Responsible Gambling
Last updated: April 11, 2026
Big Eddie is a horse racing entertainment and analysis site. We publish picks and commentary for informational purposes only. If you choose to bet, do it responsibly. Here's what that means — and where to get help if you need it.
If you or someone you love has a gambling problem, get help right now.
1-800-522-4700
The National Problem Gambling Helpline is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in English and Spanish. Call, text, or chat at
ncpgambling.org.
Warning signs of a gambling problem
- Spending more money or time on gambling than you can afford.
- Finding it hard to stop gambling or feeling restless when not gambling.
- Chasing losses — trying to win back money by betting more.
- Lying to friends or family about how much you gamble.
- Borrowing money, selling things, or skipping bills to gamble.
- Feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable when you can't gamble.
- Gambling interfering with work, school, or relationships.
If any of these sound familiar — for you or for someone close to you — please reach out to one of the resources below. None of them will judge you. All of them will help.
National resources
National Council on Problem Gambling
24/7 helpline:
1-800-522-4700 · Text:
800GAMB · Chat:
ncpgambling.org
Free, confidential, available in English and Spanish.
SAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-4357 ·
samhsa.gov
Mental health and substance use disorder help, 24/7.
State-specific resources
Most US states have their own problem gambling councils with local support and self-exclusion programs. A few of the larger ones:
For a full list, visit the NCPG help-by-state directory.
Self-exclusion
Most state-licensed online wagering operators (including ADWs like TwinSpires, FanDuel Racing, and NYRA Bets) offer self-exclusion programs that let you voluntarily block yourself from depositing, wagering, or accessing your account for a set period — typically 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or permanently. If you need to stop, use these programs. They work.
Tips for playing responsibly
- Set a budget before you play. Decide how much you can afford to lose — and stop when you hit it.
- Set a time limit. Know when to walk away, win or lose.
- Never chase losses. Trying to win back what you've lost almost always makes it worse.
- Don't bet with money you need. Never gamble with rent, groceries, bills, or borrowed money.
- Don't drink and bet. Alcohol impairs judgment and makes chasing losses more likely.
- Gambling is not income. Treat it as entertainment. If you're not having fun, stop.
- Take breaks. Step away regularly. Don't let it dominate your day.
About Big Eddie's approach
Big Eddie's picks are for entertainment and education. Eddie tracks her own record publicly — wins and losses — because we believe the only honest way to talk about racing is to show the receipts. No pick is a guarantee. Past performance doesn't predict future results. Every race is a risk.
If reading Eddie's picks is making you want to bet more than you should, that's a signal to take a break from the site. We'd rather lose a reader than contribute to harm.
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