Responsible Gambling in Pennsylvania
If gambling has stopped being fun, free 24/7 help is available across Pennsylvania. Use the resources below to set limits, self-exclude, or talk to a counselor.
Pennsylvania Problem Gambling Helplines
24/7 free, confidential help.
PGCB Self-Exclusion List
Voluntarily ban yourself from PA sportsbooks and casinos.
Deposit, Time & Loss Limits
Built-in tools at every PA sportsbook.
Signs of Problem Gambling
Recognize early warning signals.
Resources for Families & Friends
Support for those affected by another's gambling.
About This Guide
BettingInPA.com provides editorial reviews of legal Pennsylvania sportsbooks. We are not a sportsbook ourselves, do not accept wagers, and do not process financial transactions. Our responsible-gambling content is informational and is not a substitute for clinical care.
You Are Not Alone
Approximately 2 million US adults meet the criteria for severe problem gambling, and 4-6 million more meet criteria for mild or moderate problem gambling. Help is effective. Treatment in Pennsylvania is free for residents through the Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP).
Quick Self-Check (Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen)
If you answer yes to two or more of the following, please call 1-800-GAMBLER:
- Have you bet more than you intended in the last 12 months?
- Have you needed to bet larger amounts to feel the same excitement?
- Have you tried to cut back unsuccessfully?
- Have you felt restless or irritable when not betting?
- Have you bet to escape problems or relieve negative moods?
- Have you chased losses on subsequent days?
- Have you lied to family about gambling activity?
- Have you risked or lost a relationship, job, or opportunity due to gambling?
- Have you relied on others for money to relieve a gambling-caused situation?
This is the Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen — a validated 9-item self-assessment used by NCPG. A more comprehensive screen is available at ncpgambling.org.
Tools at Every PA Sportsbook
- Deposit limits (daily/weekly/monthly)
- Wager limits (per-bet caps)
- Time-spent limits (session timers)
- Loss limits (period-based loss caps)
- Reality-check pop-ups (session reminders)
- Cool-off periods (1 day to 30 days)
- Self-exclusion (1 year, 5 years, lifetime — via PGCB)
- Activity statements (downloadable monthly history)
Where Treatment Comes From
Pennsylvania funds problem-gambling treatment through the Compulsive and Problem Gambling Treatment Fund — a portion of the state\'s gaming tax revenue. PA residents receive free counseling through DDAP-approved providers regardless of insurance or income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is help free for PA residents?
Yes. The PA Council on Compulsive Gambling and PA DDAP-funded providers offer free counseling for PA residents — no insurance required, no income limit.
Are helpline calls confidential?
Yes. All calls to 1-800-GAMBLER and the PA Council on Compulsive Gambling are 100% confidential. Nothing is reported to sportsbooks, the PGCB, or family.
How does PGCB self-exclusion work?
You voluntarily enroll for 1 year, 5 years, or lifetime. Once enrolled, you cannot legally place wagers at any PA sportsbook, online casino, or retail casino. Sportsbooks must close your account.
Can I set deposit limits at a PA sportsbook?
Yes. Every PA-licensed sportsbook is required to offer daily, weekly, and monthly deposit limits. Lowering takes effect immediately; raising requires 24-hour wait.