Need Help Now?

Free, confidential support is available 24/7.

National Helpline
1-800-GAMBLER
Ohio Helpline
1-800-589-9966

Why These Tools Matter

Sports betting is entertainment. Like any entertainment, it should be fun — not stressful, not a financial burden, and not something that takes over your life. The tools below help you set boundaries before you need them.

Every sportsbook licensed in Ohio is required by law to offer these tools. They're not hidden — they're usually in your account settings or a dedicated "Responsible Gaming" section. Use them proactively.

Available Tools

💰
Deposit Limits
Available at all Ohio sportsbooks
Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit. Once you hit your limit, you can't add more money until the period resets. Decreases take effect immediately; increases require a waiting period.
How to Set
Account Settings → Responsible Gaming → Deposit Limits
🎯
Wager Limits
Available at most Ohio sportsbooks
Limit how much you can bet per day or week, separate from deposits. Useful if you want to keep money in your account but control how fast you can wager it.
How to Set
Account Settings → Responsible Gaming → Wager Limits
⏱️
Time Limits & Session Reminders
Available at most Ohio sportsbooks
Set reminders that pop up after you've been betting for a set amount of time. Some apps let you set hard time limits that log you out automatically.
How to Set
Account Settings → Responsible Gaming → Time Limits
⏸️
Cool-Off Periods
Available at all Ohio sportsbooks
Take a break for 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days, or longer. During a cool-off, you can't bet or deposit. Your account stays intact for when you return.
How to Set
Account Settings → Responsible Gaming → Take a Break
🚫
Self-Exclusion
Ohio statewide program
The most serious option. Self-exclusion bans you from all Ohio sportsbooks for 1 year, 5 years, or lifetime. This is managed by the state, not individual books. It's very difficult to reverse.
How to Enroll
Visit casinocontrol.ohio.gov or call the OCCC
📊
Activity Statements
Available at all Ohio sportsbooks
View your betting history, win/loss totals, and deposit/withdrawal history. Some apps email you weekly summaries. Use this to track how much you're actually betting.
How to Access
Account → Transaction History or Betting History

Warning Signs

Gambling problems can develop gradually. If you recognize any of these signs in yourself, it might be time to use the tools above or seek help:

Signs Gambling May Be a Problem

If even one of these sounds familiar, please reach out. The helplines are free, confidential, and available 24/7. You're not alone.

Healthy Betting Principles

How to Keep Betting Fun

1 Set a budget before you start. Decide what you can afford to lose — not win, lose. Stick to it.
2 Never chase losses. If you lose, don't increase your bets to recover. That's how small losses become big ones.
3 Treat betting as entertainment. Like a movie or a night out. You're paying for excitement, not expecting a return.
4 Follow the 1% rule. Never bet more than 1% of your bankroll on a single wager. Learn more →
5 Take breaks. Step away regularly. If you're betting every day, ask yourself why.
6 Don't bet drunk or emotional. Clear head, clear decisions. Impaired betting leads to regret.
💡 Proactive > Reactive

Set your limits when you create your account — before you need them. It's much easier to decide on a $200/month deposit limit when you're calm than when you're in the middle of a losing streak.

Ohio Resources

Get Help

National Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-GAMBLER
Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline 1-800-589-9966
Ohio Casino Control Commission casinocontrol.ohio.gov
Problem Gambling Resource org.ohio.gov/help
Gamblers Anonymous gamblersanonymous.org

Related Guides

The 1% Bankroll Rule → Betting as Entertainment → How Ohio Betting Works → Best Ohio Apps →