Home › Get help

Responsible gambling and where to get help

Betting should be entertainment you pay for, not a way to make money or fix a money problem. If it stops being fun, help is free and confidential.

Last verified: 2026-10-17. Education only, not betting, legal or tax advice.

A note about 1-800-GAMBLER

You may see 1-800-GAMBLER listed on older pages and by some states. As of September 29, 2025, it is no longer the National Problem Gambling Helpline number; NCPG now operates the national helpline at 1-800-522-4700, and in January 2026 adopted 1-800-MY-RESET. News reports say 1-800-GAMBLER is now run by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. Use the national numbers above, or the numbers on your state regulator's page.

Signs it may be becoming a problem

• Betting more than you planned, or chasing losses to "get even."
• Borrowing, hiding bets, or using money meant for bills.
• Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut down.
• Betting to escape stress or bad feelings.

NCPG offers free self-assessments on its helpline page.

Tools licensed sportsbooks provide

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board says licensed online sportsbooks there must offer limits on time, deposits and wagers, cool-off periods, and a self-exclusion program that blocks access to all board-regulated betting sites. Other states have similar tools; check your regulator. Self-exclusion generally covers licensed operators only, which is one more reason to avoid offshore sites.

State help and self-exclusion (covered states)

• Connecticut: Connecticut statewide self-exclusion (DCP) · Connecticut problem gambling services (DMHAS)
• Maine: see the NCPG state map
• Massachusetts: Massachusetts voluntary self-exclusion (MGC)
• Michigan: Michigan MGCB responsible gaming
• New Hampshire: New Hampshire Lottery responsible gaming
• New Jersey: see the NCPG state map
• New York: New York Gaming Commission: problem gambling help (includes the state HOPEline)
• Ohio: Time Out Ohio (voluntary exclusion from Ohio casinos, racinos and sports gaming)
• Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania self-exclusion and help (PGCB)
• Rhode Island: see the NCPG state map
• Vermont: see the NCPG state map

Other states: use the NCPG state-by-state map.

If someone else's betting worries you

The national helpline also supports family and friends. Many states and groups such as Gam-Anon offer support for people affected by someone else's gambling.