Need help now? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), free, confidential and available 24/7 in the United States.
Keep it entertainment
Betting on horse racing always involves risk. In pari-mutuel wagering a portion of every pool is taken out before payouts, so over time most bettors lose money. Treat any money you play with as the cost of entertainment, never as a way to earn income or solve financial problems.
Simple habits that help
- Set a budget before you start and stick to it.
- Decide how long you will play and take regular breaks.
- Never chase losses by increasing your bets to win money back.
- Don't gamble when you are upset, stressed, tired or have been drinking.
- Use the deposit limits, wager limits, reality checks and time-outs that licensed wagering operators provide.
- Keep gambling separate from money needed for bills, rent and essentials.
Warning signs
It may be time to stop and talk to someone if you:
- Spend more money or time gambling than you intended.
- Borrow money or sell things to gamble.
- Feel anxious, guilty or irritable about your gambling.
- Hide your gambling from friends or family.
- Neglect work, study or relationships because of gambling.
Self-exclusion and blocking tools
Licensed operators let you set limits, take a break or close your account. Many states and countries also run self-exclusion programmes that block you from all participating operators at once, and blocking software can stop access to gambling websites on your devices.
Free, confidential support
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): the national helpline 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), plus chat and text support in the United States.
- Gamblers Anonymous: peer support meetings worldwide.
- GamCare: advice, counselling and a confidential helpline.
- BeGambleAware: tools, self-assessment and support.
- Gambling Therapy: free online support in many languages.
Protecting minors
Gambling is for adults only. Baccarat Boulevard is for people aged 21 and over. If children use your devices, keep gambling logins private and consider parental control software that blocks gambling websites.