Responsible gambling: limits, self-exclusion and help in every state

Sports betting is entertainment with a price, and the price is the money you are prepared to lose. Every state that licenses sportsbooks also requires them to give you tools to keep that price under control, and most states run a self-exclusion program that takes you out of betting altogether for a period you choose. This page explains those tools and lists where to find help in each state that allows sports betting.

Signs that betting has stopped being fun

• More than planned.You bet more, or more often, to get the same excitement.
• Chasing.You try to win back losses with bigger bets.
• Money and secrecy.You borrow, use bill money or hide your betting from people close to you.
• Restlessness.You feel irritable when you try to cut back.
• Crowding out.Betting takes time from work, sleep or family.

One of these is a reason to pause. Several of them together are a reason to call a helpline; the call is free and confidential.

Tools inside every licensed sportsbook

State-licensed apps let you set deposit limits, wager limits and time limits, take a cooling-off break, and close your account. They are found in the account or responsible gaming settings and take effect immediately when you lower them; raising a limit usually comes with a waiting period. Offshore sites that are not licensed by any US state are not bound by these rules.

The price of a bet is the money you are prepared to lose. Every licensed app has to give you tools to keep that price under control.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion is a formal request to be barred from gambling with licensed operators in a state, for one year, several years or for life depending on the program. Once enrolled, licensed sportsbooks must refuse your bets, and most programs also stop operator marketing to you. Breaking the exclusion does not give you a right to winnings. Some programs cover only online betting, others casinos and retail sportsbooks too.

1. Find your state's programUse the state list below; most programs are run by the gaming regulator or the state lottery.
2. Choose the periodTypically one year, five years or life. Many programs cannot be ended early.
3. EnrollOnline, in person or by mail, depending on the state; you prove your identity once.
4. Repeat in other statesEach state's list covers only that state. Enroll separately wherever you could bet.

Marketing and opting out

This website does not run a newsletter, does not collect email addresses and sends no marketing messages. If a sportsbook sends you promotions you do not want, you can switch them off in the account's communication settings, and enrolling in a state self-exclusion program stops operator marketing in that state.

Help and self-exclusion by state

Choose your state to see its helpline and self-exclusion program, or browse the full list.

State All states ArizonaArkansasColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth DakotaTennesseeVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

Questions about responsible gambling

National help

The National Council on Problem Gambling lists help by state, including treatment providers and support groups. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey runs 1-800-GAMBLER.