Resposable Gambling Pennsylvania
Responsible Gambling: Sports Wagering and iGaming in Pennsylvania
Commitment to Safe and Responsible Gambling
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) is dedicated to ensuring that sports betting and iGaming are conducted in a secure, enjoyable, and responsible manner. If you or someone you know is experiencing compulsive gambling behavior, help is available through the helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).
Legal Restrictions
In Pennsylvania, it is unlawful for individuals to engage in sports wagering if they are:
- Under the age of 21.
- Noticeably intoxicated or impaired.
Guidelines for Responsible Gambling
Gambling is a personal choice, and no one should feel pressured to gamble. It is essential to recognize when gambling may not be appropriate, including:
- During times of loneliness, anger, depression, stress, or grief.
- As a means to solve personal or financial problems.
- To impress others or escape reality.
- When it interferes with work, family responsibilities, or recovery from addiction.
- When attempting to recoup prior gambling losses.
Risks Associated with Gambling
Players should be aware of potential risks that can affect various aspects of life:
- Overspending beyond budget limits.
- Gambling for longer periods than intended.
- Neglecting family or social obligations.
- Increased stress, anxiety, or declining self-esteem.
- Preoccupation with gambling and placing larger bets.
- Gambling to escape problems or improve mood.
- Experiencing euphoric highs that impair judgment.
Signs and Symptoms of Gambling Disorders
Ask yourself or your loved ones the following questions to identify possible gambling issues. Answering “yes” to one or more may indicate a concern:
- Do you lose time from work due to gambling?
- Has gambling caused unhappiness in your home life?
- Is gambling affecting your reputation or relationships?
- Have you felt remorse after gambling?
- Do you gamble to resolve financial difficulties?
- Has gambling decreased your ambition or efficiency?
- Do you chase losses by returning to gamble immediately?
- Do you gamble until all your money is gone?
- Have you borrowed or sold property to finance gambling?
- Are you reluctant to use gambling funds for daily expenses?
- Has gambling made you careless about family welfare?
- Do you gamble longer than planned?
- Do you gamble to escape stress or troubles?
- Have you committed or considered illegal acts to finance gambling?
- Has gambling caused sleep difficulties?
- Do arguments or frustrations trigger gambling urges?
- Do you celebrate good fortune by gambling?
- Have you considered self-destructive behavior due to gambling?
Control and Support
Betting should always remain a form of entertainment. It’s crucial to recognize personal limits and maintain control over gambling behavior. The PGCB offers tools and resources to help players manage their betting habits.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, reach out for help by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).
