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 gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to understand that the house always has a mathematical advantage. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble more than you would spend on other forms of entertainment.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal age in your province, whichever is higher) to participate in online gaming in Canada. It is illegal for anyone under the legal gaming age to gamble. If you are under 18, please do not use gaming sites. If you are a parent or guardian concerned about a young person's gaming habits, seek professional support immediately.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be aware of these warning signs:
- Chasing Losses: Trying to recover lost money by gambling more
- Hiding Gambling: Concealing the extent of your gaming from family or friends
- Loss of Control: Gambling longer or with more money than intended
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Prioritizing gaming over work, school, or family obligations
- Gambling with Borrowed Money: Using credit cards, loans, or borrowed funds to gamble
- Mood Changes: Experiencing irritability, anxiety, or depression when not gambling
- Escalating Bets: Needing to gamble with increasing amounts for the same excitement
- Failed Attempts to Stop: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or quit gaming
- Using Gaming to Escape: Gambling to relieve stress, anxiety, or sadness
- Relationship Problems: Conflicts with loved ones about your gaming habits
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Features
Most reputable online casinos offer responsible gaming tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Establish a maximum amount you're willing to lose during a session or time period
- Betting Limits: Restrict the maximum bet size per game
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you've been gaming and how much you've spent
- Session Limits: Set a time limit for your gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a casino for a set period (days, months, or years)
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you decide to stop gaming
Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gaming habits.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you're struggling with problem gambling, help is available. These organizations provide free, confidential support:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org — Resources and support for problem gambling in Canada
- Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario: Provides assessment and treatment services
- Gambling Helpline: Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) for immediate support
- Gamblers Anonymous Canada: Free peer support meetings across Canada
International Resources (if needed)
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK): www.gamstop.co.uk — Multi-operator self-exclusion scheme
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- National Council on Problem Gambling (US): www.ncpgambling.org
All support services are confidential and free to use.
Need Help?
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out for help today. There is no shame in seeking support — problem gambling is a recognized condition with effective treatments. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can start your recovery.
Contact the Responsible Gambling Council or call 1-800-GAMBLER now. Help is just a phone call, text, or click away.