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 gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach it responsibly and within your means.
Remember: The house always has a mathematical advantage. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble with funds needed for essential expenses like rent, utilities, food, or healthcare.
Age Verification
Sweepstakes casinos and online gaming are available only to individuals who are:
- At least 18 years of age, OR
- The legal age to gamble in their respective state or jurisdiction
Some states have higher age requirements (21 years). It is your responsibility to verify that you meet your local legal requirements before participating. Parents and guardians should monitor internet usage and take steps to prevent minors from accessing gaming platforms.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a problem with gambling:
- Chasing Losses: Continuing to play to recover money you've lost
- Hiding Gambling Activity: Keeping your gaming secret from family, friends, or loved ones
- Increasing Time & Money: Needing to spend more time and money gaming to get the same excitement
- Loss of Control: Being unable to stop or reduce your gaming activity
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Gaming interferes with work, school, family, or personal obligations
- Using Gaming to Escape: Playing to relieve stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional problems
- Borrowing Money: Taking loans or using credit to fund gaming activities
- Relationship Issues: Conflict with family or friends about your gaming habits
- Lying About Gaming: Dishonesty about how much time or money you spend on games
- Failed Attempts to Quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to cut back or stop gaming
If any of these apply to you, help is available. Please reach out to a support organization immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable sweepstakes casinos and online gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a cap on losses you're willing to accept in a given timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Limits: Automatically log out after a set period of gaming activity
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from an account or platform for a defined period (days, months, or years)
- Cooling-Off Period: Take a break before re-activating a suspended account
Use these tools proactively. They are designed to help you play safely and maintain control of your gaming habits.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you're struggling with problem gambling, confidential help is available. Organizations dedicated to assisting people with gambling problems include:
United States
-
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Available 24/7, free and confidential
International Resources
-
Canada - Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org -
United Kingdom - GamCare
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk -
United Kingdom - GamStop (National Self-Exclusion Scheme)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk -
Australia - Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
If You Need Help
If you believe you have a problem with gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out. Professional counselors and support groups are available to assist you in gaining control of your gaming habits.
Contact the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) for confidential support and resources available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can also speak with a mental health professional, contact a local Gamblers Anonymous chapter, or reach out to a trusted friend or family member for support.
Remember: Recovery is possible, and help is available.