CardCount Academy

Support

Responsible Gambling

Signs of problem gambling, practical limits and self-exclusion tools, and free confidential help lines in the US, UK and Australia.

Last updated

Gambling is only for adults of legal gambling age where you live — usually 18 or 21, depending on the country or state. CardCount Academy uses play money only, but the skills it teaches relate to real gambling.

Learning to count cards should be an interesting challenge, not a reason to gamble more. Card counting is not a reliable source of income, and it never makes gambling risk-free.

Warning signs

It may be time to take a break or talk to someone if you:

  • Spend more money or time gambling than you planned.
  • Chase losses, or feel you have to win back money you lost.
  • Borrow money, sell things or miss bills to gamble.
  • Hide your gambling from people close to you, or lie about it.
  • Feel anxious, irritable or low when you aren't gambling, or gamble to escape problems.
  • Think a system — including card counting — will let you recover your losses.

Keep it under control

  • Set a money limit before you start and treat it as the cost of entertainment, not an investment.
  • Set a time limit and take regular breaks.
  • Never gamble with money needed for rent, bills or other essentials, or with borrowed money.
  • Avoid gambling when you are stressed, upset or have been drinking.
  • Use deposit limits, time-outs and cool-off tools where they are offered.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion lets you block yourself from gambling venues or websites for a period you choose. Many casinos and regulators run their own programs, and some countries have national registers. If you feel you are losing control, it is one of the most effective steps you can take.

Free, confidential help

These organizations offer support to people who gamble and to their families. Services and numbers apply to the region shown; if you live elsewhere, search for the gambling helpline in your country or ask a doctor.

  • United States: National Council on Problem Gambling — Free, confidential National Problem Gambling Helpline, 24/7. At the time of review NCPG listed 1-800-MY-RESET for calls and texts, with chat at 1800myreset.org — check the NCPG site for the current number.
  • Great Britain: GamCare — National Gambling Helpline — Call 0808 8020 133, free, 24 hours a day, or use live chat.
  • Great Britain: GAMSTOP — Free self-exclusion from online gambling sites licensed in Great Britain.
  • Australia: Gambling Help Online — Call 1800 858 858, free and confidential, 24/7, or chat online.
  • Australia: BetStop — National Self-Exclusion Register — Free self-exclusion from all licensed Australian online and phone wagering services.
  • International: Gamblers Anonymous — Peer support meetings in many countries, in person and online.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number.