Responsible Play: Knowing When to Stop

Set limits before you start

• Choose a money limit and a time limit before playing.
• Do not use money needed for essentials or borrow to continue gambling.
• Avoid gambling when you are impaired, distressed, or trying to escape a difficult feeling.
• Take breaks and keep plans that do not involve gambling in your day.

Notice warning signs

It may be time to pause and talk with someone if gambling takes more time or money than intended, leads to chasing losses, creates conflict, or feels difficult to stop even when you want to.

You do not need to wait for a crisis to ask for help. Support is available for players and for people worried about someone they care about.

Find confidential support

The National Council on Problem Gambling provides information, self-assessment tools, and connections to help in the United States through the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-MY-RESET) and its current support resources.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger or experiencing a mental-health crisis, call or text 988 in the United States, or call 911 for an emergency.