Responsible Gambling Tools: Deposit Limits, Time Limits & Self-Exclusion

Every legal US sportsbook is required to offer responsible gambling tools that help bettors control their spending, time, and access. These tools range from simple deposit caps to formal self-exclusion programs, and they exist to give you control over your betting activity before problems develop.

Responsible gambling tools are not reserved for people who already have a gambling problem. They are standard features designed for every bettor, and using them proactively is one of the smartest things you can do when you open a sportsbook account. Setting a deposit limit takes less than a minute and can prevent impulsive decisions that are difficult to undo.

Whether you are setting up a new sportsbook account and want sensible guardrails from the start, or you have been betting for a while and want more control over your habits, understanding the full range of responsible gambling tools available to you is the first step. This guide covers every tool offered by US sportsbooks, how each one works, and how to set them up.

For a broader look at responsible gambling principles and practices, see our responsible gambling guide.

What Are Responsible Gambling Tools?

Responsible gambling tools are features built into sportsbook platforms that help bettors manage their gambling activity. They include financial controls like deposit and loss limits, time-based controls like session reminders, and access controls like cooling-off periods and self-exclusion.

State gaming regulators require all licensed sportsbooks to offer a minimum set of responsible gambling features. The specific requirements vary by state, but every legal sportsbook in the US must provide at least self-exclusion and some form of deposit limit functionality. Many operators go well beyond the minimum requirements and offer a comprehensive suite of tools.

These tools are divided into two broad categories:

Voluntary controls are settings you activate and manage yourself. Deposit limits, wager limits, loss limits, time limits, and reality checks all fall into this category. You choose the thresholds, and you can adjust them over time (with safeguards in place to prevent impulsive changes).

Formal programs are structured interventions with legal enforcement. Self-exclusion is the primary example. Once you enroll in a self-exclusion program, the sportsbook is legally required to enforce it for the entire duration, and reversing it is either difficult or impossible depending on the program.

The key difference is flexibility. Voluntary controls give you ongoing management of your limits. Formal programs create a binding commitment that removes your ability to participate entirely. Both serve important roles, and many bettors use voluntary controls proactively to avoid ever needing formal programs.

Deposit Limits

Deposit limits cap the amount of money you can add to your sportsbook account within a specified time period. This is the most commonly used responsible gambling tool and the one most bettors should set up first.

How Deposit Limits Work

When you set a deposit limit, you choose a maximum amount and a time period. The three standard options are:

• Daily deposit limit: The maximum you can deposit in a single day
• Weekly deposit limit: The maximum you can deposit within a seven-day rolling period
• Monthly deposit limit: The maximum you can deposit within a 30-day rolling period

Once you reach your limit, the sportsbook will block any further deposits until the time period resets. Your existing balance remains available for betting, but you cannot add more funds.

Setting and Adjusting Deposit Limits

Setting a deposit limit is straightforward on every major sportsbook. The option is typically found in Account Settings under a section labeled Responsible Gambling, Safer Gambling, or Player Protection.

There is an important asymmetry in how adjustments work:

• Decreasing your limit takes effect immediately. If you decide you want a lower limit, the change is applied right away.
• Increasing your limit requires a cooling-off period. Most sportsbooks enforce a waiting period of 24 to 72 hours before an increase takes effect. This prevents impulsive decisions to raise your limit in the heat of the moment.

This cooling-off mechanism is a deliberate design choice. It allows you to lower your limits freely while creating friction around increases, which protects against emotional decision-making.

Choosing the Right Deposit Limit

A good starting point is to tie your deposit limit to your overall bankroll management strategy. If you have a monthly betting budget, set your monthly deposit limit to match it. This creates a hard stop that prevents you from exceeding your budget regardless of how a particular day or week goes.

Some practical guidelines:

• Start with a conservative limit and increase only after careful consideration
• Set the limit before you start betting, not after a losing session
• Use weekly or monthly limits rather than just daily ones, since daily limits alone do not prevent overspending across a week
• Consider setting limits on all sportsbook accounts you use, not just your primary one

Wager Limits

Wager limits restrict the amount you can bet on individual wagers or within a set time period. While deposit limits control how much money enters your account, wager limits control how that money is used once it is there. This distinction matters because a bettor can deposit a reasonable amount but still lose it all on a single impulsive wager.

