Every licensed Ohio sportsbook is required to offer responsible gaming tools. Most people ignore them. That's a mistake. These features are designed to help you stay in control—and they actually work when you use them.
Here's a complete guide to what's available and how to use it.
The Tools Every Ohio App Must Offer
Ohio law (overseen by the OCCC) requires all licensed sportsbooks to provide specific responsible gaming features. Here's what you'll find:
💰 Deposit Limits
Set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month. Once you hit your limit, you can't add more money until the period resets. Lowering limits takes effect immediately; raising them has a 24-72 hour cooling-off period.
How to Set Up
Settings → Responsible Gaming → Deposit Limits → Choose your amount and timeframe
🎰 Wager Limits
Cap how much you can bet per day or week, regardless of deposits. Helpful if you've already funded your account and want to pace your betting.
How to Set Up
Settings → Responsible Gaming → Wager Limits → Set daily/weekly maximums
📉 Loss Limits
Automatically locks your account when losses exceed your threshold. Unlike deposit limits, this triggers based on actual losses, not just deposits.
How to Set Up
Settings → Responsible Gaming → Loss Limits → Set your maximum acceptable loss
⏰ Session Time Limits
Get notified or logged out after a set amount of time on the app. Good for preventing the "one more bet" spiral at 2 AM.
How to Set Up
Settings → Responsible Gaming → Session Limits → Set duration (e.g., 2 hours)
⏸️ Cool-Off Periods
Take a short break (24 hours to 30 days) without permanently closing your account. Your account locks, then automatically reopens after the period ends.
How to Set Up
Settings → Responsible Gaming → Take a Break → Select duration
🚫 Self-Exclusion
Permanently or semi-permanently ban yourself from the platform. Ohio's statewide self-exclusion program (OCCC) lets you exclude from all Ohio sports betting at once.
How to Set Up
Visit casinocontrol.ohio.gov for statewide exclusion, or use individual app settings
Which Apps Have the Best Tools?
| Feature | FanDuel | DraftKings | BetMGM | Caesars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit Limits | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wager Limits | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Loss Limits | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Limited |
| Session Reminders | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Activity Statements | ✓ Detailed | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reality Check Pop-ups | ✓ | ✓ | Limited | Limited |
FanDuel and DraftKings have the most robust tools. Both offer detailed activity statements that show your betting history, win/loss, and time spent on the app. This data alone can be eye-opening.
The 1% Rule: Your Best Protection
All the tools in the world won't help if you don't have a system. The simplest one that works:
Never bet more than 1% of your total bankroll on a single wager.
If you've set aside $1,000 for sports betting, your max bet is $10. If you've got $500, your max is $5. This approach ensures that even a bad losing streak won't wipe you out.
Set your daily deposit limit to 10% of your bankroll. You can only add money 10 times before hitting your monthly limit, forcing you to pace yourself even if discipline slips.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Responsible gaming tools are most effective when you use them proactively—before problems develop. Watch for these warning signs:
- Betting more to chase losses
- Thinking about betting when you should be doing other things
- Hiding your betting from family or friends
- Betting money you need for bills or necessities
- Feeling anxious or irritable when you can't bet
- Increasing bet sizes to get the same excitement
- Continuing to bet despite negative consequences
If you recognize multiple signs, it's time to use the tools—set stricter limits, take a cool-off period, or consider self-exclusion.
Ohio Gambling Help Resources
Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline • Free • Confidential • 24/7
National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-522-4700
Text "OHGAMB" to 4HOPE (44673) for support via text
Ohio's Statewide Self-Exclusion Program
Ohio offers a statewide Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP) through the Casino Control Commission. When you enroll:
- You're banned from all Ohio casinos and sportsbooks (online and retail)
- Your existing accounts are closed
- Exclusion periods are 1 year, 5 years, or lifetime
- Violating exclusion can result in trespassing charges and forfeiture of winnings
To enroll, visit the OCCC website or apply in person at any Ohio casino. The program is confidential.
Making Betting Entertainment, Not Income
The healthiest mindset for sports betting: treat it like any other entertainment expense. You budget for concerts, dining out, and streaming services. Budget for betting the same way.
Set an amount you're comfortable losing completely—because statistically, most bettors lose over time. If you win, great. If you lose, you've paid for entertainment. That reframe keeps betting fun instead of stressful.
The tools exist to help you stick to that mindset. Use them. Taking a break is smart, not weak.
Problem gambling affects millions of Americans. There's no shame in seeking help. The resources above are free, confidential, and staffed by people who understand what you're going through.