Responsible Gaming
If you find that you have a gambling problem we recommend that you utilize the below resources.
SHARPWAYSPORTS.COM IS NOT A GAMBLING SITE, AND DOES NOT ACCEPT OR PLACE WAGERS OF ANY TYPE. THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT ENDORSE OR ENCOURAGE ILLEGAL GAMBLING. ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THIS WEBSITE IS FOR NEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. ANY USE OF THIS INFORMATION IN VIOLATION OF FEDERAL, STATE, PROVINCIAL OR LOCAL LAWS IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Are you in control?
Many people gamble regularly as a hobby, or even as a career, without difficulty. By controlling both the amount of money and the amount of time they spend at it, they keep their gambling activities from affecting other areas of their life. It’s not that they aren’t looking for the big win — it’s that they know how to avoid the big loss. They don’t make a bet they can’t afford to lose.
Others, however, find that the rush and pleasure they get from gambling makes it hard to know when to stop. They find they are often betting more than they should, and they start to rely on a future ‘big win’ to make up for present losses.
When this behavior becomes a pattern that continues for any length of time, that person is at serious risk of being or becoming a compulsive gambler.
A compulsive gambler is a person whose gambling has caused growing and continuing problems in any aspect of his or her life. Some of the warning signals include:
- An inability to stop gambling, whether winning or losing
- Constant vows to abstain
- Impatience with loved ones
- Fantasies of ‘this week’s win’ to overcome ‘last week’s loss’
- Neglecting responsibilities to concentrate on gambling
- Wide mood swings
- Lack of interest in social situations
Getting help
Suffering from a gambling problem or addiction is nothing to be ashamed of. Some people are simply more vulnerable to addictive behavior than others, in the same way that some people are prone to depression. In fact, recognizing that you have a problem and taking steps to deal with are things to be proud of.
If you think you’re showing signs of being or becoming a compulsive gambler, you should speak to your family doctor or a community health organization as soon as possible. They can help you find the help you need. If you prefer, another very good idea is to contact your local chapter of Gamblers Anonymous. If you don’t know where the nearest chapter is, check their web page: Gamblers Anonymous.
Remember: You can’t win if you’re not in control.
USA
Age
The legal age for gambling in most states is 21, though it is 18 in a few states. Sports Scoop and sharpwaysports.com members must be 21 years of age or older.
National Council on Problem Gaming (NCPG)
Purpose: To serve as the national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families.
National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG)
The National Center for Responsible Gaming is the only national organization exclusively devoted to funding research that helps increase understanding of gambling disorder and youth gambling and find effective methods of treatment for the disorder.
Gamblers Anonymous
https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.
Gambling Therapy
https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/
Gambling Therapy is a global service offering free practical advice and emotional support to anyone affected by problem gambling.
Self Exclusion
Self exclusion is a way to press pause if you feel like you need a break from gambling as you will ban yourself from casinos, gaming properties, and online gaming apps. Self-exclusion programs are run on a state-by-state basis and can usually be found on a state government’s website.
CANADA
Age
The legal age for gambling is either 18 or 19, depending on which province you live in.
Gamblers Anonymous
https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.
Canadian Partnership for Responsible Gaming
The Canadian Partnership for Responsible Gambling is a collaboration of non-profit organizations, gaming providers, research centres and regulators working to find and promote effective ways to reduce the risk of problem gambling.
Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)
https://www.responsiblegambling.org/
Self Exclusion
Self exclusion is a way to press pause if you feel like you need a break from gambling as you will ban yourself from casinos, gaming properties, and online gaming apps. Self-exclusion programs are run on a province-by-province basis and can usually be found on a provincial government’s website.
UK
Age
It is illegal to gamble in the UK if you are under 18 years of age.
BeGambleAware
https://www.begambleaware.org/
BeGambleAware provides information to help people make informed decisions about their gambling. Find out more about gambling and what safer gambling means, understand and recognize problem gambling, and find out where to go for further information, help and support should you need it.
Gambling Therapy
https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/en
Gambling Therapy is a global service offering free practical advice and emotional support to anyone affected by problem gambling.
Gamblers Anonymous
https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others to do the same.
GamCare
GamCare is the leading national provider of information, advice, support and free treatment for anyone affected by problem gambling. Their expert services are confidential and non-judgemental.
GamStop (Self Exclusion)
You will be prevented from using gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in Great Britain, for a period of your choosing. This is a UK Self Exclusion tool.
STATE RESOURCES
(IL) If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and
referral services are available by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).
Illinois Self-Exclusion Program
(CO) Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700.
(IA) If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-BETS-OFF.
Iowa Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program
(IN) If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT.
Indiana Self-Restriction Program
(NJ) Bet with your head, not over it! Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
New Jersey Self-Exclusion Program
(NV) If your gambling is no longer fun, don?t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact
the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling or call 1-800-522-4700.
(PA) If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available, call 1-800-Gambler.
Pennsylvania Self-Exclusion Program
(WV) If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
https://www.1800gambler.net/treatment
(VA) If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call, text or chat, our confidential and toll free helpline at: 1-888-532-3500.
Virginia Volutary Exclusion Program
(MI) If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Gambling Disorder Help-line at: 800-270-7117.
Michigan Disassociated Persons Program
(TN) Gambling Problem? Call or Text the Tennessee REDLINE: 800-889-9789.