Responsible Gambling Tips
- Set limits on time and money.
- Gamble for fun and entertainment, not to make money.
- Balance gambling with other leisure activities.
- If gambling behaviors worry you, cut back.
- Have a plan of what to do if you win or lose.
- Do not borrow money to gamble.
- Do not spend money on gambling that is for basic needs such as food or housing.
- High risk gambling includes gambling used to cope with grief, loneliness, anger, or depression; gambling under financial stress; gambling while recovering from mental health or substance use disorder; and/or gambling while using alcohol or drugs
Resources
Maryland Voluntary Exclusion Program (VEP): Learn about banning yourself from any form of gambling in Maryland.
Gamban: For a small fee, block access to gambling websites and apps worldwide.
BetBlocker: A free service to help limit or ban gambling sites.
True Link: Helps to manage financial transactions of those who may have a gambling or other problem managing finances.
Sports Betting
If you are 21+ and physically present in Maryland, it is legal to sports bet. BEFORE YOU JOIN THE EXCITEMENT OF SPORTS BETTING, CONSIDER THESE TIPS:
- Only bet through licensed operators
- Educate yourself on betting terminology, how to read stats, types of bets and odds of winning
- Set limits on wagers, time spent, deposits, and losses
- Want to block gambling sites? Use BetBlocker or GamBan
- Bet what you can afford to lose, for entertainment – not to win money
- Want to self-exclude from mobile betting? Use the Voluntary Exclusion program
- To make clear decisions – avoid alcohol while gambling
If you are sports betting on a mobile app, limits can be placed within the app. Operators are required to do this by law. It is best to set limits before play begins. When you are involved in the excitement of the game, it is difficult to limit yourself at that time.
All apps allow you to:
- Set limits on daily, weekly, and monthly max amounts of money bet.
- Set loss limits on daily, weekly, and monthly amounts. You will not be able to place new bets until a designated amount of time passes.
- Set limits on amount wagered daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Set limits on time spent. Some apps include timers.
In general, study the odds. Know you are still more likely to lose than to win. Do not bet more than you can afford to lose.
