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Tools & Resources

Our tools aim to educate and support you on your journey to play smart from the start.

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Am I Having Fun?
Understanding the Odds
Gambling Glossary
Healthy Habits
Test Your Knowledge
Make Your Plan
ASK YOURSELF ONE QUESTION:

am i having fun?

Whether you’re sitting down at a casino, opening an app to place a bet or playing online, you’re looking to have a good time. Gambling is fun, and we all know there’s a right way to play that begins with the right frame of mind.

Start by being prepared, even if you’ve played before or you’re placing your first bet.

Know your budget in advance and let it guide your play.

Know your game and know the odds.

Don’t let anxiety or anger spoil the fun. If you stop enjoying it or are stressed about the outcome of a bet, it’s time for a break.

KNOW THE GAME:

UNDERSTANDING THE ODDS

The House Really Does Always Win in the Long Run

Casinos and sportsbooks maintain the “house advantage” – a mathematical edge built into every game that ensures that over time, they always win. Depending on what you’re playing, it might be called the “vigorish,” “the vig,” the rake, hold, edge or juice. Whatever you call it, it’s keeping the casino or sportsbook in business so they can keep providing an exciting gaming experience for everyone.

While casino games like video poker and blackjack allow players to influence results through strategy and elements of skill, and sports bettors use knowledge of teams, players, etc., to inform their wagers, the mathematical reality remains: the odds ultimately favor the house. This isn’t hidden or deceptive – it’s simply how gambling economics work.

That doesn’t mean you’ll never win, shouldn’t play that longshot or can’t believe in your “system,” but playing smart means knowing the game and yourself.

Three people in formal attire sit at a casino poker table, focused on the game. Poker chips and cards are on the green felt table, with colorful lights and slot machines in the background.

Understanding the Numbers

The house advantage represents the casino’s expected profit, over millions of bets, calculated as a percentage of each wager. This percentage varies by:

  • Game type
  • Your choices in the game
  • Specific casino rules

1 / 7

Category: TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Think You Know the Odds?

Which game usually gives players the best chance to win?

2 / 7

Category: TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Think You Know the Odds?

True or False: The more complex a sports parlay bet, the better your chances of winning big.

3 / 7

Category: TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Think You Know the Odds?

If you bet $110 on a sports team at -110 odds and win, about how much do you profit?

4 / 7

Category: TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Think You Know the Odds?

Which of these games is not based on random outcomes?

5 / 7

Category: TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Think You Know the Odds?

What does it mean if a game has a 10% house edge?

6 / 7

Category: TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Think You Know the Odds?

If a roulette ball has landed on red 3 times in a row, is it more likely to land on black next time?

7 / 7

Category: TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Think You Know the Odds?

If the prize lines on a slot machine just barely missed lining up for a big win, you almost won.

Your score is

The average score is 94%

Understanding Sportsbook Terms

Sports betting brings its own unique terminology. Understanding the special language of the sports book means you can better plan your approach in advance, make more informed betting decisions, and ultimately derive more enjoyment from a sports wager.

Visit Our Glossary
Key terms include:
  • Point Spread: Sometimes called “the line,” this is the predicted scoring differential between two teams in a game, used by bettors to pick a side in a game. For favored teams the spread is represented with a + (i.e., Commanders +1); underdogs with a – (Cowboys -1).  Bettors will traditionally bet either on the point spread or the moneyline odds.
  • Moneyline: A number representing the odds that a team will win a contest as well as the amount that a bet on that team will pay out.
  • Over/Under: Sometimes called the “total,” this represents a bet based on the predicted total amount that two teams will score in a game, combined.
GAMBLING GLOSSARY:

THE VOCABULARY OF PLAYING SMART

No matter how you play, understanding gambling terms and rules of the game are central to playing smart. From slots to table games to sports bets, knowing the language of the game helps you play the right way and keeps the fun rolling.

Visit Our Glossary

healthy habits for play

Before You Play
Four young adults, two women and two men, smile and watch excitedly as one man plays a slot machine in a lively, colorful casino setting.
Imagine This…

You’ve just wrapped up work or dinner, and now you’re settling in to play. Whether you’re opening an app or heading to your favorite casino, that sense of excitement kicks in.

Before the fun begins, take a breath. A few intentional choices now will make the experience better—more enjoyable, more in control, more you.

A group of people in formal attire celebrate and smile around a poker table in a lively casino, with colorful lights and slot machines in the background.
Play Smart from the Start

Think of this like planning a night out. You wouldn’t go to a restaurant with an upset stomach, or to a carnival expecting to win the giant stuffed animal to have a good time. Gaming’s no different.

Pick the games you actually enjoy, that provide the right amount of risk and excitement for you.

You’re not here to chase a win—you’re here to enjoy the moment.

Get Your Responsible Gaming IQ

Responsible gaming is for everyone, every time they play. Take a quick quiz to see if you’re playing with the right mindset, know the games and are betting in line with your personal goals.

Responsible Gaming IQ

1 / 10

  • The primary reason I gamble is to make money.

2 / 10

  • The primary reason I gamble is for the thrill, to have fun or relax.

3 / 10

  • If I gamble and lose, I have a lot of regrets the next day.

4 / 10

  • If I gamble and win, it could really change the next few weeks of my life.

5 / 10

  • I believe that gambling is a good way to make money.

6 / 10

  • I have a general sense of the odds for the bets I make.

7 / 10

  • If I’ve lost a few bets in a row, my chances of winning the next one are higher.

8 / 10

  • I stick to some kind of personal limit around my gambling. This could be a time limit, a budget, or only betting under certain circumstances.

9 / 10

  • I get frustrated or make impulsive decisions when I’m losing.

10 / 10

  • I can always walk away from gambling for a bit if I need a break.

The average score is 72%

PERSONALIZE YOUR PLAY SMART PLAN

Everyone plays differently and that’s the fun of gaming.

But no matter how you play, staying in control starts with habits that work for you.

Use this quick checklist to build your personalized Play Smart plan. Pick the habits that fit your style, and we’ll send you a copy to keep on hand so you’re always ready to play with purpose.

get support

Is gambling no longer fun? Here’s how you can find support.

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The National Problem Gambling Helpline and its affiliates provide services to assist people and families affected by problem gambling.
View the Helpline Info
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Take the self-assessment or you can call or text the 24-hour confidential hotline: 1-800-GAMBLER.
Take the Self-Assessment
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Many states also provide ways to opt-out of gambling through voluntary self-exclusion.
View State-Specific Resources