Responsible Gaming
Gambling 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. It's important to understand that casino games are games of chance, and the house always has a mathematical advantage. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never view it as an investment or income source.
Age Verification
Online gambling in Canada is restricted to individuals who are 18 years of age or older (or the legal age of majority in your province, whichever is higher). It is illegal for anyone under the legal gambling age to participate in online casino activities. If you are under the legal age requirement, you must not access or use gambling services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs, you may be developing a gambling problem. Please seek help immediately:
- ☐ Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- ☐ Gambling with money intended for bills, rent, or essential expenses
- ☐ Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- ☐ Spending increasing amounts of time and money on gambling
- ☐ Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to cut back or quit
- ☐ Lying to others about the extent of your gambling
- ☐ Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
- ☐ Unable to control or stop gambling despite wanting to
- ☐ Neglecting work, school, family, or personal relationships due to gambling
- ☐ Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control over your gambling. Take advantage of these features:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose over a given time frame
- Betting Limits: Restrict the maximum wager amount per bet
- Reality Checks: Enable reminders during play sessions to check how long and how much you've been gambling
- Time Limits: Set maximum session durations before automatic log-out
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing casino accounts
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if needed
Support Organizations & Resources in Canada
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available. Contact these trusted Canadian organizations:
Primary Canadian Resource:
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Responsible Gambling Council (Ontario)
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
A leading Canadian organization providing education, support, and research on responsible gambling
Additional Canadian & North American Resources:
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Gambling Therapy
Website: www.gamblingtherapy.org
Free confidential online support and counselling services -
National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
National Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (available 24/7) -
Gamblers Anonymous
A peer-support fellowship with meetings across Canada
International Resources:
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GamCare (UK)
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk -
GamStop (UK)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk -
Gambling Help Online (Australia)
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Take Action Now
If you believe you have a gambling problem, or if gambling is negatively affecting your life, your relationships, or your finances, reach out for help today. There is no shame in seeking support, and professional resources are available to assist you.
Remember: Help is always available. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can regain control of your life.
If you or someone you know needs immediate support, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling at 1-800-522-4700 or visit the Responsible Gambling Council website.