Responsible Gaming Guide: Ranking the Top Sportsbooks for Consumer Protection

Responsible gaming programs are essential to all casino companies, for the protection of vulnerable players and the prevention of financial harm. 

The onus has long been on gambling companies to provide the tools and support that players need to protect themselves, but legislation has begun to change the way that such support is delivered in recent years. 

Responsible gaming really entered the foreground in 2018, when the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, more commonly known as PASPA, changed the world of sports betting dramatically. 

The decision effectively gave individual states the right to control legislation on responsible gaming themselves. And the outcome was an ever-evolving landscape of problem gambling legislation that continues to vary quite significantly across the states. 

Centralised reference points for state-by-state statutes and regulations, like the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Responsible Gaming Statutes and Regulations Guide, clearly demonstrate how far problem gambling regulations and restrictions differ across the 35 commercial gaming jurisdictions of the US. 

Many of the country’s top sportsbooks now go above and beyond to protect their players, with new data-driven approaches and cutting edge support tools being brought in all the time. But which sites offer the best support to players, and which could be doing more to prevent potential harm?  

In this guide, we’ll examine six of the country’s most popular sportsbooks, analysing how far existing measures go to protect vulnerable players, and what more needs to be done to ensure that players never experience harm as a result of gaming. 

Responsible Gaming Efficiency Table

Here's a look at responsible gaming efficiency for the best sportsbooks in North America:

Check out our explanation of the categories at the bottom of the guide.

Top Sportsbooks Ranked in Responsible Gaming Practices 

Responsible gaming landing page

1. bet365

bet365’s responsible gaming page is a masterclass in intuitive design. The page is easy to navigate, and clear in its intentions. All the information players need is there, and players don’t need to waste any time trying to find out how to use the features they need.

2. FanDuel

FanDuel’s dedicated responsible gaming page is hugely informative and easy to navigate. A sidebar provides quick access to different options, including self-exclusion, timeouts and betting limits. The page also has links to additional resources players might need, such as charitable organisations and support networks.

3. DraftKings

DraftKings has a great looking page for all things responsible gaming. A striking design and clear, concise copy makes it easy for players to find what they’re looking for. There is a section for problem gambling and safer play resources, with quick links to support players might need. Our only criticism is that the page could be easier to navigate.

4. BetMGM

The responsible gaming guide for BetMGM players is informative, but little thought has been given to the design of the page and its functionality. While much of the information players will need is available on this page, players do need to scroll through or search for what they need manually. The page could definitely be improved in terms of design and layout.

5. Caesars

Like its competitors, Caesars has a dedicated responsible gaming landing page available for players. The page contains references to the wide range of features available from the company, but much of the detail is missing. Players would need more information on how to use many of the available resources before they could put them into practice.

6. ESPN Bet

ESPN Bet provides a wealth of responsible gaming resources for players, but its landing page lacks detail on how to implement many of the options it offers. There are links to more detailed guides on resources, but again these are difficult to navigate as players need to scroll through to find the specific resource they need. 

Setting betting limits 

1. FanDuel

FanDuel provides numerous options when it comes to setting betting limits. Players can easily find betting limit options through the account pages. Here, players can choose between options like global deposit limits, contest entry limits, entry fee limits and more. There are how-to videos to explain how to set limits, but it’s a quick and simple process. 

2. bet365

bet365 offers deposit limits which help players to manage their spending. Limits can be set for 24 hour, 7 day or 30 day periods. They cannot be overridden once set. 

Players will have no trouble setting these limits via the account pages. Reality checks are also available. These monitor the time players spend gaming, and pop up with reminders when a player’s chosen time limit is approaching.

3. ESPN Bet

There are endless betting limit options available at ESPN Bet. Players just need to log in to access numerous limit features, such as daily time limits, deposit limits, spend limits and loss limits. Limits can be set within a couple of clicks, and are effective immediately. Like its competitors, ESPN Bet also offers a cool off feature. 

4. BetMGM

Players can set deposit limits, loss limits, session limits and wagering limits at BetMGM. Players just need to visit ‘my wallet’ and select the ‘deposit’ tab to access these features. Limits can be set and will take effect immediately. Any increases in these limits are subject to a 24-hour waiting period, for players’ protection.

5. DraftKings

Players can set daily, weekly, and monthly deposit limits at DraftKings. All options are available via what’s known as the Patron Protection Centre (available via the menu page once logged in). 

The DraftKings help centre provides full instructions on how to set these limits within the account pages, with step-by-step guidance on setting limits for those using the app, desktops or laptops, and video tutorials to explain everything.

6. Caesars

Players can set maximum deposit limits for a selected time frame, such as daily, weekly or monthly. There is also an option to set spending limits for the same durations, and daily time limits, which are measured in hours. 

Caesars also offers the option to set a cool-off period, which will block access to an account for a period of between three and 30 days. All of these options can be set at the touch of a button within a player’s account. 

