Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Good Shepherd Blacksburg, we want to remind all our players that sweepstakes gaming should be enjoyed purely as entertainment. Sweepstakes and casino games are games of chance with no guaranteed returns. Never view gaming as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and always set limits before you start.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years old to participate in sweepstakes gaming on this website, or the legal gambling age in your state, whichever is higher. By using our platform, you confirm that you meet these age requirements. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and reserve the right to verify your age at any time.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of these warning signs in yourself or someone else, it may be time to seek help:
- Constantly thinking about gaming or past gaming experiences
- Needing to spend more money to get the same excitement
- Being unable to cut back or stop gaming despite wanting to
- Lying to family, friends, or others about gaming habits
- Chasing losses by returning to play another day to recover money
- Using gaming to escape problems, stress, or difficult emotions
- Experiencing relationship, work, or financial problems due to gaming
- Borrowing money to fund gaming activities
- Neglecting family, hobbies, or personal responsibilities
- Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to reduce or stop gaming
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Options
We encourage responsible players to use the following tools to maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to spend per day, week, or month
- Loss Limits: Decide in advance the maximum amount you're comfortable losing
- Reality Checks: Take regular breaks to assess your gaming activity
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming if you feel you're losing control
- Time Limits: Set a timer to remind yourself when to stop playing
If you'd like to set any of these limits on your account, please contact our customer support team for assistance.
Support & Help Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please reach out to one of these trusted organizations:
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
Phone: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Available 24/7, confidential, and free.
International Resources
- Canada – Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org - UK – GamCare
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - UK – GamStop (Self-Exclusion Scheme)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk - Australia – Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
If You Need Help, Please Reach Out
If you believe you have a problem with gambling, or if gaming is affecting your life negatively, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out for support—gambling addiction is a recognized condition, and recovery is possible. Contact the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-GAMBLER or visit their website at www.ncpgambling.org.
Your wellbeing is important to us. Good Shepherd Blacksburg is committed to promoting responsible gaming and supporting our community.