Responsible Gaming
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The odds are designed to favor the house in the long run, and chasing losses can lead to serious financial and personal harm. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and set clear limits before you start.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years old to gamble in most Canadian jurisdictions, though some provinces and territories set the legal age at 19 (e.g., British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and others). Always verify the local legal age in your province or territory before participating. Underage gambling is illegal and can lead to long-term consequences. We encourage parents and guardians to use parental control tools to prevent access to gambling sites.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you care about, it may indicate a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses – gambling to try to win back money you have lost
- Hiding gambling activity from family or friends
- Gambling with money meant for essentials like rent, bills, or food
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Gambling to escape from stress, anxiety, or depression
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or control gambling
- Feeling guilty or ashamed after gambling sessions
Self-Help Tools
Many online casinos and prepaid card betting sites offer built-in tools to help you stay in control. These tools are often available in the “Responsible Gaming” section of your account settings:
- Deposit Limits – Set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month.
- Loss Limits – Cap the amount you are willing to lose over a defined period.
- Reality Checks – Receive pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing and your wins/losses.
- Time Limits / Session Limits – Restrict the length of each gambling session.
- Self-Exclusion – Temporarily or permanently block yourself from accessing your account or the site for a chosen period (e.g., 24 hours, 6 months, 5 years, or lifetime).
Additionally, consider using third-party blocking software such as Gamban, BetBlocker, or GamBlock to restrict access to gambling websites across your devices.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out to a professional support service in your country or region. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in many cases.
- United Kingdom – GamCare (phone: 0808 8020 133) and GamStop (free self-exclusion scheme).
- Australia – Gambling Help Online (phone: 1800 858 858).
- Canada – Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) provides resources and links to provincial helplines, including ConnexOntario (1-866-531-2600) and BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program (1-888-795-6111).
- United States – National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) (call or text 1-800-GAMBLER).
- Germany – Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) offers advice and local helplines at www.spielen-mit-verantwortung.de.
- Other regions – Please consult the most relevant national or local organization, such as Gamblers Anonymous (international), or your country’s government health service for problem gambling support.
Get Help Now
Problem gambling is a serious condition, but it is treatable. You are not alone. If you recognize any of the warning signs above, or if gambling is causing harm to you or your loved ones, please take action today:
- Contact a support organization listed above.
- Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional.
- Use self-exclusion tools immediately to block your access to gambling sites.
- Consider setting up barriers with your bank or prepaid card provider to prevent gambling transactions.
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your well-being matters more than any bet.