Responsible gambling
Last updated: November 9, 2026
Betting should be entertainment. If it stops being fun, free and confidential help is available.
Need help now? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. It's free and confidential.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Good habits
- Treat money you bet as money spent. Expect to lose it.
- Set a budget before you start, and stick to it.
- Don't chase losses.
- Don't bet with money meant for bills, rent or debts.
- Don't bet when you are upset, or after drinking.
- Remember that a parlay needs every leg to hit. Each leg you add makes it less likely.
Warning signs
- You bet more than you planned, or more than you can afford.
- You hide your betting from people close to you.
- You borrow money or sell things to bet.
- You feel restless or irritable when you try to cut back.
- Betting gets in the way of work, school or family.
Tools you can use
My slip includes a bet tracker and an optional weekly limit. They stay in your browser. They are reminders only and cannot stop you from betting.
Most licensed sportsbooks offer deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion. Many states also run self-exclusion programs. Ask your sportsbook or your state's gaming regulator.
Where to get help
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
- National Council on Problem Gambling: ncpgambling.org
- Gamblers Anonymous: gamblersanonymous.org
- Gam-Anon, for family and friends: gam-anon.org
Legerator is for adults of legal betting age. See our No Guarantee statement.