Timeouts

1. bet365

Timeout options at bet365 put players in full control of their gaming. Players can opt for set timeouts of 24 hours, 48 hours, 7 days or 30 days. There’s also an option to select a custom timeout, of a period chosen by the player. 

bet365 timeouts can be one-off events, or they can be recurring periods of time. Players can, for example, restrict their own access to their account from Monday to Friday. 

2. DraftKings

DraftKings players can set timeouts whenever required. Options range from a number of days (3, 4, 5 or 6 days) up to one to four weeks, and are available via the Patron Protection Center on the account menu. 

During timeouts, accounts are fully restricted. This means that players do need to contact the support team to access any funds that might be in the account in timeout periods.

3. FanDuel

FanDuel includes timeouts in its list of responsible gaming tools. To set up a timeout, players simply need to opt for a timeout within the responsible gaming section of the account pages. 

Timeouts are available for between three and 365 days. Accounts are fully restricted during timeouts, and players are unsubscribed from mailing lists automatically for the duration.

4. BetMGM

Players can set up temporary breaks via the timeout feature available from BetMGM. Accessible through players’ account pages, the timeout option restricts access for periods ranging from one day to six weeks. 

Players just need to head to the 'Safer Gambling Tools' page and choose ‘limits’ to set up a timeout within a few clicks.

5. ESPN Bet

ESPN Bet provides players with the option to take a break for between 72 hours and a year. Players are automatically logged out once a timeout has been set, and cannot place bets or make deposits for the duration. 

At the close of a cool off period, players are prompted to initiate another cool off period if required. However - a word of warning. While some sites still allow users to access their accounts during a cool-off period, ESPN Bet does not, so players need to email the support team to withdraw funds while their accounts are restricted.

6. Caesars

If available betting limits aren’t enough, players can opt for a full timeout from Caesars Sportsbook. Within the account features, options are available to restrict account access for periods ranging from three to 30 days. 

The feature does go some way to supporting those struggling with problem gambling, but with no custom options or longer timeout options it lacks the flexibility of some of the timeouts we’ve seen from other sites. 

Self-exclusion

1. FanDuel

Players can restrict access to their accounts indefinitely with FanDuel’s self-exclusion feature. It’s quick and easy to set up. 

Once it's in place, upcoming entries are automatically cancelled and players cannot access their accounts for at least a year. Players are also removed from all mailing lists within 24 hours. 

At the end of the one-year period, players have the option to contact customer support if they wish to reactivate their account.

2. DraftKings

DraftKings gives players the option to self-exclude for periods of three months, six months, one year or five years. These options can be set quickly and easily, and full instructions on how to self-exclude are available in the help center. 

Players cannot access accounts at all during self-exclusion, so withdrawals must be requested directly from customer support. At the end of a self-exclusion, accounts are reactivated automatically.

3. bet365

bet365’s self-exclusion provision stops players from accessing their accounts for periods of between six months and five years. 

Players can log in during self-exclusion, but only to withdraw remaining funds. There is no option to reactive accounts that have been self-excluded, and if players attempt to open new accounts during these periods the company aims to detect and close these accounts too.

4. ESPN Bet

Self-exclusion at ESPN Bet works differently depending on where a player is located. Full details are provided on a dedicated self-exclusion page on the website. 

While informative, it is worth noting that the amount of detail provided here may alienate struggling players, who might find self-exclusion more accessible via some of the provisions we’ve seen from competitor sites. Players are also asked to provide additional information in order to self-exclude.

5. Caesars

Players can opt for a self-exclusion of periods between one year and five years at Caesars. In cases where players are really struggling with gambling addiction, there is an option to self-exclude permanently. 

Once a player has opted for exclusion, the decision cannot be reversed. All account features are restricted while they get the support they need.

6. BetMGM

At BetMGM, players can self-exclude for between six months and five years. There is no permanent option available at present. 

Self-exclusion prevents access to any games for the chosen period of time. If a player opens a new account, an exclusion will void all transactions and forfeit any winnings. 

Self-exclusion with BetMGM also restricts access to any sites operating on the LeoVegas Gaming PLC licence. Players need to contact customer support to set up self-exclusion.

Additional resources

1. DraftKings

DraftKings goes above and beyond where additional resources are concerned. Easily accessible via the responsible gaming page, there are plenty of resources to help players combat problem gambling. 

Players can access additional information on the FAQs page, or use self-help tools and screening kits. Additionally, DraftKings recently introduced a new tool, My Stat Sheet, enabling players to better understand their activity on the site.

2. FanDuel

There are plenty of additional resources available via FanDuel’s responsible gaming page. These include third-party self-exclusion options. 

If players are in need of more support, they can access contact details for organisations like National Suicide Prevention, Gambler’s Anonymous, GAM-ANON and more, directly from FanDuel’s responsible gaming landing page.

3. bet365

It’s easy to find a list of helpful organisations via the responsible gaming page at bet365. Here, players can find full details of a range of different organisations, all of which are there to help those who might be struggling with gambling addiction. 

In addition, the site provides information for those looking to help others. Specific resources are available for those seeking support for minors, or friends and family who could be falling into the grip of addiction.

