Responsible Gambling
You must be 21 or older to bet on sports in most US states. Some jurisdictions set a different minimum age, so check the rule where you live. This page explains how to keep betting a paid form of entertainment, how bonuses can affect your decisions, and where to get help if betting stops feeling under control. It was last fact-checked on Sep 29, 2026.
Need help right now?
Call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER. It is free, confidential and open around the clock. Chat is also available through the National Council on Problem Gambling.
In Texas: the helpline above works statewide. Texas residents can also ask about local treatment and counseling resources through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission or their local health authority. Confirm current details directly with those organizations, because services change.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Ground rules that keep betting in perspective
Betting always carries a risk of losing money. No system, research or experience removes that risk, and no pick is a lock. Treat every wager as money you are prepared to lose. Betting is not a source of income and is not a way to fix money problems.
- Set a budget from spare entertainment money, never from rent, bills, savings or borrowed funds.
- Decide your deposit and time limits before you open the app, not while a game is live.
- Stop when you reach the limit. Do not raise it to win back a loss.
- Do not bet when angry, stressed, tired, or drinking.
- Take regular breaks and keep other interests going.
Warning signs to take seriously
- Betting more than you planned, or for longer than you planned
- Chasing losses with bigger or riskier bets
- Borrowing, selling belongings, or hiding activity from family
- Feeling anxious, irritable or low when not betting
- Betting to escape stress, boredom or other problems
- Missing work, bills or commitments because of betting
If several of these sound familiar, pause and talk to someone. Reaching out early is easier than waiting.
How bonuses can push you to bet more than you meant to
Sportsbook promotions such as deposit matches, free bets and bonus bets are marketing. They usually come with conditions: rollover (wagering) requirements, minimum odds, expiration dates and limits on eligible payment methods. Those conditions can nudge people to bet more, or faster, than they otherwise would.
- A bigger match needs a bigger deposit. Only deposit what fits your budget, whatever the headline percentage.
- Rollover means more betting. Read how many times you must wager the bonus, and over what period, before you accept it.
- Deadlines create pressure. If a time limit does not suit you, skip the offer. Missing a bonus costs nothing.
- Bonus funds are not the same as cash. Bonus bets and site credit often cannot be withdrawn as such, and winnings may be restricted until terms are met.
Never chase a bonus to recover losses. Our separate Terms and Conditions page explains how this site works, and you should always read each operator's own terms before you claim anything.
Licensed US sportsbooks versus offshore sites
In the US, sports betting is legal state by state. Regulated operators hold a license from the state where they accept bets, and that state's rules on age checks, complaint handling and player tools apply to them.
Many of the sites listed on this website are offshore operators. State-level player protections should not be assumed to apply to them. If an offshore site delays or refuses a payout, or closes an account, your options for recourse may be limited or unclear, and there is a real risk that you may not be paid. Laws on offshore betting differ by state and change over time. We have not verified any operator's license status for this page, so check it yourself and consider consulting a legal professional if you are unsure whether using a site is permitted where you live.
Tools to use before you need them
| Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Deposit limits | Caps how much you can add daily, weekly or monthly |
| Time-outs | Locks your account for a short, set period |
| Self-exclusion | Blocks access for a longer term; availability and terms vary by operator and state |
| Activity statements | Show your deposits, bets and net results so you can see the real picture |
| Blocking software and bank controls | Third-party options that restrict gambling transactions or sites |
Not every operator offers every tool, and tools at offshore sites may be less complete than those required of state-licensed operators. Look for them in account settings or ask support before you deposit.
Taxes and legal questions
Gambling winnings may be taxable in the US. Rules depend on your situation and state, so consult a qualified tax professional rather than relying on general guidance.
Helping someone else
If you are worried about a friend or family member, raise it calmly and without blame. Avoid lending money to cover gambling debts. The 1-800-GAMBLER line also supports family members and can suggest next steps.
How this site approaches promotions
Sportsbook Promos compares sportsbook promotions for adults. Our publisher may earn commission if you sign up through some links, but commission does not decide rankings. Editorial ratings are our own assessments, not customer-review scores, and no offer is a guarantee of value or winnings. You can learn more on our About Us page, or reach us through Contact Us.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to claim a sportsbook bonus?
No bonus is risk-free, because you can still lose the money you wager. Claim only if the terms are clear and you would have placed the bets anyway.
Can I use a sportsbook if I am under 21?
Generally no. Most states require bettors to be 21 or older, and operators must verify age. Do not use another person's account.
What if an offshore sportsbook won't pay me?
Your options may be limited, since state regulators generally do not oversee offshore operators. Keep records of your account activity and messages, and seek legal advice if a significant sum is involved.
Should I raise my limit after a losing streak?
No. Raising limits to recover losses is a classic warning sign. If you feel the urge, take a break and contact 1-800-GAMBLER.