition to crime
Predisposition to crime

If you find yourself needing to commit crimes like stealing or illegally gambling to support your addiction, it’s a clear sign that this hobby has become an unhealthy habit.

Tips to Play Responsibly

Now that you know how vital it is to gamble responsibly, it’s time to learn some helpful tips and tricks to keep you in control of your betting. Follow these tips whether you’re playing at an online casino or in person.

  • Set a Budget
    Don’t let the excitement and poor spending habits ruin your budget. Use cash or a prepaid card for online gambling. Always set a budget with only money you can afford to spend after meeting your financial obligations.
  • Time Management
    Whether you play in person or online, set a time limit for how long you spend playing your favorite games. Take a break by doing something relaxing to wind down your stress levels, or log off once you’ve hit your time limit.
  • Don’t Chase Wins
    It can be tempting to think you’ll win the next spin or bet, especially if you’ve hit a losing streak. However, don’t chase wins and try to recuperate lost money. Chalk it up to a loss and a part of the casino experience!
  • Be Aware of the Odds
    Hitting a winning or losing streak does NOT mean your next spin will be the next winner. Your odds of winning in the next round are always the same no matter how long you’ve been playing! The odds will always, in the long run, favor the house.
  • Take Breaks
    While gaming is meant to be fun, it can also be stressful for some. Take breaks like stretching, breathing, or even interacting with family and friends so you won’t get tied up in making up lost money or betting your budget away.
  • Don’t Play When You Are Emotional
    We understand — betting and gambling can be a great way to celebrate or unwind. However, you’ll need to learn to control your emotions and never place a bet while in a depressed or manic state.
  • Don’t Play Under the Influence
    There’s a reason Las Vegas casinos let the drinks flow freely for players. Alcohol and other substances can lower your inhibitions, give you a false sense of superiority, and lead to disaster. It’s also best to practice responsible drinking when betting.
  • Use Responsible Gambling Tools
    Deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion are all tools that can help you stay in control while gambling online or in person. These features will vary from platform to platform, but customer service can guide you in the right direction.
  • Ask for Help
    Asking for help is always a sign of strength, not weakness! We encourage players to ask for help from loved ones, help groups like Gambling Addicts or Gaming Addicts Anonymous, and trained counselors for assistance with the problem.

Tips on Spotting the Signs of Addiction

  • Can’t stop thinking about gambling
    While having a passion for playing cards or watching your favorite game of roulette might be healthy to a certain degree, constantly thinking about gambling and making plans to do so may be a sign of addiction. Ask yourself what your motivation is for this activity, and if you can't stop thinking about it due to an underlying addiction.
  • Spending more and more time gambling
    Most people only gamble as a pastime and can separate it as a healthy outlet for fun and socializing. However, those with an addiction will prioritize it above all else, spending more and more time on this activity instead of focusing on work, family, or other life goals.
  • Going over the budge
    Sticking to a budget is sometimes tricky, but completely going over budget because you can't control your spending is a big red flag. If you find yourself constantly pushing your financial limits to fund your gambling habits, it may be time to seek help.
  • Emotional change
    Have you ever felt anxious at the thought of not being able to gamble, or gotten angry when someone suggested cutting back or stopping altogether? These are emotional changes that could indicate a deeper problem. If you notice these changes or other emotional issues like depression and isolation in a family member, it's crucial to seek counseling as soon as possible.
  • Chasing losses
    Losing is a part of the gambling experience, but it's important to know when enough is enough. Those with an addiction will continue chasing losses, believing that they just need one more win to break even or get ahead.
  • Lying to others
    Lies are typical in any addiction. Gambling addiction can include lies about how much you gamble and spend, as well as even lying about where you are and what you're doing.
  • Risking or losing important opportunities
    Missing important opportunities like job offers, family outings, and other important life events is an unfortunate byproduct of gambling addiction. Ask yourself if you're sacrificing the most important days of your life to gamble, and if so, get help!
  • Problems with family, friends, or relationships
    The victims of this addiction aren't just the person spending money, but also their loved ones. It's essential to recognize the impact your gambling has on those around you and seek help before it's too late.
  • Borrowing money to play
    Today, funding an online casino account is easier than ever with so many payment methods available. However, this makes it easy for those with a gambling addiction to borrow money from friends, and family, or even take out loans to fund their habit.

How to Get Help?

