Responsible Gambling

Understanding Responsible Gambling

Responsible gambling means making informed decisions about when, where, and how much you gamble. It involves understanding that gambling is a form of entertainment with inherent risk, not a way to make money. At Richmond Rovers, we believe that every person who gambles should have access to the information and tools they need to do so safely.

The vast majority of people who gamble do so recreationally and without harm. However, for a small percentage of the population, gambling can become problematic. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), approximately 2 million adults in the United States meet the criteria for severe gambling problems, and another 4 to 6 million would be considered problem gamblers.

Recognizing the early signs of problem gambling is critical. The sooner you identify unhealthy patterns, the easier it is to address them and regain control.

Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually and may not be immediately obvious. If you notice any of the following behaviors in yourself or someone you care about, it may be time to seek support:

• Chasing losses — continuing to gamble in an attempt to win back money that has been lost, often leading to larger and more frequent bets.
• Spending beyond your means — gambling with money that is allocated for rent, bills, groceries, or other essential expenses.
• Borrowing money to gamble — taking loans, using credit cards, or borrowing from friends and family to fund gambling activity.
• Preoccupation with gambling — spending excessive time thinking about gambling, planning the next session, or reliving past wins and losses.
• Neglecting responsibilities — missing work, skipping family obligations, or withdrawing from social activities because of gambling.
• Lying about gambling — concealing the extent of your gambling from loved ones or downplaying how much time and money you spend.
• Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.
• Using gambling as an escape — turning to gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional difficulties.
• Failed attempts to stop — repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, reduce, or quit gambling.

Self-Assessment Questions

Ask yourself the following questions honestly. If you answer "yes" to two or more, you may want to speak with a professional about your gambling habits:

• Have you ever gambled longer than you planned?
• Have you ever gambled with money you could not afford to lose?
• Have you felt guilty or anxious about your gambling?
• Have people close to you expressed concern about your gambling?
• Has gambling caused you financial problems or debt?
• Have you ever tried to win back money you lost (chasing losses)?
• Have you lied to family members or others about your gambling?
• Have you missed work, school, or family events due to gambling?
• Have you ever felt the need to bet more to get the same level of excitement?
• Have you borrowed money or sold possessions to finance gambling?

Tools to Help You Stay in Control

Deposit Limits

Most licensed online casinos and sportsbooks allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. Once you reach your limit, you will not be able to deposit additional funds until the next period begins. We strongly recommend setting a deposit limit before you begin playing. Decide on a comfortable amount that fits within your entertainment budget and stick to it.

Time Limits and Session Reminders

Losing track of time while gambling is common. Many platforms offer session timers or reality checks that alert you after a specified period of play. Use these tools to ensure you take regular breaks. Setting a time limit of 30 to 60 minutes per session is a practical starting point.

Cooling-Off Periods

A cooling-off period allows you to temporarily suspend your account for a set duration, typically ranging from 24 hours to 30 days. During this time, you will not be able to log in, place bets, or receive promotional communications. This option is useful if you feel you need a short break without committing to a full self-exclusion.

Self-Exclusion Programs

Self-exclusion is a formal process that bars you from gambling at specific venues or online platforms for a defined period, often one year or longer. In the United States, self-exclusion programs are administered at the state level. Below are links to programs in key regulated markets:

State	Self-Exclusion Program	Duration Options
New Jersey	NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement	1 year, 5 years, lifetime
Pennsylvania	PA Gaming Control Board	1 year, 5 years, lifetime
Michigan	MI Gaming Control Board	1 year, lifetime
West Virginia	WV Lottery Commission	1 year, 5 years, lifetime
Connecticut	CT Dept. of Consumer Protection	1 year, lifetime
Colorado	CO Division of Gaming	5 years

If your state is not listed above, contact your state gaming commission or visit the NCPG website for a full directory of state-by-state resources.

US Helplines and Support Organizations

The following organizations provide free, confidential support to anyone affected by problem gambling:

State-Specific Resources

Many states have their own dedicated gambling help resources in addition to the national helpline. If you are in a state with legalized online gambling, your state gaming commission will typically provide information on local treatment providers, support groups, and financial counseling services. Check your state gaming commission's website or call the national helpline at 1-800-522-4700 for a referral to a local resource.

Several states also fund their own helplines. For example, New Jersey operates the 1-800-GAMBLER line with state-specific counselors, and Michigan provides dedicated resources through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. These state-level programs often offer specialized services that complement the national support network.

Tips for Safe Gambling

Following these guidelines can help ensure that gambling remains an enjoyable activity rather than a harmful one:

1. Set a budget before you start. Decide how much money you can comfortably afford to lose, and never exceed that amount. Treat gambling as a cost of entertainment, similar to dining out or attending a sporting event.
2. Set a time limit. Decide in advance how long you will play and stick to it. Use session reminders or alarms on your phone.
3. Never chase your losses. Losing is a normal part of gambling. Accept losses as the cost of entertainment and walk away. Chasing losses almost always leads to larger losses.
4. Do not gamble when emotional. Avoid gambling when you are stressed, upset, angry, or depressed. Emotional states can cloud your judgment and lead to impulsive decisions.
5. Do not borrow money to gamble. If you need to borrow money to gamble, you are gambling beyond your means.
6. Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen or the table at regular intervals. Use this time to assess how you feel and whether you want to continue.
7. Balance gambling with other activities. Make sure gambling does not become your primary source of entertainment or social interaction.
8. Understand the games. Know the rules and odds of any game you play. Understanding that the house always has an edge can help set realistic expectations.
9. Use the tools available. Take advantage of deposit limits, time limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion programs offered by gambling operators.
10. Talk to someone if you are concerned. If you are worried about your gambling, speak with a trusted friend, family member, or contact one of the helplines listed above. There is no shame in seeking help.