In the U.S., call 1-800-GAMBLER. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.
What are warning signs of gambling harm?
Look beyond money won or lost. Gambling can affect finances, sleep, mood, work and relationships.
- Trying to recover losses by continuing to gamble.
- Hiding gambling or money problems from people close to you.
- Borrowing money or missing bills because of gambling.
- Finding it difficult to stop or spending longer than intended.
- Missing responsibilities or activities you previously enjoyed.
This is an awareness checklist, not a diagnosis. You do not need to wait for every sign to appear before seeking support. The Responsible Gambling Council explains these warning signs.
Limits, time-outs and self-exclusion: what is the difference?
- Account limits
Tools can limit deposits, time or other activity. Check exactly what each limit covers; a deposit limit and a loss limit are different measures. Limits do not make gambling risk-free.
- Time-out
A temporary account break. Its duration and scope depend on the operator and jurisdiction.
- Self-exclusion
A request to be excluded from specified gambling services. Coverage and duration vary; closing an account is not necessarily the same process.
Check your regulator’s current instructions rather than assuming one request covers every site, app or venue. Blocking tools can add a barrier but are not a guarantee or a replacement for support. Read the UK Gambling Commission’s explanation; its rules apply to its jurisdiction, not automatically to the U.S.
Where can I find gambling support?
- United States: the National Problem Gambling Helpline connects people with resources. Loved ones can also contact it.
- Local resources: use NCPG’s help-by-state directory for your location.
- Outside the U.S.: contact your local problem-gambling service or regulator; program coverage differs.
Sports betting should never come before financial security, health, work or relationships. Avoid chasing losses and never use money needed for essentials.
Sources and scope
Sources checked October 20, 2026: National Council on Problem Gambling, Responsible Gambling Council and UK Gambling Commission, linked above. KBH is not a treatment provider. These links do not imply endorsement or affiliation.