Reviewed 5 November 2026 • Independent editorial information • Verify official operator rules before acting
You do not need to wait for a crisis
Gambling-related harm can affect finances, relationships, work, sleep and wellbeing. The issue is not measured only by the amount of money lost. Feeling unable to stop, hiding activity, borrowing to continue or using play to escape distress are reasons to take the situation seriously.
Recognizing a concern is a worthwhile first step. This page is educational; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional advice. You can contact independent support even if you are unsure whether your behavior meets a particular definition.
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738). Call or text, or use the helpline website for chat and local referrals.
Visit NCPG help & treatment ↗Warning signs worth noticing
- You repeatedly intend to stop but continue playing longer than planned.
- You chase losses or feel pressure to recover money through further play.
- You borrow money, miss essential expenses or conceal spending.
- You feel preoccupied with the next opportunity to play.
- Play is interfering with relationships, work, health or sleep.
- You feel anxious, guilty, irritable or hopeless about your activity.
Any one concern can justify seeking support. No checklist can determine whether someone has a disorder; qualified professionals can help with assessment and treatment options.
Practical steps you can take today
Leave the game or app and avoid making decisions while upset.
Prioritize rent, food, bills and existing obligations over gaming.
Mute marketing notifications, uninstall apps and reduce exposure to gambling content.
Where available, request a time-out, spending control or self-exclusion directly from the operator.
Tell a trusted person and contact a helpline, therapist or peer-support group.
Make a realistic plan for the next day and review your progress with support.
Independent support resources
National Problem Gambling Helpline
Free, confidential US information and referrals via call, text and chat, 24 hours a day.
Call, text or chat ↗Gamblers Anonymous
Peer meetings are available in person, by phone and virtually. Check meeting types and local availability.
Find a meeting ↗988 Lifeline
For emotional distress or a mental health crisis in the United States. Call or text 988; this is a separate crisis resource.
Get crisis support ↗If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, call local emergency services. In the United States, dial 911. If you are in emotional crisis, call or text 988.
Support for family and friends
Gambling-related harm can affect people beyond the person playing. Avoid covering up losses or making commitments you cannot afford. Encourage an honest conversation, consider financial safeguards, and seek advice from a qualified counselor or an independent support organization.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline also supports people concerned about a family member or friend.
About platform limits and self-exclusion
Many operators offer account-level restrictions, but tools vary. Shuffle.us publishes responsible social gameplay policies and self-exclusion options for its own accounts. Those restrictions are not the same as a statewide gambling exclusion program and do not automatically apply to other websites.
For platform-specific controls, read Shuffle.us responsible social gameplay policy ↗. To learn about account closure and time periods, see our self-exclusion guide. This safety page has no affiliate promotions.