Responsible gambling

Betting should be entertainment paid for with money you've already decided you can lose. The moment it's anything else, stop.

Ground rules we recommend

• Decide a weekly bankroll before the week starts and never top it up mid-week.
• Bet a fixed fraction of that bankroll per pick — our board's stake column suggests a quarter-Kelly sizing, capped at 5%. Most people should bet less.
• Parlays pay big because they lose often. Treat them as lottery tickets, not a plan.
• Never chase losses, never bet on credit, never bet to fix a problem money can't fix.
• If you notice yourself hiding bets, borrowing, or betting when upset, that's the signal.

Help is free and confidential

1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) — call or text, 24/7, United States.
National Council on Problem Gambling — chat, self-assessment, and state resources.
Gamblers Anonymous — meetings in person and online.

Every regulated sportsbook offers deposit limits, time-outs and self-exclusion in its account settings. Using them is a sign you're doing this right.