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Need help right now?Free, confidential support is available 24/7. Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are in crisis.
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If gambling is causing problems for you or someone you know, help is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. Call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling. If you are in immediate crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You do not have to wait until things get worse to reach out, and asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

Further down this page you will find problem-gambling resources for every U.S. state and Washington D.C., including state-specific helplines and self-exclusion programs. Use the section for your state, and remember that the national helpline is available everywhere.

Blackjack Is Entertainment, Not Income

Blackjack carries real risk, and no strategy overcomes the house edge over time. Basic strategy narrows the gap, but it never erases it, and no betting system, streak, or “due” hand changes the math. No session is guaranteed, and nothing about the game makes it a way to earn money. Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something.

We only ever recommend playing for entertainment, with money you can afford to lose. The healthiest way to think about a blackjack bankroll is the same way you would think about the cost of a night out: money you have already decided you are willing to spend for the enjoyment, whether you win or lose. Set a budget and a time limit before you play, never chase losses, and never gamble with money meant for bills, rent, groceries, or your family.

How to Keep It Fun

A few simple habits keep gambling in the entertainment column where it belongs:

  • Decide your limit before you start, in both money and time, and stop when you hit it, win or lose.
  • Never chase losses. Trying to win back what you have lost is how a bad session becomes a much worse one.
  • Do not gamble to escape. Playing to cope with stress, boredom, or low moods is a warning sign, not a solution.
  • Keep it separate from essential money. If losing the amount would affect your bills or your family, it is too much.
  • Take breaks, and do not play when you are tired, upset, or have been drinking.
  • Do not borrow to play, and never try to “invest” your way out of a hole.

Tools That Help

Most regulated online casinos give you built-in tools to stay in control. If you play at a licensed site, use them; they exist for exactly this reason:

  • Deposit limits cap how much you can put in over a day, week, or month.
  • Loss and wager limits stop play once you hit a ceiling you set in advance.
  • Time reminders and session limits keep you aware of how long you have been playing.
  • Cool-off periods lock you out for a short, fixed stretch when you need to step back.
  • Self-exclusion bars you from an operator, or from every regulated operator in a state, for a set period or permanently.

This is one of the real advantages of playing at a legal, regulated site. Offshore sites are not required to offer these protections, and many offer them weakly or not at all, which is a genuine trade-off to weigh before you play outside a regulated market.

Warning Signs of a Gambling Problem

Gambling may be becoming a problem if you recognize yourself in any of the following:

  • Spending more money or time gambling than you intended, or than you can afford.
  • Chasing losses, or gambling to try to win back money you have lost.
  • Borrowing money, selling things, or neglecting bills to gamble.
  • Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble, or hiding it.
  • Feeling restless, anxious, or irritable when you try to cut down or stop.
  • Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, loneliness, or low moods.
  • Letting gambling harm your relationships, work, or health.

If several of these sound familiar, please reach out to one of the resources below. Problem gambling is common, it is treatable, and the help is free and confidential. Talking to someone is the first step, and you can do it anonymously.

Helping Someone Else

If you are worried about a friend or family member, you do not have to have all the answers. The national helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER supports friends and family, not just people who gamble, and the state resources below can point you toward local support and, where it exists, family self-exclusion options. Approaching the conversation with concern rather than blame, and knowing the resources ahead of time, makes a real difference.

Responsible Gambling Resources by State

Below are problem-gambling resources for every U.S. state and Washington D.C., including state-specific programs and self-exclusion options where they exist. Wherever you are, the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER) is available 24/7.

Alabama

Alaska

  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, run by the National Council on Problem Gambling (ncpgambling.org).
  • Alaska 2-1-1: dial 2-1-1 or visit the statewide referral service operated by United Way of Alaska (alaska211.org) to be connected with local behavioral-health and financial-counseling resources.
  • Careline Alaska: the statewide crisis line at 1-877-266-4357 for anyone in emotional distress, including distress connected to gambling losses.

Arizona

  • Arizona problem gambling helpline: call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (1-800-639-8783) or text NEXTSTEP to 53342. Arizona’s Division of Problem Gambling offers a treatment assistance program and a statewide self-exclusion program with one-year, five-year and 10-year options (problemgambling.az.gov).
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (ncpgambling.org).

Arkansas

  • Arkansas Problem Gambling Council: a nonprofit that offers no-cost counseling and support to Arkansas residents (arpgcouncil.org).
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, available 24 hours a day, which connects Arkansas callers to local resources.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: guidance and a state-by-state directory (ncpgambling.org).

California

  • California Office of Problem Gambling: The state Department of Public Health runs the California Gambling Education and Treatment Services (CalGETS) program, which offers free counseling and treatment to eligible residents (cdph.ca.gov).
  • Problem Gambling Helpline: Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), or text SUPPORT to 53342, for confidential help 24 hours a day in English, Spanish and other languages.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for national support and resources (ncpgambling.org).

