Responsible Trading & Problem Gambling Help
Trading is meant to be a thoughtful activity, not a compulsion. If trading is causing stress, financial harm, or affecting your relationships, help is available — free and confidential.
Need help right now?
Call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline — free, confidential, 24/7.
1-800-522-4700Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Watch for these signs in yourself or someone you care about:
- ⚠Spending more money or time on trading than you intended
- ⚠Chasing losses — continuing to trade to try to win back money you've lost
- ⚠Lying to friends or family about how much you're trading
- ⚠Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when not trading
- ⚠Using trading as a way to escape problems or negative emotions
- ⚠Borrowing money or selling assets to fund trading
- ⚠Neglecting work, school, or relationships because of trading
- ⚠Repeatedly failing when trying to cut back or stop
Experiencing several of these signs consistently may indicate a gambling disorder. This is a recognized medical condition — not a moral failing — and it is treatable.
US Help & Support Resources
National Problem Gambling Helpline
National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
The primary US helpline for problem gambling. Free, confidential support.
24/7 — Call, text, or chat
Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line
Free mental health support via text. Not gambling-specific but available for any crisis.
24/7
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous
Peer support groups across the US and worldwide. 12-step program for compulsive gamblers.
Find local meetings online
SAMHSA National Helpline
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Treatment referral and information service for behavioral health conditions, including gambling disorder.
24/7 — Free, confidential
Responsible Trading Practices
- Set a budget. Only trade with money you can afford to lose completely.
- Set time limits. Decide in advance how long you'll spend on trading activities each day.
- Never chase losses. Trying to recover losses by trading more is a hallmark of problem gambling.
- Take breaks. Step away regularly, especially after a loss.
- Don't trade under stress. Emotional decision-making leads to poor trades and potential financial harm.
- Talk to someone. Share your trading activity with a trusted friend or family member.
About Prediction Markets & Risk
Prediction markets like Polymarket involve real financial risk. Prices can move quickly, and it is possible to lose your entire investment. The calculators on Data Snack are educational tools to help you understand your positions — they do not guarantee profitable trades.
If you find yourself using trading to cope with stress, depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, please reach out to a mental health professional. Trading is not a substitute for emotional support.
If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 911. Resource information is provided for general informational purposes. Data Snack is not affiliated with any of the listed organizations.