Most people gamble for entertainment and stop when it stops being fun. For about 1% of adult gamblers, gambling becomes a compulsion that interferes with finances, relationships, and mental health. This page exists for anyone who feels the line slipping.
Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) any time, day or night. Calls are free, confidential, and answered by trained counselors. Text "GAMB" to 1-800-GAMBLER for SMS support.
The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services maintains a problem-gambling treatment provider list at tn.gov/behavioral-health. The Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council also funds the state's voluntary self-exclusion program — see tn.gov/swac for self-exclusion forms covering all state-regulated sportsbooks.
If two or more of those describe you, the National Council on Problem Gambling's self-assessment at ncpgambling.org is a useful next step.
Every offshore sportsbook in our top 12 supports self-exclusion. Contact the book's customer support and request "self-exclusion" with a cooling-off period (24 hours to permanent). Reputable operators honor the request without arguing.
For state-regulated Tennessee sportsbooks (BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, WynnBET, etc.), self-exclusion is handled through the Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council and applies to all licensed operators at once.
Your bank can block gambling-related transactions on your debit and credit card on request — call the number on the back of the card and ask for a "gambling block." Crypto exchanges don't yet support a similar block, so consider deleting the exchange app from your phone as a friction point.
If you're worried about someone else's gambling, Gam-Anon (gam-anon.org) is a support group for family members. Local chapters exist in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.
If you're in crisis, call 1-800-GAMBLER or text "HOME" to 741741 (Crisis Text Line). Both lines are free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.