Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Sweepstakes casinos and online gaming should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While these games can be fun and exciting, it's important to understand that the odds always favor the house. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble to recover losses or escape financial difficulties.
Age Verification
All players must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your state, whichever is higher) to participate in sweepstakes casinos and online gaming. If you are under the legal age in your jurisdiction, please do not participate. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all legal requirements before engaging in any gaming activities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Here are some warning signs to watch for:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or loved ones
- Spending more time or money on gambling than you intended
- Gambling with money meant for bills, rent, or other essential expenses
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to reduce gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay off gambling debts
- Gambling as a way to escape problems or negative emotions
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Neglecting work, school, family, or relationships due to gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Many gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control. These may include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a specific time period
- Loss Limits: Set a cap on how much you're willing to lose in a session or time period
- Reality Checks: Periodic reminders showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently ban yourself from accessing gaming platforms
- Time-Out Periods: Take a break from gaming for a set duration
Make use of these tools if they are available. They can be effective ways to stay in control of your gaming habits.
Get Help if You Need It
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organizations provide free, confidential support:
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (free and confidential, available 24/7)
Text Support: Text "NCPG" to 763763
International Resources
- Canada - Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org - United Kingdom - GamCare
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - United Kingdom - GamStop
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk - Australia - Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Take Action Today
If you recognize any warning signs of problem gambling in yourself or others, don't wait. Reach out to the National Council on Problem Gambling or another organization listed above. These services are confidential, free, and staffed by professionals who understand problem gambling. Recovery is possible, and help is just a phone call, text, or click away.
Remember: Gaming should be fun. If it's no longer fun, it's time to seek help.