Every licensed US sportsbook is required to give you tools to control your betting. These aren't buried in a help menu—they're built into the app. Here's exactly what each tool does and how to use it.
What responsible gambling tools do licensed sportsbooks offer?
Most licensed sportsbook apps offer deposit limits, session time limits, and cooling-off periods as standard built-in features. You set them yourself, usually under account settings or a "responsible gambling" tab. Deposit limits cap how much you can fund your account in a day, week, or month. Session time limits cut off your betting session after a set window. Cooling-off periods lock you out of wagering for a short stretch—anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks—without fully closing your account.
These tools apply whether you're claiming a Best Second-Chance Bet Offers at US Sportsbooks or any other promo. Availability varies by state because each regulator sets its own minimum requirements. Check what your state-licensed operator specifically provides before you deposit.
How does self-exclusion work?
Self-exclusion is the strongest tool available. Self-exclusion programs are available in every regulated state; enrollment bans a bettor from all licensed operators in that jurisdiction—not just one app. Once you enroll, every licensed book in your state is notified. The exclusion period varies by state but is often a minimum of one year, sometimes permanent. You cannot reverse it early. If you're browsing Best Sportsbook Welcome Bonuses Ranked for 2026 and you know your gambling is out of control, self-exclusion is the right move before you claim anything.
How do these tools compare across major sportsbooks?
| Tool | Deposit Limits | Session Time Limits | Cooling-Off Period | Self-Exclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | Daily, weekly, monthly | Yes | Yes (72 hrs to 6 months) | Yes, state program enrollment available |
| DraftKings | Daily, weekly, monthly | Yes | Yes (24 hrs to 6 months) | Yes, state program enrollment available |
| BetMGM | Daily, weekly, monthly | Yes | Yes (1 day to 5 years) | Yes, state program enrollment available |
For a deeper look at how sportsbooks structure their margins, see Sportsbook Hold Rates: How Much the House Keeps From Every Bet. Understanding the house edge is part of gambling responsibly.
What are the age requirements to sign up?
Minimum age requirements are 21+ in most states, 18+ in select jurisdictions, enforced at account registration via identity verification. You cannot create an account without passing an ID check. If you're reviewing the FanDuel Sportsbook Offer: What You Actually Get, confirm your state's minimum age before starting the sign-up process.
Where can you get help right now?
The National Council on Problem Gambling operates the national helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), available 24/7. State-specific lines include 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) in New York; 1-800-327-5050 in Massachusetts; 1-800-BETS-OFF in Iowa; and 1-800-981-0023 in Puerto Rico.
21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. No betting tool guarantees wins—responsible gambling features are about control, not outcomes.