JustGamblers Responsible Gambling Statement

Expert: Patrik LidinPrincipal Writer and Editor / Head of Content

Experience: Sports Trader, Market Maker, Product Owner Sportsbook, Professional Gambler, Poker Player

Updated: 6 days ago

Before joining JustGamblers, our chairman of the board and investor Jesper Kärrbrink launched the first wide-reaching responsible gambling initiative called Green Gaming during his tenure as CEO of MrGreen. His commitment to the cause has helped establish work processes and policies prioritizing responsible gambling in everything we do—because online gambling is only fun if you are in control.

It's important to be aware of warning signs and what to do to avoid developing a gambling problem. In short, persons suffering from problem gambling have lost control, which can adversely affect their lives and the people around them. Similarly to being aware of risks, it’s essential to know what to do if you, or someone you know, have developed a problem with online gambling.

With this responsible gambling page, we will disclose our safe and sustainable gambling habits policy and share information about preventative measures, tools, and local resources for help in the United States.

Remember: playing should be fun, and when the fun stops, stop playing.

Jesper Kärrbrink, Chairman of the Board at JustGamblers

Mission: All in for Safer Gambling

Per JustGamblers' commitment to responsible gambling, our partners must make information readily available to users on how to gamble responsibly, along with how to access information about and participate in preventative efforts of problem gambling.

Furthermore, partners must have policies and procedures to promote socially responsible gambling. All licensing authorities in the US have minimum requirements around responsible gambling measures. Beyond those standards, we encourage iGaming industry participants to contribute financially to organizations that deliver, support, or research into the prevention and treatment of problem gambling.

According to the same standards, all contributors at JustGamblers must possess a good understanding of potential risks involved with online gambling and effective countermeasures around not just partners’ practices but also our participation by actively preventing problem gambling through:

• Responsible content.
• Practice social awareness.
• Prioritize well-being over profits.
• Ensure that all promoted gambling is fair and transparent.
• Educate and inform.

Vision: People Over Profits

Our vision relates to both the prevention and mitigation of gambling problems, where all iGaming industry participants must be held responsible and actively work with responsible gambling. This includes JustGamblers and all other iGaming stakeholders, including state governments, regulators, and US operators.

JustGamblers actively mobilize our people and partners to purposefully engage in preventative efforts, including our research and conclusions based on decades of professional experience in the iGaming industry backed up by our editorial guidelines and extensive rating methodologies. Our goal is that our content and recommendations can help reduce the risks associated with gambling. This extends to providing information and resources about responsible gambling to those who require guidance and help. We strive to demonstrate our commitment to responsible gambling in everything we do—from sourcing partners to providing information and recommendations to gamblers.

Online gambling should only be accessible where priorities align with:

• People’s safety and well-being with adequate access to support.
• Active collaboration between industry participants to minimize risks.
• A sustainable gambling environment that benefits both users and the industry.
• People are prioritized over profits.
• Gambling is fun and sustainable, allowing everyone to participate while being healthy and happy.

Improve the Odds for Sustainable Gambling Habits

Gambling problems are more prevalent online, with 77% of all afflicted playing and betting online rather than offline, according to surveys made by QuitGamble. Additionally, men are roughly twice as likely as women to develop a gambling addiction. While everyone who gambles online is at risk of developing problems, if you’re a male and enjoy gambling online, you are likelier to develop risky gambling behavior.

As a general definition, gambling, when compromising, disrupting, or damaging relationships or personal finance, can be considered problem gambling. It’s often associated with mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. People recovering from gambling addiction often need family counseling and financial coaching to recover.

To minimize the risks of developing gambling problems, there are preventive measures that can be taken.

Tips for Safer Gambling Online

The risk of losing money is involved, whether it’s an online casino, sportsbook, or poker room. Companies offering gambling products and services are profit-driven, and for every casino game you play, every bet you place, and each round of poker, the company is designed to make a profit over time. By design, due to the built-in risk, you are likelier to lose more often than you win.

While online gambling is fun, it’s entirely different from other forms of entertainment, like bowling with your friends or visiting the cinema, where no financial risks are involved. As a general rule, when the fun stops, stop gambling.

• Plan your gambling to minimize risks: set budgets and time limits and use available responsible gambling tools.
• Take breaks—move around, go outside, have a bite of food or a glass of water, and spend time with friends.
• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
• Never borrow money or use money intended for bills and necessities.
• Don’t chase losses by trying to win the money back.
• You shouldn't think of gambling as a way to make money.
• Know how the games work before you start gambling.
• Don’t gamble when you’re upset or stressed.
• Avoid gambling when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• If you’re not having fun, stop gambling.

These tips apply to all types of online gambling, including online casinos, sports betting, horse racing, lottery, sweepstakes, and daily fantasy sports.

Responsible Gambling Resources and Help

If you think that you’re in the risk zone of developing gambling problems. For example, if gambling is causing you stress and anxiety, takes up more of your time than you’d like, and you find yourself thinking of gambling while doing other activities—then you should seek advice and help. Here are common signs that you are at risk or already have a gambling problem:

• Feeling stressed, anxious, guilty, frustrated, or worried.
• Gambling to escape reality—personal problems, feelings, depression, or loneliness.
• Thinking about gambling when you’re not doing it, talking about it with others.
• It’s difficult to stop gambling and feeling irritable when you have to stop.
• Feeling empty or not satisfied with life when you’re not gambling.
• Experiencing extreme highs and lows from winning or losing a lot of money.
• Chasing losses in an attempt to win back the lost money.
• Borrowing or pawning belongings to obtain more money for gambling.
• Worsened financial standing due to unpaid bills or increased debt because of spending too much money on gambling.
• Neglecting personal relationships and responsibilities in favor of gambling.

