Responsible gambling
Betting should be entertainment you can afford, never a way to make money or fix money problems.
Need help now?
Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, the national problem gambling helpline. It's free, confidential and open 24/7.
Keep it under control
- Set a budget before you start, and only bet money you can afford to lose.
- Decide how much time you'll spend, and stop when you reach it.
- Never chase losses by betting more to win money back.
- Don't bet when you're upset, stressed, or have been drinking.
- Keep betting separate from bills, savings and borrowed money.
Warning signs
- Betting more than you planned, or more often.
- Borrowing money, or using money meant for something else, to bet.
- Hiding your betting from family or friends.
- Feeling anxious or irritable when you aren't betting.
- Betting to escape problems or feel better.
If any of these sound familiar, talk to someone. Help works, and it's easier to get earlier.
Tools that help
Licensed sportsbooks and prediction markets let you set deposit limits, take a time-out, or close your account, usually from your account settings. Most states also run a self-exclusion program through their gaming regulator that blocks you from every licensed operator in the state. Blocking apps such as BetBlocker (free) can keep gambling sites off your devices.
Where to get help
- 1-800-GAMBLER: call or text, 24/7.
- National Council on Problem Gambling: help by state, treatment and support.
- Gamblers Anonymous: free support meetings, in person and online.
- Gam-Anon: support for family and friends.
Only where it's legal
Sports betting and prediction markets are legal only in some states, and only for adults (21 or over in most states). BetSharp shows odds for information and does not take bets.