Responsible Gambling
Last updated: February 26, 2026
At Barnegat Shellfish, we review online casinos — but we also recognize that gambling carries real risk. The sites we list are meant for entertainment, not as a way to make money. If gambling stops being fun, it's time to step back.
Gambling Safety Tips
- Set a budget before you play. Decide how much you can afford to lose and stop when you hit that number. Never gamble with money allocated for rent, bills, or essentials.
- Set a time limit. It's easy to lose track of time during a session. Use your phone timer or the casino's built-in session limit tools.
- Never chase losses. Increasing your bets to recover lost money almost always makes the situation worse. Accept the loss and walk away.
- Don't gamble under the influence. Alcohol and other substances impair judgment and can lead to decisions you wouldn't make sober.
- Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen periodically. A clear head leads to better decisions.
- Treat gambling as entertainment. Think of your budget the same way you'd think about money spent on a movie or a night out — once it's gone, the entertainment is over.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If any of the following apply to you or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Spending more money or time gambling than you intended or can afford.
- Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when you're not gambling.
- Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble.
- Borrowing money, selling possessions, or going into debt to fund gambling.
- Neglecting work, school, or personal responsibilities because of gambling.
- Repeatedly trying to cut back or stop gambling without success.
- Gambling to escape stress, depression, or other problems.
Tools Available at Online Casinos
Most reputable online casinos offer built-in responsible gambling tools. These typically include:
- Deposit limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit.
- Loss limits: Automatically stop play once you've lost a set amount.
- Session time limits: Receive reminders or get logged out after a specified period.
- Cool-off periods: Temporarily suspend your account for 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days.
- Self-exclusion: Permanently or semi-permanently close your account to prevent further play.
We recommend activating deposit limits on every casino account you create, even if you don't think you need them.
US Support Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, free and confidential help is available 24/7:
The primary US resource for problem gambling support. Operates the national helpline, text line, and chat service.
1-800-522-4700 · Text: 800-522-4700 · ncpgambling.org
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Free, confidential referral and information service for substance abuse and mental health disorders.
1-800-662-4357 · samhsa.gov
Peer support groups for people with a gambling problem. In-person and virtual meetings available throughout the United States.
State-by-state helplines connecting callers with local resources, treatment centers, and support groups.
1-800-522-4700 · Help by State
If gambling-related stress is causing suicidal thoughts, help is available immediately.
Call or text 988 · 988lifeline.org
Age Restriction
You must be 21 years of age or older to use any of the casino sites reviewed on Barnegat Shellfish. If you are under the legal gambling age in your state, please leave this site.