Responsible Gambling in the US
Responsible gambling is certainly the most important aspect of gambling. Gambling can be risky. It can harm individuals, families, and society. Gamblers, gambling operators, and gambling regulators have a duty to ensure that gambling remains a responsible activity. Gambling disorder is also a recognized mental health diagnosis.
| Social cost of gambling | "The annual national social cost of problem gambling is $14 billion. These costs include gambling-related criminal justice and healthcare spending, as well as job loss, bankruptcy, and other consequences." |
| Source | NCPG |
US States and Responsible Gaming
Many states in the US provide statutory funding for responsible gambling. Most state regulatory authorities in America in different states also exercise responsible gambling supervision. Some states have mandated statutory funding for promoting responsible gambling as explained in the table below.
| State | Statutory Funding for Responsible Gambling | Statewide Self-Exclusion | Gambling Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | No statutory funding | No | 21 |
| Colorado | $100k annually to local fund + $130k from sports betting; more via appropriations | Yes | 21 |
| Delaware | Greater of $1M or 1% of EGD revenue + greater of $250K or 1% of table game revenue | Yes | 21 |
| Florida | $250,000 per casino | Yes | 21 |
| Illinois | Annual appropriation required | Yes | 21 |
| Indiana | 3.33% of tax (riverboat) + $500k per racino + 3.33% of sports tax | Yes | 21 |
| Iowa | Subject to annual appropriation | Yes | 21 |
| Kansas | 2% of casino revenue; ~0.2% sports revenue | Yes | 21 |
| Louisiana | $2M total ($500k from each sector); sports: 3% or $500k minimum | Yes | 21 |
| Maine | 3% EGD revenue (land-based), $100k from racino EGD & 9% table games, 1% sports betting | Yes | 21 |
| Maryland | $425 per EGD, $500 per table game | Yes | 21 |
| Massachusetts | At least $5M annually + 9% of sports betting tax | Yes | 21 |
| Michigan | $2M annually | Yes | 21 |
| Mississippi | Subject to annual appropriation | Yes | 21 |
| Missouri | 0.5% of admission fees | Yes | 21 |
| Nebraska | 2.5% of casino tax revenue | Yes | 21 |
| Nevada | Subject to annual appropriation | No | 21 |
| New Jersey | $600k + $250k per iGaming license | Yes | 21 |
| New Mexico | 0.25% of gaming revenue | Yes | 21 |
| New York | $6M from mobile sports betting + more via appropriations | Yes | 21 (18 Racino) |
| Ohio | 2% (land-based), 0.5% (racino commission) | Yes | 21 |
| Oklahoma | No | No | 18 |
| Pennsylvania | $2M or 0.2% casino revenue (whichever greater) + $3M | Yes | 21 |
| Rhode Island | Minimum $200,000 annually | Yes | 18 |
| South Dakota | Up to $30,000 from gaming fund | No | 21 |
| Virginia | 0.8% of casino gaming tax + 2.5% of sports betting tax | Yes | 21 |
| West Virginia | $400,000–$2M | Yes | 21 |
Source: American Gaming Association (AGA) State of the States, 2024 report.
Responsible Gaming Measures at US Casinos and Sportsbooks
Licensed casinos and sportsbooks provide clear responsible gaming tools and options for players. State gambling authorities, such as the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), monitor casino and betting operations for compliance. The following table shows the responsible gambling options available at the new Monopoly online casino in New Jersey. Broadly speaking, such options are available at all licensed online betting and casino gaming sites.
| Responsible Gaming Option | How to Use |
|---|---|
| Deposit Limits | Set daily, weekly, or monthly max deposit. Daily = 24hr rolling. Weekly = 7 x 24hr. Monthly = 28 x 24hr. Decreases are instant. Increases delay: 24h (daily), 7d (weekly), 30d (monthly). |
| Spend Limits | Set daily, weekly, or 30-day max spend. Decrease is instant. Increase delays: 24h (daily), 7d (weekly), 30d (monthly). |
| Loss Limits | Set daily, weekly, or 30-day max loss. You can keep playing with winnings. Decrease is instant. Increase delays: 24h (daily), 7d (weekly), 30d (monthly). |
| Session Limits | Set daily session time limits to control total playtime on screen. |
| Session Reminders | Get 30-minute reminders on time spent and wagering. For that friendly nudge without play disruption. |
| Self-Exclusion | Select "Sign up for Internet Gaming Self-Exclusion", choose 1 or 5 years, complete the form. |
| Account Cool Off | Pause your account from 3 days to 4 weeks. Full lock out during this time with no access. |
How to Close Your Gambling Account or Take a Time-Out
All licensed casino and sports betting sites in the US provide players with responsible gaming controls. One can take a time-out for a specified period (such as three days to four weeks) or enroll in the voluntary self-exclusion list. Check your account settings to find this option or contact customer support.