If you or anyone you know suffers from the above problems, several local and national resources are available for support and help. Further down, we have provided insights and RG options on a state level for local aid and advice.

Overview of Responsible Gambling Tools

The following responsible gambling tools and preventative measures are commonly available in gambling sites. In some states, specific tools and practices are mandatory by law, while in others, they are available but not mandatory. Regardless of the situation, if responsible gambling tools are available, it’s essential to use them to support sustainable gambling habits.

Self-Exclusion

Many people find that self-exclusion is effective in limiting access to gambling websites and apps. Depending on your state, chances are there’s a central self-exclusion system where you can register, especially if your state has legalized any form of online gambling.

Self-exclusion systems automatically block your access to all local gambling sites and apps. In most states where online gambling is regulated, operators must offer you the option to self-exclude by law.

After you opt to self-exclude yourself from online gambling, the following generally applies:

• You cannot opt out and must wait until the exclusion period has expired.
• You will be removed from all marketing databases.
• After the exclusion period expires, you’ll still be excluded from marketing databases.
• The self-exclusion is only active for operators that are connected to the system.
• The information you provide will only be shared with operators within the scheme. 

State By State Voluntary Self-Exclusion Overview

The table below lists 51 states, the legal status of online gambling, including sweepstakes (social casinos), and the availability of and links to statewide voluntary self-exclusion programs.

According to our findings, only 18 out of 51 states currently lack a statewide self-exclusion program. The state of Vermont is underway to implement a statewide voluntary self-exclusion program in line with their online gambling legislation.

Nevada’s lack of a statewide self-exclusion program stands out, given the gambling status of Nevada and primarily Las Vegas. Our assessment is mirrored by a report from NPCG showing that the state is failing to maintain adequate RG standards.

If you are gambling at international online gambling sites that are not tied to a specific self-exclusion system, you should opt for blocking software. Avoiding international online gambling sites and opting for local US options is also advisable.

Blocking Software

Block access to gambling websites and mobile apps. This is similar to setting access permissions on electronic devices, including parental controls.

There are gambling-specific software available that block access, along with general blocking software designed to block any type of site or app.

The best blocking software is the gambling-specific ones. One practical option is Gamban, which we have included on this page because it has the best general compatibility out of all options, along with being accessible from any state:

• Apple computers using macOS version 10.10 or later.
• iOS devices using iOS between versions 9.0 and above.
• Windows computers using Vista or later.
• Any Android device running Android version Lollipop or later.

At the end of 2023, we saw a prominent state-level responsible gambling agency cooperating with GamBan to provide blocking software for free (for one year) to Ohio residents. This is an interesting responsible gambling trend for 2024 that can improve player protection across the United States.

Other blocking software for online gambling include:

• Freedom.
• BetBlocker.
• GamBlock.

Other gambling block applications are available; some are more effective depending on your state. We encourage you to do your research, and it’s a good idea to contact the problem support options listed on this page for professional assistance and advice.

Additionally, for mobile devices, on both iOS and Android, you can access your devices’ settings and adjust the accessibility to block all apps that are 18+ only since gambling apps are only available to people who are 18 years or older, depending on the state you’re in.

While blocking software is a great way to deal with gambling problems, it’s only a part of the puzzle. There are other practical tools and support available, all of which are important to make a lasting difference in dealing with addiction.

Problem Support

Problem gambling support services can be found online and offline. The benefit of online assistance is that help is generally available 24/7; the same goes for telephone helplines. There is always a person available and willing to help. All that’s needed is to reach out.

The NCPG, the National Council on Problem Gambling, is available in every state, with national helplines and live chats. In addition, there are usually state-specific groups comprising organizations providing free, confidential, and personalized support for anyone experiencing problems and those affected by someone close to them.

Regardless of the method of reaching out and talking, you’ll always connect with a trained professional. Simply talking to someone anonymously can be a massive relief in itself. It’s a way to start constructively working towards solving problems or creating healthier gambling habits.

When seeking help, specialized advisers for gambling addiction are more accessible online or through telephone:

• Online chat.
• Telephone helpline.
• Online support groups: online chat rooms, forums, and group-based courses.

When seeking help offline, professional advisers are available. However, they are not necessarily specialized in online gambling but instead trained in general addiction support. Receiving advice and assistance through treatment centers and local counselors can be more effective in getting to the root of the problems than online support options.

Ultimately, what’s best is subjective to the person and their circumstances. For starters, calling a 24/7 helpline or reaching out over an online live chat is the first step—from there, you can get guidance on the next steps in getting help.

State By State Responsible Gambling Support Options

While some states are missing a self-exclusion program, all 51 states have support systems for gambling addiction. Most states also have a specific support framework for responsible gambling.

Additionally, we’ve found that nine states out of 51 have local telephone options available. We recommend contacting NPGC’s 24/7 helpline by phone in the absence of local options—1-800-522-4700.