State-by-State Guide: Your Gambling Rights and Protections
Complete guide to gambling regulations, self-exclusion programs, and addiction resources in all 50 states. Find out what protections exist (or don't) in your state.
Last updated on 9/25/2024
Guide Summary
- Time to read: 25-30 minutes (or jump to your state)
- What you'll learn: Your state's gambling laws, self-exclusion options, where to get help, and what protections you have (or lack)
- Shocking fact: Only 15 states have comprehensive self-exclusion programs
- Key resource: Direct links to your state's help services and attorney general
In America, your gambling protections depend entirely on your ZIP code. Cross a state line and you might go from comprehensive self-exclusion programs to zero protection. Move to a different state and sweepstakes casinos might go from illegal to advertising on billboards.
This comprehensive guide maps the chaotic patchwork of gambling regulations across all 50 states plus DC, showing you exactly what rights and protections you have - and more importantly, what you don't.
Conclusion: A System Designed to Fail
The American approach to gambling protection is not a system - it's 50+ different systems that don't talk to each other, don't cover all gambling, and don't actually protect problem gamblers. Whether you have comprehensive protection or none at all depends entirely on where you live.
The brutal reality:
- Only 15 states have real self-exclusion programs
- 0 states can protect you from sweepstakes casinos
- Moving states means starting over
- Tribal gaming operates outside state systems
- Online gambling ignores borders
Your survival strategy:
Know your state's limitations
Use our guide above to understand what (little) protection exists
Use multiple protection layers
Don't rely on any single program
Don't rely on government alone
Build your own barriers
Connect with national resources
Use 1-800-522-4700 and online support
Advocate for change
Contact your representatives
The future: Federal regulation is unlikely. State improvements are slow. Sweepstakes casinos grow unchecked. Your protection is ultimately your responsibility.
But you're not alone. Millions of Americans face the same fragmented system. By understanding what exists - and what doesn't - in your state, you can build real protection that doesn't depend on politicians or borders.
Remember: The house edge includes regulatory capture. In the game of protection, you need to make your own rules.
Find your state's specific gambling laws, self-exclusion programs, and help resources in our detailed guide above. For platform-specific deletion and self-exclusion guides, visit our complete directory. For immediate help, call 1-800-522-4700 from any state.