Types of Wager Limits

There are several types of wager limits, and the options available depend on your sportsbook and state:

• Per-bet maximum: Caps the amount of any single wager (for example, no single bet over $50)
• Daily wagering limit: Caps the total amount wagered across all bets in a day
• Weekly or monthly wagering limit: Caps total wagering over longer periods

Wager limits are particularly useful for controlling impulsive betting. Even if your account has a large balance, a per-bet wager limit prevents you from placing a reckless large bet on a single event. This is especially valuable during live betting, where fast-paced action and shifting odds can encourage larger bets than you would normally place.

How to Choose the Right Wager Limit

Choosing a wager limit depends on your betting style and bankroll. If you are a recreational bettor with a $1,000 bankroll, a per-bet limit of $20 to $50 keeps any single loss manageable. More experienced bettors might set a daily wagering limit to control total exposure across multiple bets.

Consider these factors when setting your wager limit:

• Your typical bet size and how many bets you place per day
• Whether you tend to increase bet sizes after losses
• Whether you bet on live events where quick decisions lead to larger stakes
• Your overall bankroll and what percentage any single bet represents

If you find yourself regularly hitting your wager limit and feeling frustrated, that is a signal worth paying attention to. It may mean the limit is working exactly as intended.

Wager Limits vs. Deposit Limits

The two tools serve different purposes. Deposit limits control how much new money enters your sportsbook account. Wager limits control how much you can stake per bet or per day. A bettor with a $500 account balance and a $50 per-bet wager limit can still bet $500 in total, but must spread it across at least 10 separate bets. This forced distribution naturally reduces the impact of any single bad outcome.

Using both together creates layered protection: deposit limits control the supply of funds, and wager limits control the rate at which those funds are deployed. Neither tool alone provides complete protection, but combined they address two different aspects of betting behavior.

Loss Limits

Loss limits restrict your activity based on net losses rather than deposits or wagers. When your net losses reach the threshold you set, the sportsbook restricts further betting until the limit period resets. Of all the responsible gambling tools available, loss limits are the most directly tied to the outcome most bettors care about: how much money they actually lose.

How Loss Limits Work

Loss limits track the difference between the money you have wagered and the money you have won back. If you set a daily loss limit of $100, the sportsbook will allow you to keep betting as long as your net losses for the day remain under $100. Once you hit that threshold, you are locked out of placing further bets until the next day.

Loss limits are available as daily, weekly, or monthly thresholds, similar to deposit limits. The same adjustment rules typically apply: decreasing a loss limit takes effect immediately, while increasing it requires a cooling-off period.

It is worth noting that loss limits calculate based on settled bets only. If you have pending wagers that have not yet been graded, those are not counted toward your loss limit until they settle. This means your actual exposure could temporarily exceed your loss limit if you have multiple open bets.

Why Loss Limits Matter

Loss limits are arguably the most directly protective responsible gambling tool. Deposit limits and wager limits are indirect: they control inputs and actions, but not outcomes. A loss limit directly addresses the outcome that matters most, which is how much money you actually lose.

Consider a scenario where you deposit $200 and immediately win several bets, bringing your balance to $500. A deposit limit would not prevent you from losing that entire $500 because it was already in your account. A loss limit of $200 would stop your betting once your net losses reached $200, protecting a portion of your winnings.

Loss limits are also the most effective tool for preventing chasing behavior. Chasing losses, where a bettor places increasingly large or frequent bets to try to recover money they have lost, is one of the most common patterns associated with problem gambling. A loss limit creates a hard stop that physically prevents chasing beyond a set threshold, regardless of how strong the urge might be in the moment.

How to Set an Effective Loss Limit

A good loss limit reflects the maximum amount you are genuinely comfortable losing in a given period without it affecting your finances or emotional wellbeing. Some guidelines:

• Set your daily loss limit at an amount that would not change your plans for the rest of the day
• Set your weekly or monthly loss limit in line with your overall entertainment budget
• If you are unsure, start low and adjust upward only after several weeks of experience
• Remember that the cooling-off period on increases is there to protect you, and use it as a built-in reflection period

Time Limits and Session Reminders

Time-based controls address a different dimension of gambling behavior. Spending too much time betting can be just as problematic as spending too much money, and the two often go hand in hand.

Session Time Limits

Session time limits automatically log you out of the sportsbook after a set duration. If you set a two-hour session limit, the sportsbook will end your session after two hours of continuous use. You will need to log back in to continue, which creates a natural pause point.

Reality Check Notifications

Reality checks are periodic pop-up notifications that appear while you are using the sportsbook. They typically display information about your current session, including:

• How long you have been logged in
• How much you have deposited during the session
• Your net win or loss for the session
• Total number of bets placed

These notifications interrupt your activity and force you to consciously acknowledge your gambling behavior before continuing. The frequency is usually configurable, with options ranging from every 15 minutes to every 60 minutes.

