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 online casinos offer exciting games and the possibility of winning, it's important to remember that the odds always favor the house. Play responsibly, set limits, and only wager money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
Online gambling in Canada is only for individuals who are 18 years of age or older (or the legal gambling age in your province, whichever is higher). It is illegal for minors to gamble. If you are under the legal age, please do not participate in any gambling activities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognize any of the following warning signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing Losses: Trying to recover lost money by gambling more
- Hiding Gambling: Being secretive about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Loss of Control: Inability to stop gambling or stick to preset limits
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations due to gambling
- Financial Strain: Borrowing money to gamble or gambling with money meant for bills and essentials
- Emotional Changes: Mood swings, anxiety, or irritability related to gambling
- Tolerance: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Lying About Gambling: Deceiving friends and family about gambling habits
- Relationship Conflicts: Gambling causing arguments with loved ones
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos offer 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: Establish a maximum amount you're willing to lose before you must stop playing
- Time Limits: Set reminders to take breaks during gaming sessions
- Reality Checks: Receive notifications about how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a casino for a set period, ranging from days to years
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gambling habits and stay in control.
Get Help – Support Resources for Canadian Players
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help and support are available. Contact one of these trusted organizations:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
A leading Canadian organization providing resources, support, and research on responsible gambling.
Additional International Resources
- Gamblers Anonymous
A peer-support fellowship available in Canada with meetings and resources for problem gamblers. - National Council on Problem Gambling (US)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Provides information and referrals for problem gambling support. - GamCare (UK)
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Offers free confidential support and resources for problem gambling. - GamStop (UK)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling.
If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact emergency services immediately or reach out to a mental health crisis line in your area.
Take Action Today
If you believe you have a problem with gambling, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The sooner you reach out for support, the sooner you can take control of your situation. Contact the Responsible Gambling Council or any of the organizations listed above—they are here to help, and all services are confidential.
Remember: Gambling should always be fun and entertaining. If it stops being enjoyable or starts causing problems in your life, it's time to get help.