Sports betting is meant to be entertainment. For most people it is. For some it becomes a serious problem. This page explains warning signs to watch for, tools most sportsbooks offer to help you stay in control, and independent resources you can turn to for confidential help.
If you or someone you know needs help right now: Call the National Council on Problem Gambling hotline at 1-800-GAMBLER — free, confidential, available 24 hours a day, in English and Spanish. In the UK, contact BeGambleAware.
Recognising When Gambling Becomes a Problem
Problem gambling can affect anyone. It is not about how much money someone loses — it is about the loss of control. Signs to watch for include:
- Spending more time or money gambling than originally planned
- Chasing losses — betting more to try to win back what you have lost
- Feeling anxious, restless, or irritable when trying to cut back
- Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble
- Borrowing money to gamble, or using money set aside for bills
- Neglecting work, family, or social commitments because of gambling
- Feeling guilt or shame about gambling but continuing anyway
- Trying to stop and being unable to
If several of these apply to you, it is worth talking to someone. Problem gambling is treatable, and the earlier you get support the easier recovery tends to be.
Tools Most Licensed Sportsbooks Offer
If you have a sportsbook account, most licensed operators provide account-level tools to help players stay in control:
- Deposit limits: daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can add.
- Session time reminders: pop-up alerts showing how long you have been playing.
- Cool-off periods: temporary account pauses.
- Self-exclusion: permanent account closure with re-registration blocked.
To activate any of these, contact your sportsbook directly. This review site cannot set or change limits on any operator's account — those requests must go through the operator.
Practical Habits for Responsible Play
- Set a budget before you start — only play with money you can afford to lose entirely.
- Set a time limit for each session, and stick to it.
- Never gamble to make money — treat it as entertainment, like a movie ticket or a night out.
- Never chase losses. The urge to "win it back" is one of the strongest signs a session should end.
- Don't gamble when upset, tired, or under the influence — decision-making suffers.
- Take regular breaks from any single session.
- Balance gambling with other activities — sport, hobbies, time with people.
Independent Help & Support Organisations
These organisations are independent of any sportsbook or review site. All contact is confidential and most services are free.
National Council on Problem Gambling (US)
24/7 confidential helpline in English and Spanish.
1-800-GAMBLERGamblers Anonymous
Peer-support fellowship for people who want to stop gambling. Meetings worldwide.
BeGambleAware (UK)
Free, confidential help and treatment for anyone affected by gambling harm in the UK.
0808 8020 133GamCare (UK)
National provider of information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling.
0808 8020 133Protecting Minors
Online gambling is strictly for adults. In most US states the legal age is 21. Parents and guardians who share devices with children should consider parental control software such as Gamban or BetBlocker (free) to block gambling websites at the device level.
A Note From This Review Site
We write about Covers.com because it is a well-known sports information site people are already searching for. Our aim is to give an honest, factual picture — including the parts that don't fit neatly into a marketing pitch. What we will not do is push anyone toward gambling. If this page describes you or someone you love, please reach out to one of the resources above before you place another bet.