When a time-out or self-exclusion is activated on your account, you will not be able to reopen the account before the term expires. Authorities may also place irresponsible gamblers on the exclusion list when necessary. State gambling regulatory bodies such as the MGCB publish actionable resources on responsible gaming measures.
Image of Michigan Gaming Control Board showing the columns in the exclusion form for gaming and betting.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s program allows individuals to request exclusion from all legalized gaming activities for one year, five years, or a lifetime. You should find out your state’s program details for more help.
How Do I Set a Deposit Limit?
You can specify a daily, weekly, or monthly limit, or a combo of these limiting features in your account. You will need to define the amount you would like as your limit and confirm it. Limit controls may take some time to take effect (typically 24 hours). You can also specify and state your loss limits for the sportsbook or casino for a day, week, or month.
You can also limit the amount of time you spend on the gambling website each day. Some sites will also give you the option to limit contest entries, wager sizes, single bet limits, and maximum daily number of hours.
Some states also have state deposit limits. Maryland deposit limit, for example, is $5,000, Tennessee is 2,5000 and Massachusetts is $1,000.
Help For Problem Gambling for Americans
BonusFinder US is committed to keeping you safe from the hazards of problem gambling. Start by visiting the NPGC help pages and check the resources for your state. If you believe you are at risk for developing a gaming or betting problem, please use the information on this page to get all the help you need.
| State | National Problem Gambling Helpline | State Resources |
|---|---|---|
| California | Call: 1-800-GAMBLER | Text: 800GAM | Chat: 1800gamblerchat.org | California Council on Problem Gambling | 41690 Ivy Street, Suite A7, Murrieta, CA 92562 | Phone: 714-765-5804 | Website: www.calpg.org |
| Michigan | Call: 1-800-GAMBLER | Text: 800GAM | Chat: 1800gamblerchat.org | Michigan Association on Problem Gambling | 1128 Wethersfield Dr. S, Portage, MI 49002 | Phone: 517-672-6904 |
| New Jersey | Call: 1-800-GAMBLER | Text: 800GAM | Chat: 1800gamblerchat.org | Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey | Website: www.800gambler.org |
| Pennsylvania | Call: 1-800-GAMBLER | Text: 800GAM | Chat: 1800gamblerchat.org | Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania | P.O. Box 444, Spring House, PA 19477 | Phone: 215-643-4542 | Website: www.pacouncil.com |
| Florida | Call: 1-800-GAMBLER | Text: 800GAM | Chat: 1800gamblerchat.org | Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling | Phone: 888-ADMIT-IT | Website: www.gamblinghelp.org |
We have listed some other resources to find help in the US.
| Organization | Website | Support Options |
|---|---|---|
| National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) | https://www.ncpgambling.org/ | Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER, Chat: 1800gamblerchat.org, Text: 800GAM, Other: ResponsiblePlay.org, Veterans Program |
| Gamblers Anonymous | https://gamblersanonymous.org/ga/ | Phone: (909) 931-9056, US State Hotlines, Meetings, Virtual Support, Self-Assessment |
| Gam-Anon | https://www.gam-anon.org/ | Phone: (718) 352-1671, Email: gamanonoffice@gam-anon.org, Meetings, Sponsorship, Budget Help |
| GamTalk | https://www.gamtalk.org/ | Online Chat, Community Stories, Support Wall, Expert Interviews |
Recent Industry Initiatives
Many gambling operators are launching initiatives to promote responsible gaming in the US. Here are some recent efforts, as compiled by the American Gaming Association (AGA):
| Timeline | Responsible Gaming (RG) Initiative |
|---|---|
| May 14, 2025 | FanDuel Real-Time Deposit Alerts |
| March 19, 2025 | FanDuel TV Show & RG Awareness Month |
| March 6, 2025 | DraftKings Renews State Council Funding |
| February 28, 2025 | MGM & BetMGM Expand RG Commitment |
| January 21, 2025 | ESPN "The Talk" Campaign toward responsible betting |
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