Colorado

Connecticut

  • Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling: the state’s only 24-hour problem gambling helpline, reachable by phone, text or live chat at 1-888-789-7777 (ccpg.org). Trained specialists connect callers to free support and treatment options.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: call or text the national helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (ncpgambling.org).
  • Connecticut Voluntary Self-Exclusion: the Department of Consumer Protection runs a statewide self-exclusion program that blocks you from the licensed online platforms and retail sportsbooks for a period you choose. You can learn more and enroll through the state gaming portal’s problem gambling page (portal.ct.gov). The tribal casinos also run their own on-property self-exclusion programs.

Delaware

  • Delaware Council on Gambling Problems: 24-hour helpline at 1-888-850-8888, with resources at deproblemgambling.org . This is the state-focused resource referenced by the Delaware Lottery.
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, available 24 hours a day.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: tools, information and a treatment locator at ncpgambling.org .

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

  • Hawaii CARES 988: Hawaii’s statewide crisis and behavioral-health line offers 24/7 support, including for gambling concerns, by calling or texting 988 (hicares.hawaii.gov).
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for confidential, 24/7 support and referrals to local resources (ncpgambling.org).
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: The NCPG maintains treatment and support information for every state, including Hawaii (ncpgambling.org).

Idaho

  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, available 24 hours a day. The helpline connects you to local resources and is run by the National Council on Problem Gambling (ncpgambling.org).
  • NCPG Idaho resources: the National Council on Problem Gambling maintains an Idaho-specific help and treatment page with state referrals and support options (ncpgambling.org).
  • Idaho Council on Problem Gambling: a state-focused organization offering education and referral resources for Idaho residents and families affected by problem gambling.

Illinois

  • Illinois statewide helpline: Call 1-800-GAMBLER or text “ILGamb” to reach trained specialists 24 hours a day. The Illinois Department of Human Services runs a dedicated support site at We Know the Feeling (weknowthefeeling.org), which connects Illinois residents to treatment and recovery services.
  • Illinois Gaming Board resources: The IGB maintains problem-gambling resources and a statewide self-exclusion program for casino, video gaming and sports wagering (igb.illinois.gov).
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, the national helpline, or visit the NCPG (ncpgambling.org).

Indiana

Iowa

  • 1-800-BETS OFF: Iowa’s statewide problem gambling helpline, 1-800-238-7633, operated through Your Life Iowa and available 24 hours a day (yourlifeiowa.org). You can also call 855-581-8111 or text 855-895-8398.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (ncpgambling.org).

Kansas

  • Kansas problem gambling services: The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services funds free treatment and support for Kansas residents. Reach the state helpline at 1-800-522-4700, available 24 hours a day, and find resources at Kansas Gambling Help (ksgamblinghelp.com).
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (ncpgambling.org).

Kentucky

  • Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling: Kentucky’s statewide advocacy and referral resource, with a self-screen and information on certified counselors and Gamblers Anonymous meetings (kygamblinghelp.org).
  • Kentucky Problem Gambling Program: run through the state Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which supports treatment and prevention services (chfs.ky.gov).
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, available 24 hours a day.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: information, resources and a state-by-state directory (ncpgambling.org).

Louisiana

  • Louisiana problem gambling helpline: Louisiana operates a state helpline reachable at 1-877-770-STOP (1-877-770-7867) for residents seeking help with a gambling problem.
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, available 24 hours a day.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: resources and referrals are available through the NCPG (ncpgambling.org).

Maine

  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, available 24 hours a day, run by the National Council on Problem Gambling (ncpgambling.org).
  • Maine problem gambling services: Maine funds state problem-gambling resources, and information is available through the state and its health partners. When licensed operators launch, each app will be required to offer responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, time limits, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion.

Maryland

Massachusetts

  • Massachusetts Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-327-5050, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in multiple languages.
  • GameSense: the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s responsible-gaming program, with advisers at every state casino and resources online (gamesensema.com).
  • Massachusetts Office of Problem Gambling Services: the state public-health agency for gambling harm (mass.gov).
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: confidential help and resources (ncpgambling.org).

Michigan

  • Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-270-7117, staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for crisis support and referral to treatment through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (michigan.gov/mdhhs).
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, available 24/7.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: resources and treatment referrals (ncpgambling.org).
  • MGCB self-exclusion: enroll in the statewide Disassociated Persons List to bar yourself from all licensed Michigan gambling.

Minnesota

Mississippi

  • Mississippi Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling: a state resource offering a confidential helpline and treatment referrals (msgamingcommission.com lists responsible-gaming resources, and the Mississippi Department of Mental Health funds problem-gambling treatment).
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, available 24 hours a day.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: support, information and a treatment locator (ncpgambling.org).

