Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

Online casino gaming should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While playing at online casinos can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach gambling with a clear understanding that the house always has an edge, and losing money is always a possibility.

Set a budget you can afford to lose, treat it as an entertainment expense, and never gamble with money intended for essentials like rent, utilities, or groceries.

Age Verification

Online casino gaming in Canada is restricted to individuals who are 18 years of age or older (or the legal gambling age in your province, whichever is higher). Some provinces have higher age requirements.

It is illegal for anyone under the legal gambling age to participate in online casino gaming. If you are under the legal age, please do not use these services.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognize any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:

• Chasing Losses: Continuing to gamble to recover money you've lost
• Hiding Gambling: Keeping your gambling activities secret from family or friends
• Increasing Bets: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
• Failed Attempts to Quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to stop or reduce gambling
• Neglecting Responsibilities: Gambling instead of attending to work, school, family, or financial obligations
• Borrowing to Gamble: Using credit, loans, or borrowed money to fund gambling activities
• Mood Changes: Becoming irritable or anxious when unable to gamble
• Relationship Conflicts: Gambling causing tension with family, friends, or romantic partners
• Financial Problems: Experiencing debt, unpaid bills, or financial hardship due to gambling
• Escape Through Gambling: Using gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional issues

Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features

Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose during a session or period
• Session Time Limits: Set automatic reminders or automatic logout after a certain period of play
• Reality Checks: Enable pop-up notifications during play to remind you of how long and how much you've been playing
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling accounts for a period you choose
• Account Cooling Off: Request a temporary suspension of your account
• Gambling Transaction History: Review detailed records of all your deposits and withdrawals

Use these tools proactively to maintain control and ensure gambling remains a form of entertainment within your budget.

Support Organizations in Canada & Internationally

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Here are trusted resources:

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council (Ontario)
  Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
  A leading resource for problem gambling awareness, prevention, and support in Canada.

International Resources

• National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
  Website: www.ncpgambling.org
  Provides confidential helpline and resources for problem gambling.
• GamCare (United Kingdom)
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  Free and confidential support for problem gamblers and their families.
• 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, confidential counseling and support service.

Get Help Today

If you believe you have a gambling problem or suspect someone you care about does, please reach out for help immediately. There is no shame in seeking support—problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible.

Contact the Responsible Gambling Council or a counselor in your area. Speaking to a professional is a positive first step toward regaining control of your life.