While knowing you have a gambling addiction might seem scary, the good news is that there are plenty of resources you can use to get you started on the path toward recovery. These include the following:

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion means you enroll in a program voluntarily to limit your spending or gaming. These programs vary by states that allow legal real-money online gambling. Here are some of the many self-exclusion programs you can enroll in to help reduce your chances of overspending.

Connecticut Connecticut

Connecticut’s self-exclusion program is easy to sign up for and fairly strict. Players can’t collect winnings, recover losses, or accept complimentary gifts and services from operators. One can sign up for self-exclusion or get help through the Consumer Protection, State of Connecticut Department of Gaming Division. The best way to sign up is in person at the State Consumer Protection Agency office in Hartford, CT. Once enrolled, casinos can choose to ban players from their sites in other states and countries.

Connecticut’s self-exclusion program
Delaware Delaware

The Delaware Lottery Office is the main point of contact for players looking to set self-exclusion limits for one year, five years, or a lifetime. Self-exclusion means they voluntarily exclude themselves from all gaming activities at licensed Delaware video lottery agents, including The Casino at Delaware Park, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, Harrington Raceway & Casino, and any online casino websites from these locations. Signing up can be done by calling the State Lottery office at (302) 739-5291. Players can also sign up in person at the Dover, DE office location, or sign an online PDF form. The form contains all terms and agreements, including forfeiture of potential future winnings from gambling.

Self-Exclusion Program
Michigan Michigan

The Michigan Gaming Control Board oversees all online gambling activities, including self-exclusion, in the state. They have a Responsible Gaming Database that allows players to self-exclude from online betting. Players can be excluded for one or five years from internet gaming and online sports betting. After filling out the PDF, it needs to be emailed to the Control Board office at [email protected], dropped off in person, or mailed to the office. The process can be quite lengthy, with exclusion taking up to 45 days.

Michigan Gaming Control Board
New Jersey New Jersey

New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement offers several methods of self-exclusion for players. NJ online casinos offer players the chance to easily sign up for and remove themselves from the self-exclusion list for internet gaming, but if done continuously, they are still subject to self-exclusion limits set by the casinos themselves. To register for Internet Self-Exclusion, players can call the Division of Gaming Enforcement at 1-833-788-4DGE to set up a video or in-person conference. Players can self-exclude in person at any New Jersey racetrack. Online forms are also available.

New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board allows players to self-exclude from iGaming for 1, 5, or an infinite number of years. Players can also self-exclude from fantasy sports, in-person betting, and video gaming. To sign up for self-exclusion, visit the PGCB website or enroll by scheduling an appointment at a PGCB office or by visiting a PGCB office at a licensed facility. Call the Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling at 717-346-8300 or email [email protected] to schedule an appointment for self-exclusion.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
West Virginia West Virginia

The West Virginia Lottery is in charge of self-exclusion for all four West Virginia Racetracks and Casinos and the Greenbrier Casino. Players can fill out a form and mail it in to self-exclude for one year and will be subject to trespass if they attempt to enter any of these facilities. Mail the completed form to the West Virginia Lottery at 900 Pennsylvania Avenue Charleston, WV 25302, and have it notarized along with a valid ID. Or, you can complete the form in person in front of security personnel to avoid notary fees.

The West Virginia Lottery

Use Self-Restriction Tools

If self-exclusion doesn’t seem like a good fit for you, there are other tools that can help you limit your gambling online. Here are a few of our favorites at Lucky Gambler.

Gamban Gamban

Some players prefer to avoid the temptation to gamble by blocking online casino sites. With new sites popping up daily, Gamban makes it easy to avoid betting on platforms by blocking them from your devices.

Website
gamban.com
Email
[email protected]
BetBlocker BetBlocker

Similar to Gamban, BetBlocker is a free app run by a charity in the UK to help people around the world limit gambling. It offers players a chance to block over 83,000 sites when they need it and offers parental controls too.

Website
betblocker.org
Email
[email protected]
GameSense GameSense

GameSense is a unique platform that is required in several casinos, like the MGM resorts in Massachusetts. Developed by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC), GameSense offers resources to players to help them understand their odds and house advantages, as well as get help if they need to self-exclude through an advisor.

Website
gamesense.com
Email
[email protected]
Gamble Responsibly America Gamble Responsibly America

For players looking for an extra education resource, we recommend Gamble Responsibly America. This simple app allows players to examine their betting habits, see if they fall into the category of problem gambling, and get additional resources for problem gambling.

