Sports wagering should be an enjoyable entertainment activity. We are committed to promoting safe, informed, and responsible betting practices for all Arkansas users.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (available 24/7). Sports wagering involves real financial risk. Never bet more than you can afford to lose. This platform is for informational purposes only and does not facilitate actual wagering or accept financial transactions. You must be 21 years or older to engage in sports wagering where it is legally permitted.
Recognize these warning signs in yourself or someone you care about
Betting more than you can afford: Wagering money needed for essential expenses like rent, bills, food, or savings. Financial strain caused by gambling losses.
Chasing losses: Continuing to bet in an attempt to recover money already lost. This pattern often leads to increasingly larger bets and deeper financial problems.
Lying about gambling habits: Concealing the extent of betting activities from family members, friends, or employers. Feeling the need to be secretive about wagering.
Inability to stop: Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut back or quit gambling. Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to reduce betting activity.
Gambling interfering with daily life: Missing work, neglecting responsibilities, or damaging personal relationships as a result of time spent gambling or thinking about gambling.
Preoccupation with gambling: Constantly thinking about past wagers, planning the next bet, or seeking ways to finance more gambling activity even when not actively betting.
Borrowing money to gamble: Taking loans, using credit cards inappropriately, or asking friends and family for money specifically to fund gambling activities.
Emotional distress tied to gambling: Experiencing significant anxiety, depression, or mood swings that are connected to gambling outcomes — particularly heavy distress after losses.
Simple principles that keep sports wagering safe and enjoyable
Decide on a specific gambling budget before you start — money you are fully prepared to lose as entertainment. Never exceed this amount, and never bet with money earmarked for bills or savings.
Establish clear time limits for how long you engage with sports betting content or activity each day. Take regular breaks and avoid gambling when tired, stressed, or under the influence of alcohol.
Accept losses as part of the experience. Chasing losses with larger bets to recover is one of the most common paths to problem gambling. When you've hit your limit, stop for the day.
Treat sports wagering as entertainment — like buying a ticket to a game. Never view it as a reliable income source. The house edge ensures that most bettors will lose over the long run.
Most licensed sportsbooks offer tools to help you control your gambling activity
Licensed operators including BetMGM offer self-exclusion tools that allow you to voluntarily ban yourself from a platform for a set period — days, months, or permanently. Contact the operator directly to activate this feature.
Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much money you can deposit into your betting account. Once the limit is reached, no additional deposits can be made until the period resets.
Some platforms allow you to set a maximum duration for each betting session. The platform will automatically log you out when your time limit is reached, helping prevent extended gambling sessions.
Periodic notifications that remind you how long you have been on the platform and how much you have wagered during your session. A useful tool to maintain awareness of your activity.
Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose within a given time frame. When the threshold is hit, no further wagers can be placed until the period resets — protecting your bankroll automatically.
Take a temporary break from gambling by activating a cooling-off period. Most operators allow 24-hour, 7-day, or 30-day pauses during which your account will be restricted from wagering activity.
Free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential support for people with gambling problems and their families. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
1-800-522-4700Call or Text 24/7
A fellowship of individuals who share their experience and strength to help solve their common problem with gambling. Free meetings worldwide.
www.gamblersanonymous.orgLocal Chapter Finder Available
The national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families. State resources, treatment finder, and educational materials.
www.ncpgambling.orgResources & Treatment Locator
Arkansas residents can access state-specific problem gambling resources through the Arkansas Division of Behavioral Health Services (DBHS). For referrals to local treatment and support services, contact the DBHS directly or use the NCPG treatment locator at ncpgambling.org.