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Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be entertainment, not a problem. Know the signs. Know your limits.

Problem Gambling Resources

NCPG Helpline Gamblers Anonymous Gam-Anon

Free, confidential help • Available 24/7

Operated by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)

The Math Is Real

Video poker has a mathematical house edge on nearly every game. Even with 100% optimal strategy on a full-pay machine, the casino expects to keep $0.46 of every $100 wagered (9/6 Jacks or Better). Over thousands of hands, the math wins. Only two games (Full-Pay Deuces Wild and certain Joker Poker variants) have a slight mathematical player edge — and even these require perfect strategy and favorable conditions to realize in practice.

Set a budget. Stick to it. Treat gambling as entertainment with a defined cost, not as income.

⚠ Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Gambling becomes a problem when it negatively affects your finances, relationships, work, or mental health. Warning signs include:

💵 Gambling with money needed for rent, bills, food, or other essentials
🔄 Chasing losses — continuing to play to try to win back money you've lost
🗣 Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble or have lost
💡 Gambling as a way to escape stress, anxiety, or depression
⏱ Spending more time gambling than intended, unable to stop when you planned
😞 Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when not gambling
💸 Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
👷 Neglecting work, school, family, or health because of gambling

If You Recognize Any of These Signs

Reach out immediately. The National Council on Problem Gambling offers free, confidential help available 24/7. Gamblers Anonymous (gamblersanonymous.org) provides peer support and 12-step meetings nationwide. Help is available — and it works.

National Resources

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National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)

Free, confidential help available 24/7. Online chat and text also available at ncpgambling.org

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Gamblers Anonymous

Peer support organization with chapters nationwide. Free meetings, 12-step program. gamblersanonymous.org

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Gam-Anon

Support for family members and friends of problem gamblers. gamanon.org

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NCPG Online Chat

Online chat available at ncpgambling.org for those who prefer not to call or text.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion programs let you voluntarily ban yourself from casinos or online gambling sites. This is a powerful tool for people who want help stopping. Once enrolled, casinos are required to deny you entry or access, and may confiscate any winnings.

StateSelf-Exclusion ProgramNotes
Nevada Nevada Gaming Control Board Excludes from all Nevada licensed casinos. 1 year, 5 year, or lifetime options.
New Jersey NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement Covers Atlantic City casinos and licensed online operators. 1 year minimum.
Pennsylvania PA Gaming Control Board Covers licensed casinos and online gaming. 1, 5 year, or lifetime options.
Michigan MI Gaming Control Board Covers commercial casinos and online gaming. Tribal compacts vary.
All States GamStop / GamblerExclusion.com Multi-state self-exclusion resources. Contact your state gaming commission directly for official enrollment.

For your state's self-exclusion program, search "[your state] gaming commission self-exclusion" or visit ncpgambling.org for guidance.

Playing Responsibly

Responsible Play Framework

  • Set a session budget before you start — not after you're seated
  • Set a time limit and use a phone alarm
  • Never gamble with money you can't afford to lose
  • Never gamble to recover previous losses
  • Take regular breaks — at least 15 minutes per hour
  • Avoid gambling when stressed, drunk, or emotionally upset
  • Balance gambling with other hobbies and social activities
  • Know that no strategy eliminates the house edge on most games

If gambling is no longer fun — or if it's affecting your life — reach out.

NCPG Helpline Gamblers Anonymous

Free • Confidential • 24/7