How to recognize a gambling problem
Most people who gamble do not develop a problem. For those who do, the warning signs tend to be consistent. Ask yourself:
- Am I gambling more often or with more money than I planned to?
- Am I lying to family, friends or partners about how much I'm gambling?
- Am I gambling to escape stress, low mood or relationship problems — rather than for entertainment?
- Am I borrowing money or using money I need for bills to gamble?
- Am I "chasing losses" — gambling more to try to win back what I've lost?
- Has gambling started to affect my work, sleep, or relationships?
- Have I tried to stop or cut back and been unable to?
If you answered yes to two or more, the NCPG's standard guidance is to seek a brief screening. The HOPEline can connect you with one, or you can take the free NCPG self-screening online. None of this is diagnostic on its own — but it's a starting point.
New York-specific resources
NY HOPEline (NY OASAS)
The New York Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) operates a confidential 24/7 helpline staffed by trained counselors.
- Phone: 1-877-846-7369 (1-877-8-HOPENY)
- Text: "HOPENY" to 467369
- Web: oasas.ny.gov/gambling
- Cost: Free
- Hours: 24/7
NY OASAS Provider Directory
Search NY-certified gambling-disorder treatment providers by ZIP code, treatment modality and language at oasas.ny.gov/treatment. The directory includes outpatient, residential, and telehealth providers.
NY Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG)
State-affiliated nonprofit that funds awareness and support services. Web: nyproblemgamblinghelp.org.
NYSGC Self-Exclusion (GESS)
The Gaming Exclusion Self-Service registry, operated by the New York State Gaming Commission, lets you exclude yourself from all NY-licensed sportsbooks and retail casinos for a fixed period — 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, or permanently. It's a single form. Once submitted, every NY-licensed operator must block you from opening accounts.
- Apply online: gaming.ny.gov/self-exclusion
- Important: GESS covers NY-licensed mobile sportsbooks and retail casinos. It does not cover parimutuel-casino sites (Horseplay, GiddyUp, Card Crush) — for those, use the operator-level self-exclusion described below.
National resources
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
- Phone: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
- Text: "GAMB" to 233-456
- Chat: ncpgambling.org
- Cost: Free
- Hours: 24/7
Gamblers Anonymous
Twelve-step peer-support program with meetings throughout NY. Find a meeting at gamblersanonymous.org. Meetings exist for NYC metro (multiple boroughs), Long Island, Hudson Valley, Capital Region, Western NY and online.
Gam-Anon
Sister organization for family members and loved ones affected by someone else's gambling. gam-anon.org.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Broader behavioral-health helpline that can route to gambling-specific resources. 1-800-662-4357, free, 24/7.
Player-protection tools on the platforms we recommend
Every legal operator we recommend offers self-management tools. Use them.
| Tool | What it does | Where to find it |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limits | Caps how much you can deposit per day / week / month | Account → Responsible Gaming → Limits |
| Loss limits | Caps net losses in a defined period | Account → Responsible Gaming → Limits (Horseplay, GiddyUp; check operator) |
| Session time-outs | Automatically logs you out after N minutes | Account → Responsible Gaming → Time-out |
| Cool-off period | Disables account for 24 hours – 6 months | Account → Responsible Gaming → Cool-off |
| Self-exclusion (permanent) | Permanently disables the account; not reversible | Account → Responsible Gaming → Self-Exclude |
| Reality-check prompts | Pop-up showing session time and net spend every N minutes | Account → Responsible Gaming → Reality Check |
How to set a deposit limit (general flow)
- Log in to your account on the operator's site.
- Navigate to "Account" → "Responsible Gaming" (sometimes labeled "Responsible Play" or "Safer Gaming").
- Select "Deposit Limit".
- Choose the limit amount and the period (daily, weekly, monthly).
- Confirm. Limits to decrease a deposit cap take effect immediately. Limits to increase are subject to a 24-hour cooling-off period in most jurisdictions.
What to do for someone else who has a gambling problem
If you're worried about someone in your life, the most effective single action is to encourage them to call the HOPEline. You don't need to confront them or convince them — you can call yourself for guidance, and the counselors will help you figure out a path. Gam-Anon is also specifically for partners and family members.
Tactical things that help: don't lend money, don't pay gambling debts, don't make threats or ultimatums you can't follow through on. Long-term, the person who gambles has to want change — but supportive relationships matter, and your role is to keep yourself well so you're available to support them when they're ready.
Financial harm-reduction
- Block gambling transactions at the source. Many banks (Chase, Bank of America, Capital One, M&T, KeyBank) offer a "gambling block" you can enable on your debit/credit card. Call your bank's customer service to enable it.
- Use Gamban or BetBlocker. These apps block access to gambling websites and apps across all your devices. Worth considering if self-exclusion alone isn't enough.
- Don't use credit cards. Many regulators and operators have moved against credit-card gambling for exactly this reason. Debit only — and ideally, only with limits.
- Talk to a financial counselor. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (nfcc.org) offers free / low-cost sessions and includes gambling-debt experience.
If you're worried about a friend on this site
If you've reached this page through a worried search, we want you to know: the gambling habit you're seeing is treatable. The conversations are hard, but they're not new — counselors at the HOPEline talk to family members every day, and they can give you concrete language to use. Call 1-877-846-7369.
Our editorial commitment
Every commercial page on this site includes the NY HOPEline phone number in the disclosure strip and the footer. We will not remove that. We will not recommend operators that don't offer the player-protection tools listed above. We will not promote bonus offers without showing the wagering requirements. And we update this page on a monthly cadence to keep numbers, links, and tools current.
If you find broken phone numbers or outdated information on this page, email [email protected] — we will fix it the same day.