Login Time Restrictions

Some sportsbooks allow you to restrict which hours of the day you can access the platform. This is useful if you find yourself betting late at night when judgment may be impaired, or if you want to limit betting to specific windows that do not conflict with work or family time.

Why Time Controls Matter

Extended betting sessions are associated with worse decision-making. Fatigue, frustration from losses, and the desire to chase losses all intensify the longer a session continues. Time-based controls create mandatory breaks that disrupt these patterns. Even a brief pause to log back in can be enough to break the cycle of impulsive betting.

Cooling-Off Periods and Temporary Breaks

Cooling-off periods are short-term account suspensions that fall between regular limits and full self-exclusion. They provide a complete break from betting without the long-term commitment of self-exclusion.

Duration Options

Most sportsbooks offer cooling-off periods in the following durations:

• 24 hours
• 48 hours
• 7 days
• 30 days

During a cooling-off period, your account is fully suspended. You cannot log in, place bets, or make deposits. When the period expires, your account is automatically reactivated.

When to Use a Cooling-Off Period

Cooling-off periods are appropriate when:

• You have had a bad day or week and want to avoid making emotional bets
• You recognize that your betting has increased beyond what you are comfortable with
• You want a break but do not need or want long-term exclusion
• Other limits (deposit, loss, time) have not been enough to control a specific episode of heavy betting

Unlike self-exclusion, cooling-off periods are temporary and automatically reversible. They serve as a pressure release valve that prevents short-term problems from escalating.

How Cooling-Off Differs from Self-Exclusion

The key differences are duration, reversibility, and enforcement. Cooling-off periods last days to weeks and end automatically. Self-exclusion lasts months to years (or permanently) and requires a formal process to reverse, if reversal is possible at all. For a complete breakdown of self-exclusion programs, see our guide to self-exclusion from sports betting.

Self-Exclusion Programs

Self-exclusion is the most restrictive responsible gambling tool available. It is a formal, legally enforceable program that bans you from gambling for a set period of time. Once enrolled, sportsbooks are required to close your accounts, remove you from marketing lists, and refuse your bets. Unlike the voluntary tools described above, self-exclusion cannot be easily reversed once activated.

Types of Self-Exclusion

There are three levels of self-exclusion, each offering a different scope of coverage:

Operator-level self-exclusion applies to a single sportsbook. You can self-exclude from DraftKings, for example, while maintaining accounts at other operators. This is the simplest and fastest method, usually available directly in the app. It is best suited for bettors who have a problem with one specific platform but not with betting in general.

State-level self-exclusion covers all licensed operators in your state. When you enroll through your state gaming commission, every sportsbook in the state is required to close your accounts. This is more comprehensive but requires enrolling through the state rather than through individual operators. State programs are the right choice when you want a clean break from all betting within your jurisdiction.

Multi-state self-exclusion covers multiple states simultaneously. Programs like GameStop allow you to self-exclude across state lines with a single enrollment, which is increasingly important for bettors who use sportsbooks in multiple states. This is still a developing area, and not all states or operators participate in multi-state programs.

Duration Options

Self-exclusion durations vary by state and operator, but common options include:

• 1 year
• 2 years
• 5 years
• Lifetime

Lifetime exclusion is generally permanent. Some states allow petitions for removal after an extended period (often 5 to 10 years), but approval is not guaranteed and requires demonstrating that the underlying gambling concerns have been addressed.

For non-lifetime exclusions, the process for ending the exclusion varies. In some states, the exclusion ends automatically when the period expires and you can request reinstatement. In others, you must actively petition for reinstatement, which may involve completing a responsible gambling awareness session.

What Happens When You Self-Exclude

When your self-exclusion takes effect, the sportsbook will:

• Close all your accounts with the relevant operator(s)
• Return any remaining cash balance to you
• Process any pending withdrawals
• Remove you from all marketing and promotional communications
• Block you from creating new accounts for the duration of the exclusion

Any promotional credits, bonus funds, or free bets are typically forfeited. If you have pending bets at the time of exclusion, they may be voided or settled depending on the operator and state regulations.

When Self-Exclusion Is the Right Choice

Self-exclusion is appropriate when other responsible gambling tools have not been sufficient to maintain control. It is the right choice when you need an external, enforceable barrier rather than a voluntary one. Signs that self-exclusion may be the right step include repeatedly overriding your own deposit limits, re-depositing immediately after hitting loss limits, or finding that cooling-off periods are not long enough to break problematic patterns.