Website
Gamble Responsibly America
Email
Gambling Addiction Calendar Gambling Addiction Calendar

The Gambling Addiction Calendar app is as unique as it is fun and thought-provoking. Ever wonder how much time and money you’d save by not gambling? This app allows you to track just that, in addition to setting personalized motivators.

Website
Gambling Addiction Calendar
Email

Official Support Services

National Council on Problem Gambling National Council on Problem Gambling

The NCPG is the only national nonprofit organization, with a goal to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction. It remains neutral on the legalization of online gambling.

Website
ncpgambling.org
Email
[email protected]
Social media
Instagram Facebook X
Other
Chat Support
Gamblers Anonymous Gamblers Anonymous

GA, or Gamblers Anonymous, offers players support meetings and a network of former and current gambling addicts. It has locations nationwide.

Website
gamblersanonymous.org
Email
[email protected]
Social media
Other
Social support meetings Phone support
Gambling Therapy Gambling Therapy

Ran by Gordon Moody, Gambling Therapy offers both advice and emotional support for people addicted to gambling.

Website
gamblingtherapy.org
Email
[email protected]
Social media
X
Other
Support Forum
American Addiction Centers American Addiction Centers

Gambling addicts can also benefit from mental health help through American Addiction Centers or AAC.

Website
americanaddictioncenters.org
Email
Email
Social media
Instagram Facebook X
Other
Text Support
800-gambler 800-gambler

1-800-Gambler is run by The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. (Council), a private non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public on problem gambling and getting them help.

Website
800gambler.org
Email
[email protected]
Social media
Instagram Facebook X
Other
Live Chat
SAMHSA SAMHSA

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers resources, education, and other public health efforts across the nation. It is an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Website
samhsa.gov
Email
[email protected]
Social media
Instagram Facebook X
Other
National Help
International Center for Responsible Gaming International Center for Responsible Gaming

Founded in 1996, the ICRG aims to study and explore gambling disorders and responsible gambling.

Website
icrg.org
Email
[email protected]
Social media
Instagram Facebook X
Other
Contact Form

State-Level Resources

StatePhoneWebsite
Alabama1-334-277-5100https://alccg.org
Alaska1-800-522-4700https://dhss.alaska.gov/
Arizona1-800-777-7207https://www.azccg.org/
Arkansas1-800-522-4700https://www.arpgcouncil.org/
California1-800-522-4700https://www.calpg.org/
Colorado1-800-522-4700https://www.problemgamblingcoalitioncolorado.org/
Connecticut1-888-789-7777https://www.ccpg.org/
Delaware1-888-850-8888https://www.deproblemgambling.org/
District of Columbia1-800-522-4700https://www.ncpgambling.org/
Florida1-888-236-4848https://www.gamblinghelp.org/
Georgia1-800-522-4700https://www.ncpgambling.org/
Hawaii1-888-236-4848https://www.ncpgambling.org/
Idaho1-800-522-4700https://www.ncpgambling.org/
Illinois1-800-522-4700https://www.icpg.info/
Indiana1-800-522-4700https://www.indianaproblemgambling.org/
Iowa1-800-522-4700https://www.ncpgambling.org/
Kansas1-800-994-8448https://www.ksproblemgambling.org/
Kentucky1-800-522-4700https://www.kycpg.org/
Louisiana1-800-522-4700http://www.helpforgambling.org/
Maine1-800-426-2537https://www.maineproblemgambling.org/
Maryland1-877-770-7867https://Marylandproblemgambling.org
Massachusetts1-800-522-4700https://www.masscompulsivegambling.org/
Michigan1-800-522-4700https://www.michapg.com/
Minnesota1-800-522-4700https://www.mnapg.org
Mississippi1-800-270-7117https://www.msgambler.org/
Missouri1-800-333-4673https://www.ncpgambling.org/
Montana1-888-777-9696https://www.mtproblemgambling.org/
Nebraska1-800-522-4700https://problemgambling.nebraska.gov/
Nevada1-888-900-9979https://www.nevadacouncil.org/
New Hampshire1-833-238-6837https://nhproblemgambling.org/
New Jersey1-800-522-4700https://www.800gambler.org/
New Mexico1-603-724-1605https://councilonproblemgambling.com/
New York1-800-246-2537https://www.nyproblemgambling.org/
North Carolina1-888-696-2440https://www.nccouncilpg.org/
North Dakota1-877-846-7369https://www.ncpgambling.org/
Ohio1-800-522-4700https://www.pgnohio.org/
Oklahoma1-800-522-4700https://www.oapgg.org/
Oregon1-800-589-9966https://www.opgr.org/
Pennsylvania1-800-522-4700https://www.pacouncil.com/
Rhode Island1-877-695-4648https://www.ricpg.com/
South Carolina1-800-522-4700https://www.ncpgambling.org/
South Dakota1-877-942-6253https://www.ncpgambling.org/
Tennessee1-800-522-4700https://www.ncpgambling.org/
Texas1-800-522-4700https://www.ncpgambling.org/
Utah1-800-522-4700https://www.ncpgambling.org/
Vermont1-800-522-4700https://www.ncpgambling.org/
Virginia1-800-522-4700https://www.vacpg.org/
Washington1-800-547-6133https://www.evergreencpg.org/
West Virginia1-800-522-4700https://www.ncpgambling.org/
Wisconsin1-800-426-2535https://www.wi-problemgamblers.org/
Wyoming1-800-522-4700https://www.wyomingcpg.org/

