Online gambling is meant to be a form of entertainment. For most people it stays that way. For some, it stops. If you are reading this page because gambling has begun to take more from you than it gives — financially, emotionally, or in your relationships — please take a moment with the resources below. Help is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
Get Help Now
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). Free, confidential, 24/7. Operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling.
- Crisis line: Call 1-800-522-4700 for immediate, confidential help 24/7.
- Gamblers Anonymous: gamblersanonymous.org — free peer-support meetings, including Utah-based and virtual options.
- GamTalk: gamtalk.org — moderated peer-support community for people affected by gambling.
- SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 — broader behavioral-health and addiction support, including referrals to Utah-based therapists.
Signs You May Have a Gambling Problem
- Spending more time or money gambling than you planned, repeatedly.
- Chasing losses — increasing your bets after a losing session in an attempt to recover.
- Lying to family, friends, or co-workers about how much you gamble.
- Borrowing money, selling possessions, or using bill money to gamble.
- Feeling restless, anxious, or irritable when you are not gambling.
- Gambling to escape stress, depression, or relationship problems.
- Putting a relationship, job, or educational opportunity at risk because of gambling.
If any of these patterns sound familiar, calling 1-800-GAMBLER is a strong first step. The conversation is free and confidential. You do not need to commit to anything other than the call.
Self-Exclusion and Limits at Online Casinos
Every operator we recommend offers built-in tools that let you put guard rails on your own play, before any external authority gets involved. We strongly encourage you to set them before you need them, while your judgement is clearest.
- Deposit limits (daily, weekly, or monthly caps) — block the cashier when you have reached your set amount.
- Loss limits — automatic freeze on play after a specific net-loss threshold.
- Time limits — automatic logout after a chosen number of hours.
- Cooling-off periods — temporary lockouts of 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days.
- Permanent self-exclusion — irrevocable closure of your account.
Self-exclusion at one operator does not automatically apply at others. If you decide to exclude yourself, contact each operator individually and keep a written record of your request. If you live in a US state with a state-run self-exclusion programme, enrol there as well.
Tips for Keeping Gambling Fun
- Decide before you start how much money and time you are willing to spend, and stick to it.
- Treat gambling as entertainment, not a way to make money. Plan to walk away with less than you started.
- Do not borrow money to gamble or use funds set aside for bills, rent, or essentials.
- Take regular breaks. Long unbroken sessions are the most common path to losing track of time and money.
- Do not gamble when you are depressed, drunk, or angry. Wait until your decision-making is back on its feet.
- Balance gambling with other activities, friendships, and hobbies — keep it as one of many things you enjoy, not the central one.
Help for Family and Friends
If you are worried about someone else's gambling, you are not alone, and there is help for you too. Gam-Anon (gam-anon.org) is a free fellowship for spouses, family members, and close friends of compulsive gamblers. The National Council on Problem Gambling helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER also serves family members directly — you do not have to be the gambler to call.
If you have questions about responsible-gambling tools at any of the operators on our list, please contact us via our contact page and we will help you find them.