For a complete walkthrough of the self-exclusion process including state-by-state programs, enrollment steps, and reinstatement procedures, see our complete guide to self-exclusion from sports betting.

Responsible Gambling Tools by Sportsbook

The specific responsible gambling tools available to you depend on which sportsbook you use. While all legal US sportsbooks meet minimum regulatory requirements, some offer significantly more comprehensive toolsets than others. The table below summarizes the responsible gambling features available at the six largest US sportsbooks.

Sportsbook	Deposit Limits	Wager Limits	Loss Limits	Time Limits	Reality Checks	Cooling-Off	Self-Exclusion
DraftKings	Daily, weekly, monthly	Per-bet, daily	Daily, weekly, monthly	Session limits	Yes	72 hours to 5 years	Yes
FanDuel	Daily, weekly, monthly	Per-bet	Daily, weekly, monthly	Session limits	Yes	24 hours to 5 years	Yes
BetMGM	Daily, weekly, monthly	Per-bet	Daily, weekly, monthly	Session limits	Yes	72 hours to 1 year	Yes
Caesars	Daily, weekly, monthly	Daily	Daily, weekly	Session limits	Yes	24 hours to 30 days	Yes
ESPN BET	Daily, weekly, monthly	Per-bet	Daily, weekly, monthly	Session limits	Yes	24 hours to 5 years	Yes
Fanatics	Daily, weekly, monthly	Per-bet	Daily, weekly, monthly	Session limits	Yes	24 hours to 30 days	Yes

Key Differences Between Operators

While the table above shows broad similarity, there are meaningful differences in how these tools work in practice.

DraftKings offers one of the most comprehensive responsible gambling toolsets. Its cooling-off options range from 72 hours all the way up to 5 years, providing a wide spectrum between a short break and formal self-exclusion. DraftKings also offers both per-bet and daily wager limits, giving bettors more granular control.

FanDuel matches DraftKings on most features and offers cooling-off periods starting at 24 hours, which is a shorter minimum than some competitors. This lower entry point can be useful when you just need a brief pause after a tough session.

BetMGM provides a full suite of financial limits but caps its cooling-off period at one year. Bettors needing longer breaks would need to use the formal self-exclusion program.

Caesars offers slightly fewer loss limit options (daily and weekly only, no monthly) compared to some competitors. Its cooling-off period maxes out at 30 days, which is the shortest ceiling in this group.

ESPN BET and Fanatics are newer entrants to the market but have launched with competitive responsible gambling toolsets. ESPN BET offers cooling-off periods up to 5 years, while Fanatics caps at 30 days.

All sportsbooks listed above are licensed and regulated in the states where they operate. The tools available may vary slightly depending on your state, as some states impose additional requirements beyond the operator defaults. For details on sports betting account limits including deposit and withdrawal caps, see our dedicated guide.

How to Set Up Responsible Gambling Tools

Setting up responsible gambling tools is straightforward on every major sportsbook. The process is similar across platforms.

General Steps

1. Log into your sportsbook account
2. Open Account Settings (usually accessible through a profile icon or menu)
3. Find the Responsible Gambling, Safer Gambling, or Player Protection section
4. Select the tool you want to activate (deposit limit, time limit, etc.)
5. Choose your threshold or duration
6. Confirm the setting

Most changes take effect immediately, with the exception of limit increases, which require a cooling-off period.

Tips for Setting Up Your Tools

Start conservative. It is easier to increase limits later than to deal with the consequences of limits that were too high. Set your initial deposit and loss limits below what you think you need.

Use multiple tools together. A deposit limit alone does not control how quickly you lose money. Combining deposit limits with loss limits and time controls creates comprehensive protection.

Set limits before you start betting. Making these decisions when you are calm and thinking clearly produces better outcomes than setting limits after a losing streak.

Review your settings regularly. As your financial situation changes or as you gain experience with your betting habits, adjust your limits accordingly. If you find yourself regularly hitting your limits and feeling frustrated, that itself is useful information about your gambling behavior.

For help building a sustainable approach to bet sizing, see our guide to bankroll management.

Signs You May Need Responsible Gambling Tools

Responsible gambling tools are not only for people with gambling problems. Using them proactively is a sign of smart betting, not weakness. Setting deposit limits when you open an account is similar to setting a budget for any recreational activity. It does not mean you have a problem; it means you are managing your activity thoughtfully.