Online casino games, slots, and iGaming are a fun way to unwind and relax. But if it feels like more stress on top of your life, stop and get help right away. Any of these resources above are excellent tools you can use to arm yourself and recover from gambling addiction. We at Lucky Gambler are here to support you every step of the way by continuing to provide high-quality resources for safe gambling sites and knowledge articles to empower you.

Here is a survey consisting of 12 questions to identify problems with gambling

Here is a survey consisting of 12 questions to identify problems with gambling

Have you ever spent a significant amount of time (two weeks or longer) thinking about your gambling experiences, planning future gambling ventures, or finding ways to get money to gamble with?
Have you felt the need to gamble with increasing amounts of money or larger bets than before in order to experience the same level of excitement?
Have you experienced restlessness or irritability when trying to cut down, control, or stop your gambling?
Have you made multiple unsuccessful attempts to cut down, control, or stop your gambling (three or more times)?
Have you gambled to escape from personal problems or to relieve uncomfortable feelings such as guilt, anxiety, helplessness, or depression?
Have you often tried to recover the money you lost by returning to gambling on another day?
Have you lied to family members, friends, or others about the amount of money you gamble or the losses you've incurred due to gambling on at least three occasions?
Have you written bad checks or taken money that didn't belong to you from family members, friends, or others to finance your gambling?
Has your gambling caused serious or repeated problems in your relationships with family members, friends, or affected your work or studies?
Have you ever needed to borrow money or seek financial assistance from family members, friends, a lending institution, or anyone else to overcome a desperate financial situation largely caused by your gambling?
In the past 12 months, have you bet more than you could afford to lose?
In the past 12 months, has your gambling caused financial problems for you or your household?
Next
Previous
High-Risk Gambler

If you scored in this range, you may be experiencing a significant amount of gambling-related problems. Even if you’re just starting to notice your gambling becoming an issue, there are steps you can take to get help – and you’ve already started. Just taking this quiz is a huge step. The next step is talking to someone. You can even do so anonymously and free of charge. You don’t need to feel alone.

Low-Risk Gambler

If you scored in this range, you may be experiencing a significant amount of gambling-related problems. Even if you’re just starting to notice your gambling becoming an issue, there are steps you can take to get help – and you’ve already started. Just taking this quiz is a huge step. The next step is talking to someone. You can even do so anonymously and free of charge. You don’t need to feel alone.

Middle-Risk Gambler

If you scored in this range, you may be experiencing a significant amount of gambling-related problems. Even if you’re just starting to notice your gambling becoming an issue, there are steps you can take to get help – and you’ve already started. Just taking this quiz is a huge step. The next step is talking to someone. You can even do so anonymously and free of charge. You don’t need to feel alone.

FAQ

Is gambling bad for you?

Gambling alone might not be inherently bad for everyone, but it can have negative consequences if it becomes an addiction. Keep track of your gambling habits and seek help if you feel like it’s becoming a problem.

Are there ways to prevent problem gambling?

It’s hard to say since addiction is a disease that has many factors, including genetic, social, and environmental. However, being aware of your habits and setting limits for yourself can help prevent problem gambling from developing.

How can I get help with a gambling problem?

Using the resources we outlined above, contacting state or local gambling or substance abuse resources, and seeking mental health help can all be great ways to get started recovering from gambling addiction.

What are the best ways to practice responsible gambling?

Setting budgets, knowing when to stop, and taking breaks are all great ways to practice responsible gambling. Additionally, being aware of your emotions and seeking support if needed can also help you gamble responsibly.