Responsible Gaming: Staying Safe While Playing
Essential tips and resources for maintaining healthy gambling habits and knowing when to seek help.
Reading time: 7 minutes
Summary
Responsible gaming means treating gambling as entertainment, not a source of income. This guide covers setting time and money limits, recognizing problem gambling signs, using casino self-exclusion tools, and resources for getting help. Key principles include never gambling with money you can't afford to lose, taking regular breaks, and never chasing losses. Help is available through the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
Table of Contents
Core Principles of Responsible Gaming
Gambling should be fun entertainment, not a way to make money. Understanding this fundamental principle is the first step toward healthy gaming habits.
Setting Limits
- Time Limits: Decide how long you'll play before you start
- Money Limits: Set a budget and stick to it
- Loss Limits: Stop when you reach your predetermined limit
Most casinos like BetMGM offer built-in limit-setting tools.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Be aware of behaviors like chasing losses, borrowing money to gamble, neglecting responsibilities, or feeling anxious when not gambling.
Self-Exclusion and Other Tools
All licensed US casinos offer self-exclusion programs. You can also use cooling-off periods or deposit limits.
Getting Help
If gambling becomes a problem, help is available:
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
- Gamblers Anonymous: ga.org
- State-specific resources