Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Gambling should only be viewed as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the movies or attending a sporting event. It should never be considered a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Always gamble within your means and only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities in Canada. Some provinces may have higher age requirements. It is your responsibility to verify that you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction before engaging in any gambling activities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone else, help is available:
- Constantly thinking about gambling or past gambling experiences
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Repeatedly trying to reduce or stop gambling without success
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Lying to family, friends, or others about the extent of your gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve negative emotions
- Jeopardizing relationships, education, or career opportunities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or using savings to fund gambling activities
- Experiencing anxiety, irritability, or restlessness when trying to cut back
- Hiding gambling activity or keeping it secret from loved ones
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online betting sites offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Establish a maximum amount you're willing to lose over a set period
- Reality Checks: Enable notifications to remind you how long you've been gambling
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling sites
- Account Breaks: Take time away from gambling by pausing your account
- Cooling-Off Periods: Request a mandatory waiting period before reactivating your account
Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gambling habits and stay in control of your gaming experience.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you're struggling with gambling, professional help is available. Reach out to any of these organizations:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org – Canada's leading organization for responsible gambling resources and support
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org – Confidential helpline and resources for problem gambling
United Kingdom
- GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk – Free, confidential support and counseling
- GamStop – www.gamstop.co.uk – National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
Australia
- Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au – Counseling and support services
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Information and support for problem gambling prevention
All of these organizations offer free, confidential support and can help you develop a recovery plan.
If You Need Help, Take Action Today
Problem gambling is a treatable condition. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out for help immediately. There is no shame in seeking support — thousands of Canadians receive help every year and recover successfully.
Contact the Responsible Gambling Council or any of the organizations listed above to speak with a trained professional who can provide confidential assistance.
Remember: Your well-being is more important than any bet. Help is available right now.