4. Caesars

Caesars doesn’t offer quite as many additional responsible gaming resources as some of its competitors. 

All the key tools are available (like deposit limits, cool off periods and self-exclusion), but the site lacks some of the added support that other companies are now beginning to provide. Caesars does provide information for players looking to remove themselves from marketing databases, however

5. BetMGM

BetMGM’s responsible gaming provision is also fairly limited when it comes to additional resources. 

While the site does provide the key tools that players need, it falls short in this regard. The responsible gaming page provides the names of support organisations, for example, but does not give any further information on what these organisations do and how they help.

6. ESPN Bet

ESPN Bet provides information that players might need to help them spot problem gambling before it really takes hold. There is also information on gambling addiction myths available via the site. 

Similarly to BetMGM, ESPN Bet lists organisations known for the support they provide to those struggling with gambling addiction. It does not, however, give any additional information on the specific support that these organisations offer. Vulnerable players might therefore find it difficult to decide which organisations to contact for help. 

Advertising and responsible gaming

1. bet365

bet365’s latest campaign, titled Play Safe, aims to improve awareness of its responsible gaming support. 

Developed in partnership with agency Drummond Central, the campaign provides information on tools like deposit limits, timeouts and reality checks, and was rolled out across TV, press and social media. Read more about the Play Safe campaign here.

2. FanDuel

FanDuel rolled out a new responsible gaming campaign in March. The campaign, which was the work of in-house creatives and Broomshot producers, is a new iteration of its ongoing series titled “the system”. 

FanDuel Responsible Gaming Ambassador Craig Carton appears, along with players and employees who share their own stories. It's currently being featured on TV, digital, social and audio channels.

3. DraftKings

DraftKings has run a number of responsible gaming campaigns over the years. The campaigns often feature celebrities, helping to boost awareness of responsible gaming tools available on the app and site. 

A recent DraftKings campaign featured the likes of skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and WWE professional wrestler The Miz, and went live during the inaugural Responsible Gaming Education Month.

4. ESPN Bet

ESPN Bet has been behind a number of responsible gaming campaigns, many of which have been created in partnership with other gaming companies with which it is affiliated. 

Last year, the company supported the development of responsible gaming advertisements by the NBA, MLB and NHL. In one advert, dramatic footage was accompanied by reminders that “anything can happen” and “every play, every shot, every swing, is a risk if you bet.” The campaign was developed in conjunction with DraftKings, Fanatics and FanDuel.

5. BetMGM

BetMGM announced a pledge to feature responsible gaming messages more prominently in its campaigns at the beginning of last year. It has since begun to feature responsible gaming messages within its mobile app. BetMGM advertisements also now include information on responsible gaming features, whether they be billboard marketing, television, print or radio ad.

6. Caesars

Caesars sportsbook has been officially recognised for its dedication to responsible gaming practices. However, the sportsbook doesn’t currently have any dedicated responsible gaming campaigns running. More could definitely be done by the sportsbook to help boost awareness of its support tools.

Verdict

While all six of the best best sports betting sites do a strong job of promoting responsible gaming practices, two stand out for being especially consumer-centric: FanDuel and bet365. Both do a great job of guiding customers through the bet limit, timeout and self-exclusion process and offer access to a wealth of additional responsible gaming resources.

On the flip side, Caesars Sportsbook has the furthest to go to catch up with the industry's gold standard.

Responsible Gaming Support at a Glance

In order to accurately assess the full impact of a sportsbook's responsible gaming strategy, we need to consider as many different RG categories as possible. Here are the six areas we considered when building our rankings:

Responsible Gaming Landing Page: How quickly can customers find the information they seek? Is that information laid out in a way that is easy to understand? How much detail is contained within the RG landing page? This area serves as the foundation for any sports betting site's responsible gaming – and having a good one is critical.

Setting Betting Limits: How quickly and easily can customers establish betting thresholds with each individual sports betting site? What options do these sportsbooks provide in terms of customizing those limiting options? Are there clear instructions on how players can set or change their betting limits?

Timeouts: How quickly and easily can customers set up timeout periods with each individual sports betting site? What options do these sportsbooks provide in terms of customizing those timeout options? Are there clear instructions on how players can set up, change or even remove their timeout periods?

Self-Exclusion: How quickly and easily can customers set up self-exclusion periods with each individual sports betting site? What options do the betting sites offer in terms of customizing self-exclusion options? Are there clear instructions on what players are excluded from, and the terms and conditions associated with eventually returning to play?

Additional Resources: What are some of the other ways in which the sports betting sites assist with responsible gambling initiatives? How quickly and easily can customers access these additional resources? Are all of the links direct and up to date? Do the customers feel empowered with regard to being able to get the help they need via the sportsbooks?

Advertising and RG: What steps have the sports betting sites taken to incorporate responsible gaming elements into their advertising approaches? Are the messages about gambling responsibly clear and concise? How much effort is being put into reaching customers via a variety of media pathways?