That said, certain patterns suggest that activating or tightening these tools is especially important. Consider setting up responsible gambling tools if you:

• Regularly deposit more than you planned
• Continue betting after reaching a loss you told yourself would be your stopping point
• Feel anxious or stressed about your betting account balance
• Find yourself betting during hours you intended to spend on other activities
• Chase losses by increasing bet sizes or frequency after a bad stretch
• Have difficulty closing the sportsbook app when you planned to stop
• Notice that betting is affecting your mood, sleep, or relationships
• Check your sportsbook app first thing in the morning or last thing at night
• Hide the extent of your betting from family or friends

Matching Tools to Behavior Patterns

Different warning signs point to different tools:

• Depositing more than planned suggests you need a deposit limit. Set it to your actual budget and let the system enforce it.
• Extended betting sessions suggest you need time limits or reality check notifications. These create natural stopping points.
• Chasing losses suggests you need a loss limit. A hard cap on daily or weekly losses is the most effective way to break the chasing cycle.
• Difficulty stepping away voluntarily suggests a cooling-off period may help. A 24-hour or 7-day break can reset your perspective.
• Multiple warning signs at once suggests that lighter tools may not be enough, and you should consider a longer cooling-off period or self-exclusion.

If you recognize several of these patterns, responsible gambling tools can provide the structure and boundaries that willpower alone may not. There is no shame in using these tools. They exist specifically for this purpose, and they are used by millions of bettors.

For bettors in the US who want to understand the regulatory framework around these protections, our guide on sports betting legality by state covers what each state requires from operators.

If gambling is causing serious harm, help is available 24/7 through the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 (call or text). You can also text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. These services are free, confidential, and staffed by trained counselors who can help you assess your situation and explore your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What responsible gambling tools do sportsbooks offer?

Legal US sportsbooks offer a range of tools including deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly), wager limits, loss limits, session time limits, reality check notifications, cooling-off periods (temporary account suspensions from 24 hours to 30 days), and self-exclusion programs (from one year to lifetime). The specific tools available vary by operator and state, but all licensed sportsbooks must provide at least deposit limits and self-exclusion.

How do I set deposit limits on my sportsbook account?

Log into your sportsbook, go to Account Settings, and look for a section called Responsible Gambling or Safer Gambling. From there, select Deposit Limits and choose your desired daily, weekly, or monthly maximum. The limit takes effect immediately. The exact menu location varies by sportsbook, but every legal US operator is required to make this option accessible.

Can I increase my deposit limit after setting it?

Yes, but sportsbooks enforce a mandatory cooling-off period before the increase takes effect. This waiting period is typically 24 to 72 hours depending on the operator. The delay is intentional: it prevents impulsive decisions to raise limits after a loss. Decreasing your limit, by contrast, takes effect immediately.

What is the difference between a cooling-off period and self-exclusion?

A cooling-off period is a temporary account suspension lasting 24 hours to 30 days that ends automatically. Self-exclusion is a formal program lasting one year to a lifetime that requires an active process to reverse, if reversal is possible at all. Cooling-off periods are meant for short breaks, while self-exclusion is a longer-term commitment for bettors who need a more substantial barrier.

Do all US sportsbooks offer responsible gambling tools?

Yes. Every sportsbook licensed to operate in the US is required by state regulators to provide responsible gambling tools. The minimum requirements vary by state, but all operators must offer at least deposit limits and self-exclusion. Many sportsbooks go beyond the minimum and offer comprehensive toolsets including loss limits, time limits, reality checks, and cooling-off periods.

Should I use responsible gambling tools even if I do not have a gambling problem?

Yes. Responsible gambling tools are designed for all bettors, not just those experiencing problems. Setting deposit limits and time controls proactively is a smart approach to betting that helps prevent problems from developing in the first place. Think of these tools the same way you would a budget for any other recreational activity.

What happens if I reach my deposit or loss limit?

When you reach your deposit limit, the sportsbook blocks any further deposits until the limit period resets (the next day, week, or month depending on which limit you set). When you reach your loss limit, you are blocked from placing additional bets until the period resets. In both cases, your existing account balance and any pending bets are not affected.

Are responsible gambling tools the same in every state?

No. Each state sets its own minimum requirements for what responsible gambling tools licensed sportsbooks must offer. Some states have more stringent requirements than others. However, major sportsbook operators typically offer a consistent set of tools across all states where they operate, often exceeding the minimum state requirements. The biggest differences between states relate to self-exclusion programs, which have varying durations and enrollment processes.