Responsible gambling tools and practices

Playing safely at online casinos means gambling responsibly. Safe online casinos offer tools like deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion. There are also third-party resources and organizations that provide support. This page explains what's available to help you play responsibly.

Common responsible gambling tools

Most online casinos include responsible gambling settings within your account. You can use these tools to slow down, take a break, or stop gambling for a while. In most cases, these settings only apply to the casino where you activate them. Here is how the most common ones work.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion lets you stop gambling completely for a set period. Once active, you shouldn't be able to play again until the period ends. Most casinos offer fixed options ranging from 12 hours to six months. Some only allow cancellation after a cooling-off period, which is a mandatory delay designed to prevent impulsive decisions.

A responsible casino should also stop sending promotional messages during self-exclusion. If you still receive them, switch off marketing communications as well.

Deposit limits

Deposit limits cap how much money you can add to your account over a chosen timeframe. If you lower a limit, it should apply immediately.

Casinos don't all measure time the same way. Some use calendar periods, such as midnight to midnight. Others use rolling periods, such as every 24 hours. If you rely on limits, check which system the casino uses.

Loss limits

Loss limits restrict how much you can lose within a set period. This often includes money already in your balance.

Many casinos calculate losses as a net result. That means they look at your overall outcome for the period, not each individual bet.

Wagering limits

Wagering limits cap the total amount you can bet over a selected timeframe, whether you win or lose.

For example, if you set a $100 daily wagering limit, you won't be able to place more bets once your total wagers reach $100, even if you've won some of that money back.

Session length limits

Session limits control how long you can play within a set period. Once you hit the limit, you won't be able to continue until it resets.

These limits are useful if you often play longer than intended.

Bet size limits

Bet size limits cap the maximum stake you can place on a single bet. Many US casinos let you set different limits for different products, such as lower limits for slots and higher ones for table games.

This can help if you tend to increase your stakes after losses.

Reality checks

Reality checks appear during play and show how long you've been gambling. Some also display wins and losses.

They don't block play, but they help interrupt long sessions and reduce "autopilot" gambling.

Opting out of marketing

Many casinos allow you to opt out of promotional emails, text messages, calls, and push notifications.

If gambling messages trigger urges, turning these off can help reduce temptation. You should still receive essential account or security messages if needed.

Account closure

Account closure is often less strict than self-exclusion. Some casinos allow accounts to be reopened by contacting support, which weakens the barrier many players need.

Because of this, self-exclusion is usually a safer option than account closure.

Responsible gambling at related casinos

Many casinos belong to larger groups with shared ownership. In some cases, restrictions set at one brand apply across the group. In others, they don't.

Group-wide protection can be helpful if it works properly. If not, problems can arise. We've seen cases where a player self-excludes at one casino but is still able to play at a related brand.

In some situations, casinos only enforce restrictions after play has already happened. For example, a player may win at a sister casino, only to have the winnings canceled due to a previous self-exclusion elsewhere. If the player had lost, the casino might have kept the money. That creates an unfair situation.

Keep these points in mind:

• Casinos are often part of larger groups
• Restrictions may apply across brands, but this isn't always clear
• You may only learn about connections during a withdrawal or dispute

If you feel tempted to move between casinos, stronger measures can help. Blocking tools, additional limits, and professional support all add extra layers of protection.

Getting professional help with problem gambling in the US

Responsible gambling also means knowing when to ask for help. Trained professionals can identify problem gambling and suggest support options that fit your situation. The US has national and state-level services offering confidential support around the clock. Below are reliable starting points.

National Council on Problem Gambling

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) works to reduce problem gambling through education, advocacy, and support services. The NCPG's National Problem Gambling Helpline runs 24/7 and provides a free, confidential hub to connect people to support centers across all US states and territories. Its website also provides self-assessment tools, FAQs, and resource guides for gamblers and their families.

• NCPG
• National Problem Gambling Helpline (24/7): 1-800-522-4700
• Chat (24/7): ncpgambling.org/chat
• Text (24/7): 800GAM

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) is a 12-step peer support group for those who want to stop gambling. GA is self-supporting and does not charge fees to its members. You can join in-person, virtually, or by phone with no appointment needed. During meetings, members share experiences and stories to support one another in staying gambling-free.

• Gamblers Anonymous
• National hotline: 1-800-522-4700

Gam-Anon

Gam-Anon is a peer-led 12-step support group for friends and family members of those affected by compulsive gambling. Its meetings enable people to share experiences, set boundaries, learn coping tools, and find support from others. The meetings are free, and people can attend in-person or online.

• Gam-Anon
• Email: gamanonoffice@gam-anon.org
• Phone: 718-352-1671

Evive

Evive (previously GamTalk) is an online gambling support community built for people who want to stop or cut back on their gambling. Sometimes described by its members as a "digital intervention", Evive offers a supportive community and resources grounded in behavioral science. The app, available for Android and iOS, also includes goal setting, tracking, and other self-help tools.

• Evive

Apps and tools that block access to gambling

Casino-based tools usually apply to one site only. Blocking software reduces access across many gambling sites and apps, which can help if you're trying to stop or cut back.

Most blockers work through:

• Domain blocking – restricts known gambling websites
• Keyword filtering – restricts gambling-related content, sometimes including support pages

Common tools include:

BetBlocker

BetBlocker is a free gambling-blocking software that limits access to online gambling. Once installed, the software uses a database to block gambling websites and apps, depending on your preferences.

Its key feature is time-based self-exclusion, which lets you choose how long you block sites. Once activated, the app cannot be removed until the chosen date ends, which helps reduce impulsive gambling. The software is available on mobile and desktop devices.

• Platforms – Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
• Pricing – Free
• Devices – Unlimited

Gamban

Gamban is an app that blocks access to online gambling on installed devices. You can install the software on up to 15 devices on one account at no extra cost.

Some support groups and treatment providers provide free access codes for set periods, depending on where you live. While useful for impulsive gambling, the app is best used in conjunction with support, such as counseling or peer groups.

• Platforms – Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
• Pricing – $3.49 per month or $34.99 per year (includes seven-day free trial)
• Devices – Up to 15

Net Nanny

Net Nanny is a parental control app that helps families manage what people see and do online. It enables parents to set rules, view reports, and get alerts. Its features include web filters, site blocks, app blocks, and screen time tools. The app reviews web page content in real-time, and acts based on the settings chosen by admins.

• Platforms – Windows, macOS, iOS
• Pricing – Ranges from $39.99 to $89.99 per year
• Devices – 1, 5, or 20

Our approach to responsible gambling

We believe casinos should offer fair terms, clear rules, and practical protection for players. We focus on how casinos behave in practice, not just what they promise.

Fair gambling comes first

Casinos should clearly explain their rules, bonuses, and limits. If a player wins within the rules, the casino should always pay.

Safety matters just as much

Responsible gambling tools should be easy to find and hard to remove on impulse. Finding safe online casinos can help you get more from your gameplay.

Rules should be enforced before play

If a player is restricted, the casino should block play from the start. Allowing play and blocking withdrawals later is unfair.

We don't glamorize gambling

We avoid framing gambling as a way to make money. We treat it as entertainment that carries real risks.

We push for better standards

When we see harmful practices, we raise them with casinos and encourage improvements that protect players.

Tools aren't foolproof

No single tool solves everything. The strongest protection comes from combining limits, blocking tools, and professional support.