Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
Gambling should always be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While gambling can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach it responsibly and within your means. Remember: the odds always favor the house, and you should only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
In Canada, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. Some provinces may have higher age requirements for certain forms of gambling. It is illegal for anyone under the legal age to gamble or access gambling sites. If you are underage, please do not attempt to access gambling platforms.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Recognizing the warning signs of problem gambling is the first step toward getting help. Ask yourself if any of these apply to you:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses like bills, rent, or groceries
- Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to reduce gambling
- Spending more time and money on gambling than you intended
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Neglecting work, school, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Using gambling as an escape from stress, anxiety, or depression
- Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
If you recognize any of these signs, help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos provide tools to help you maintain control over your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a limit on the amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Session Time Limits: Automatically log you out after a predetermined amount of time
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily ban yourself from accessing gambling sites for a set period (days, weeks, months, or years)
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling
These tools are designed to empower you to gamble responsibly. Use them proactively.
Support Organizations in Canada & Internationally
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, support is available:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Provides resources, support services, and referrals for Canadians affected by problem gambling. - Gamblers Anonymous Canada
A peer-support fellowship offering free meetings and support groups across Canada. - Provincial Problem Gambling Services
Most Canadian provinces offer free counseling and support through provincial health services.
International Support
- GamCare (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Free support and counseling for problem gambling. - GamStop (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling. - Gambling Help Online (Australia)
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free online counseling and support services. - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Resources and a helpline for problem gambling in the US.
Take Action Today
If you believe you have a gambling problem or if gambling is negatively impacting your life, please reach out for help immediately. Problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible. You are not alone.
Contact the Responsible Gambling Council or a local support service in your province today. Many services are free and confidential.
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.