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

  • 1-800-GAMBLER. The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey operates the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline 24 hours a day, with phone, text and live chat support (800gambler.org). The 1-800-GAMBLER brand originated in New Jersey and is now used nationally.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling. Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for confidential national support (ncpgambling.org).
  • State self-exclusion. The Division of Gaming Enforcement runs a voluntary self-exclusion program that lets you bar yourself from internet gaming, from Atlantic City casinos, or from both, for a minimum of one year or five years. You can enroll online through the state (njoag.gov).

New Mexico

New York

  • New York HOPEline: Call 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY (467369). Run through the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), it offers 24/7, confidential support for gambling and substance use in multiple languages (oasas.ny.gov).
  • New York Council on Problem Gambling: Statewide help, resources and a network of regional Problem Gambling Resource Centers (nyproblemgambling.org).
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for confidential, 24/7 support anywhere in the country.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: Additional resources and treatment referrals (ncpgambling.org).

North Carolina

  • North Carolina Problem Gambling Program: free, confidential help through the state helpline at 877-718-5543, with resources at the state’s More Than A Game site (morethanagame.nc.gov). The program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for 24-hour support.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: resources and treatment referrals nationwide (ncpgambling.org).

North Dakota

  • GamblerND / North Dakota Health and Human Services: The state’s Behavioral Health Division funds free problem-gambling screening and treatment, including telehealth options. Learn more at the state program site (gamblernd.com) and through North Dakota Health and Human Services (hhs.nd.gov).
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for 24-hour, confidential support routed to local resources.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: The NCPG offers help and information, including a North Dakota resource page (ncpgambling.org).

Ohio

Oklahoma

  • Oklahoma problem gambling helpline: call 800-522-4700 for free, confidential, 24-hour support and referrals for Oklahoma residents.
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, available 24 hours a day.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: resources, self-assessments and treatment referrals (ncpgambling.org).

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

  • National Council on Problem Gambling: call or text the national helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, available 24 hours a day (ncpgambling.org).
  • 1-800-GAMBLER connects callers in South Carolina to confidential support and referrals. South Carolina does not fund a large dedicated state problem-gambling agency the way some states do, which makes these national resources especially important for residents.
  • State support services: South Carolina residents struggling with gambling-related harm can also seek help through behavioral health providers and the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services network (daodas.sc.gov).

South Dakota

  • South Dakota Problem Gambling Helpline: call 1-888-781-HELP (4357). The state’s problem-gambling treatment services are administered through the South Dakota Department of Social Services, Division of Behavioral Health (sdbehavioralhealth.gov).
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, available 24 hours a day.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: resources and a state-by-state directory are available through the NCPG (ncpgambling.org).

Tennessee

  • Tennessee REDLINE: a free, confidential 24-hour helpline for problem gambling and other addictions, at 800-889-9789, coordinated by TAADAS and funded by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (taadas.org).
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, available 24 hours a day.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: resources and treatment referrals by state (ncpgambling.org).

Texas

Utah

  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, available 24 hours a day, which routes callers to local and national support.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: confidential help and resources are available at its official site (ncpgambling.org).
  • Utah behavioral health support: Utah residents can also reach general mental-health and substance-use resources through the state’s health services (sumh.utah.gov), which can help with the anxiety, financial stress and family strain that problem gambling often brings.

Vermont

  • Vermont Gambling Help: The Vermont Department of Mental Health runs a dedicated problem-gambling website with a 24/7 helpline, live chat staffed by peer specialists, treatment referrals and information on the state’s voluntary self-exclusion program (vtgamblinghelp.org).
  • National Problem Gambling Helpline: Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, available 24 hours a day, for confidential support and a referral to local help.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling: The NCPG offers resources and a treatment locator (ncpgambling.org).

Virginia

Washington

Washington D.C.

  • National Council on Problem Gambling: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or use the confidential chat and resources at the NCPG (ncpgambling.org).
  • 1-800-GAMBLER: the national problem gambling helpline, available 24 hours a day, connects you to local support.
  • D.C. Office of Lottery and Gaming responsible gaming program: the OLG runs a responsible-gaming program that has earned World Lottery Association certification, with tools and referrals available through its site (dclottery.com).

West Virginia

  • Identity and age verification. Operators confirm your identity and that you are at least 21 before you can play, using the personal information you provide at signup.
  • Geolocation enforcement. Continuous location checks ensure that only players physically in West Virginia can wager, satisfying both state law and federal restrictions on interstate betting.
  • Deposit, wager and time limits. Licensed apps let you set your own limits on how much you deposit or bet and how long you play.
  • Cooling-off and self-exclusion. You can take a break or exclude yourself for a set period or permanently, and the state supports a self-exclusion process across the regulated market.
  • Segregated player funds and audits. Operators are subject to regulatory oversight of how they handle customer money, with regular reporting to the Lottery Commission.

Wisconsin

Wyoming

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Lorcan Palaca