Responsible Gambling
You must be 21 or older to bet in most US states, and no promotion is worth betting money you can't afford to lose. This page explains how to keep sports betting a form of entertainment, how bonus terms can nudge you to bet more than you planned, and where to get free, confidential help. Information was last reviewed on Sep 29, 2026.
Need help right now?
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537). It is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day.
- Texas readers: call 1-800-GAMBLER for referrals to support in Texas. You can also ask about local counseling and peer-support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous meetings. Please confirm current details directly with the helpline, as services change.
- Emergency: if you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
What responsible gambling means in practice
Betting always carries a risk of losing money. Skill, research and careful line shopping do not remove that risk, and nobody can promise you a win. Bets should be paid for out of spare entertainment money, never rent, bills, savings or borrowed funds. Betting is not a source of income and not a way to fix money problems or escape stress.
A few habits keep things in balance:
- Decide on a budget before you open an app, and treat it as money already spent.
- Set a time limit for each session.
- Never bet to win back a loss. Chasing losses is one of the clearest warning signs.
- Don't bet when you're angry, stressed, tired or drinking.
- Take regular breaks, including days with no betting at all.
How bonuses can affect your betting
Sportsbook promotions can look generous, but they come with conditions. Rollover (wagering) requirements, minimum odds, expiration dates and restrictions on payment methods can all push you toward betting more, or betting faster, than you planned. A bonus is never a reason to deposit more than your budget allows.
- Read the terms before you deposit. Check the rollover, the minimum odds, the expiry date and whether winnings can be withdrawn.
- Know what you're getting. Bonus bets, site credit and cashable funds are treated differently. Bonus bets often don't return the stake, and some credit can't be withdrawn until conditions are met.
- Don't let an expiry date drive decisions. If a deadline would make you bet carelessly, skipping the offer is fine.
- Match offers are not free money. A deposit match usually means your own funds are involved and locked behind wagering conditions.
We compare offers on our ranked lists, but the headline figures shown there, such as a percentage match or a maximum bonus, always have terms attached. Check each operator's own terms, and see our Terms and Conditions for how this site works.
Licensed US sportsbooks versus offshore sites
This matters for your protection. Sports betting is regulated state by state in the US. Sportsbooks licensed in a state must follow that state's rules, which typically include age and identity checks, and access to responsible gambling tools.
Many operators on comparison lists, including some of the brands we review, are offshore. We have not verified any licensing claims for them. If you use an offshore site, US state player protections may not apply. That means a state regulator may not be able to help with a dispute, and there is an added risk that an offshore sportsbook may delay or refuse a payout. Availability also varies by state, so confirm that a site is legal where you live. Nothing here is legal or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional about your situation, including how winnings are taxed.
Tools that help you stay in control
Many sportsbooks offer some or all of these tools, but availability differs by operator and state. Check the account settings or ask customer support before you rely on one.
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Deposit limits | Caps how much you can add per day, week or month |
| Loss or wager limits | Restricts how much you can lose or stake in a set period |
| Session reminders | Alerts you to how long you've been logged in |
| Cool-off breaks | Pauses your account for a short, fixed time |
| Self-exclusion | Blocks your account for a longer period or permanently |
Self-exclusion at one operator usually does not cover others, so you may need to exclude yourself at each one. Many states also run their own statewide self-exclusion programs for licensed sportsbooks. Ask your state gaming regulator for details.
Warning signs to take seriously
- Betting more money or more often than you intended
- Chasing losses or raising stakes to recover them
- Borrowing money or using credit to bet
- Hiding your betting from family or friends
- Feeling anxious or irritable when you try to stop
- Neglecting work, school or relationships
If several of these sound familiar, pause and contact the helpline above. Reaching out is confidential, and you don't need to be in a crisis to call.
Supporting someone else
If a friend or family member is struggling, talk to them calmly and without blame. Don't cover their debts or lend money for betting. The helpline also supports family members and friends, and Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon offer peer groups for gamblers and their loved ones.
Age and eligibility
This site is for adults only. The minimum age to bet is 21 in most states, and some states or operators set a different threshold. Check the rules where you live. We do not market to anyone under the legal age, and operators should verify your age and identity before you can wager. Never let a minor use your account.
Our commitment
Sportsbook Promos may earn a commission when readers sign up through links on this site. Commissions do not decide how offers are ranked or how we describe their risks. Read more about us, or reach us through the contact page if you have a question about our content.
If gambling stops being fun, stop. Call 1-800-GAMBLER any time.