Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
We believe that gambling should only be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. When you gamble, you should only spend money that you can afford to lose. Always set limits and gamble within your means.
Age Verification
In Canada, you must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your province) to participate in any gambling activities. Some provinces have specific age requirements, so please check your local regulations. It is illegal for anyone under the legal age to gamble.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs in your gambling behaviour, you may have a problem:
- Constantly thinking about gambling or past gambling experiences
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel the same excitement
- Repeatedly trying and failing to control, reduce, or stop gambling
- Becoming restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
- Gambling as an escape from problems or to relieve stress
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding or lying about gambling activities to family or friends
- Jeopardizing relationships, education, or employment due to gambling
- Borrowing money or engaging in illegal activity to finance gambling
- Feeling hopeless, depressed, or suicidal due to gambling losses
Self-Help Tools
Most online betting sites offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit over a specific time period
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose
- Time Limits: Set reminders to take breaks during gambling sessions
- Reality Checks: Receive notifications about how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a site for a period of time or permanently
- Account Closure: Temporarily or permanently close your account
Using these tools is free and confidential. We encourage you to use them to help manage your gambling.
Support and Resources for Problem Gambling in Canada
If you are struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please reach out to one of these trusted organizations:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- Gamblers Anonymous Canada – Support meetings and peer support across Canada
- Provincial Helplines: Most provinces offer free, confidential gambling helplines. Contact your provincial health authority for local resources
International Resources
- United Kingdom: GamCare (www.gamcare.org.uk) and GamStop (www.gamstop.co.uk)
- Australia: Gambling Help Online (www.gamblinghelponline.org.au)
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling (www.ncpgambling.org)
All of these organizations offer free, confidential support and are staffed by trained counselors who understand problem gambling.
If You Need Help
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but recovery is possible with the right support. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please seek help today. There is no shame in asking for assistance.
Contact the Responsible Gambling Council or your local provincial helpline for confidential support and treatment options.
Your health and wellbeing matter. Help is available.