Responsible Gambling
Last Updated: January 10, 2026
DegeneratePicks
Last Updated: January 10, 2026
Our Commitment
DegeneratePicks is committed to promoting responsible gambling awareness. While we provide sports analytics for informational and entertainment purposes only, we recognize that some users may use this information in connection with sports betting.
We believe gambling should be:
- A form of entertainment, not a source of income
- Done with money you can afford to lose
- Balanced with other life activities
- Stopped when it's no longer fun
Understanding the Risks
The Reality of Sports Betting
- The house always has an edge. Sportsbooks are profitable businesses because, over time, they win more than they lose.
- No system guarantees wins. Past performance does not predict future results. Any analytics, predictions, or "expert picks" can be wrong.
- Variance is real. Even skilled bettors experience long losing streaks. This is normal and expected.
- Most bettors lose money. Studies consistently show that the vast majority of sports bettors lose money over time.
Our Analytics Disclaimer
Our predictions and analytics are:
- Experimental - Our models are constantly being developed and improved
- Not guarantees - They represent statistical probabilities, not certainties
- Historical - Past performance does not guarantee future results
- Informational - Not intended as financial or betting advice
Signs of Problem Gambling
Gambling may be a problem if you:
Financial Warning Signs:
- Bet more than you can afford to lose
- Chase losses by betting more to win back money
- Borrow money or sell possessions to gamble
- Neglect bills or financial responsibilities to gamble
- Experience financial problems due to gambling
Behavioral Warning Signs:
- Spend increasing amounts of time gambling
- Need to bet larger amounts to feel excitement
- Feel restless or irritable when trying to stop
- Gamble to escape problems or negative feelings
- Lie to family or friends about gambling
- Make repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop
Relationship Warning Signs:
- Gambling causes arguments with loved ones
- Neglect family, work, or other responsibilities
- Isolate yourself to gamble
- Relationship breakdown due to gambling
Emotional Warning Signs:
- Feel anxious, depressed, or suicidal related to gambling
- Gamble when feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed
- Feel guilt, shame, or remorse after gambling
Responsible Gambling Tips
Before You Bet
Set a budget - Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start
Set a time limit - Decide how much time you'll spend
Never borrow - Only use money you already have
Never chase - Accept losses as the cost of entertainment
While Betting
Stick to your limits - Don't exceed your predetermined budget or time
Take breaks - Step away regularly to maintain perspective
Don't bet impaired - Avoid gambling when drunk, high, or emotionally upset
Balance gambling - Maintain other hobbies and activities
Bankroll Management
Never bet your rent - Only use discretionary income
Use small percentages - Professional bettors risk 1-5% of their bankroll per bet
Track everything - Know exactly how much you're winning or losing
Accept variance - Losing streaks are normal, even for winners
Getting Help
National Resources (United States)
National Problem Gambling Helpline
- Phone: 1-800-522-4700
- Available 24/7, free and confidential
- Call, text, or chat
National Council on Problem Gambling
- Website: www.ncpgambling.org
- Resources, treatment referrals, and support
Gamblers Anonymous
- Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org
- Find local meetings and support groups
State Resources
Many states have dedicated gambling helplines and resources. Search "[Your State] gambling helpline" for local support.
International Resources
UK: GamCare - 0808 8020 133 | www.gamcare.org.uk
Canada: Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction | www.ccsa.ca
Australia: Gambling Help Online | www.gamblinghelponline.org.au | 1800 858 858
Self-Exclusion Options
From Our Platform
If you wish to restrict your access to DegeneratePicks:
- Temporary Cooldown: Contact us to temporarily disable your account
- Permanent Self-Exclusion: Contact us to permanently delete your account
Email: support@degeneratepicks.com with subject "Self-Exclusion Request"
From Sportsbooks
If you gamble with sportsbooks, most offer self-exclusion programs:
- Contact the sportsbook directly
- Many states have centralized self-exclusion registries
- Self-exclusion periods typically range from 1 year to lifetime
For Friends and Family
If someone you care about has a gambling problem:
What You Can Do
- Learn about problem gambling - Understanding helps you support them
- Express concern without judgment - Use "I" statements ("I'm worried about...")
- Don't bail them out - Paying their debts enables continued gambling
- Set boundaries - Protect yourself financially and emotionally
- Encourage professional help - Offer to help them find resources
- Take care of yourself - Consider support groups for affected family members
Resources for Families
- Gam-Anon: Support for family members - www.gam-anon.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling: Family resources at www.ncpgambling.org
Our Tools and Features
Responsible Features We Provide
Bet Tracker - Track your bets to understand your actual performance
Profit/Loss Display - Clear visibility into your results
No Pressure - We never pressure you to bet or use our analytics
Educational Content - Information about bankroll management and responsible betting
What We Don't Do
- We don't facilitate gambling or process bets
- We don't partner with or receive compensation from sportsbooks
- We don't encourage betting beyond your means
- We don't promise guaranteed profits
Contact Us
If you have questions about responsible gambling or need help:
DegeneratePicks
Email: support@degeneratepicks.com
For immediate gambling crisis support, please contact:
1-800-522-4700 (National Problem Gambling Helpline)
Remember
Gambling should be fun. If it's not fun anymore, it's time to take a break.
You're not alone. Millions of people struggle with gambling. Help is available.
Recovery is possible. With support, people overcome gambling problems every day.
*This policy is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute professional counseling or treatment advice. If you're struggling with gambling, please seek help from qualified professionals.*