Responsible Gaming
Gambling should be entertaining, not harmful. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available right now.
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At The Art of Casino, we believe that gambling should remain what it was meant to be: entertainment. For most people, visiting a casino is an enjoyable experience. But for some, gambling can become a serious problem that affects their finances, relationships, mental health, and overall wellbeing.
Problem gambling is recognized as a real condition that can be treated. Recovery is possible, and thousands of people find help every year. This page provides resources, warning signs to watch for, and practical steps you can take today.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling often develops gradually. Recognizing these signs early can prevent serious consequences:
- •Gambling with money meant for bills or necessities
- •Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- •Chasing losses by betting more to win back money
- •Hiding bank statements or lying about finances
- •Unexplained debt or financial problems
- •Spending increasing amounts of time gambling
- •Lying to family or friends about gambling habits
- •Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
- •Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities
- •Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
Quick Self-Assessment
Answer these questions honestly. If you answer "yes" to any of them, consider reaching out for support:
- 1.Have you ever felt the need to bet more money to get the same excitement?
- 2.Have you tried to cut back on gambling but couldn't?
- 3.Do you feel restless or irritable when trying to reduce gambling?
- 4.Do you gamble to escape problems or relieve feelings of helplessness or guilt?
- 5.After losing money, do you often return to try to win it back?
- 6.Have you lied to hide the extent of your gambling?
- 7.Has gambling caused relationship problems or job loss?
- 8.Have you asked others for money to solve gambling-related financial problems?
This assessment is based on criteria from the American Psychiatric Association. It is not a diagnosis—only a licensed professional can diagnose gambling disorder. But if you answered yes to several questions, speaking with a counselor could help.
Get Help Today
These organizations provide free, confidential support. You don't need to give your name, and all calls and chats are private.
Tips for Responsible Gambling
If you choose to gamble, these guidelines can help keep it safe and enjoyable:
Set Limits Before You Play
- ✓Decide how much money you can afford to lose
- ✓Set a time limit for your gambling session
- ✓Leave credit cards and ATM cards at home
- ✓Never borrow money to gamble
Keep Perspective
- ✓View gambling as entertainment, not income
- ✓Accept losses as the cost of entertainment
- ✓Never chase your losses
- ✓Don't gamble when upset, stressed, or depressed
Self-Exclusion Programs
Self-exclusion is a voluntary program that allows you to ban yourself from casinos. Once enrolled, you agree not to enter participating casinos, and the casino agrees to take steps to prevent you from gambling there.
Most states with legal gambling offer self-exclusion programs. Contact your state's gaming commission or visit a casino's responsible gaming desk to enroll. Programs typically last:
- •1 year — Short-term cooling off period
- •5 years — Extended commitment to recovery
- •Lifetime — Permanent self-ban
For Family and Friends
If someone you care about has a gambling problem, you're not alone. Problem gambling affects entire families. Here's how you can help:
What You Can Do
- ✓Talk openly about your concerns without judgment
- ✓Encourage them to seek professional help
- ✓Protect family finances (separate accounts, limit credit access)
- ✓Seek support for yourself through Gam-Anon or counseling
- ✓Set boundaries and stick to them
What to Avoid
- ✗Don't bail them out of financial problems caused by gambling
- ✗Don't cover up or make excuses for their behavior
- ✗Don't threaten, lecture, or try to control them
- ✗Don't expect immediate change—recovery takes time
Recovery Is Possible
Thousands of people recover from problem gambling every year. Treatment works, and help is available. Whether you're concerned about your own gambling or someone else's, taking the first step—reaching out for help—is often the hardest part.
You don't have to figure this out alone. The counselors at the National Problem Gambling Helpline are trained to help, and every call is free and confidential.