Responsible Gaming
Gambling Is Entertainment, Not a Way to Earn Money
Gambling should always be treated as a form of entertainment—never as a way to make money, pay debts, or solve financial problems. The outcome of casino games is based on chance, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Please set a budget you can afford to lose, stick to it, and never chase losses. If gambling stops being fun, it’s time to step back.
Age Verification
You must be of legal gambling age to participate in any casino activity. In Canada, the legal age varies by province and territory: it is 18 years old in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, and 19 years old in all other provinces and territories. Always verify your local age requirement before playing. Underage gambling is illegal and harmful.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you care about, please seek help:
- Chasing losses — returning to try to win back money you’ve lost
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about time and money spent
- Gambling with money needed for bills, rent, or essentials
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- Neglecting work, school, family, or social obligations due to gambling
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to control or stop gambling
- Gambling larger amounts of money to feel the same level of excitement
- Feeling guilty, ashamed, or hopeless after gambling
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online casinos and gaming platforms offer tools to help you stay in control. Use these features proactively:
- Deposit limits — cap how much money you can add to your account daily, weekly, or monthly
- Loss limits — set a maximum amount you are willing to lose over a given period
- Reality checks — receive on-screen reminders of how long you have been playing
- Time-out periods — take a short break from gambling (e.g., 24 hours to 6 weeks)
- Self-exclusion — block yourself from accessing gambling services for a longer period (months or years)
- Session time limits — restrict the duration of each gambling session
- Account closure — close your account permanently if you need to stop entirely
Use these tools before gambling becomes a problem. If you find it hard to stick to limits, consider self-excluding and seeking professional support.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know needs help, contact a responsible gambling support service in your country. All services listed below are free, confidential, and staffed by trained professionals.
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council
- United Kingdom: GamCare and GamStop
- Australia: Gambling Help Online
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
- Other countries: Please refer to your local national responsible gambling authority or problem gambling helpline.
Call to Action
If you are concerned about your own gambling or the gambling of someone close to you, do not wait. Problem gambling is a serious condition, but help is available and recovery is possible. Reach out to a support organization today. Speaking with a professional can make a meaningful difference. Take the first step now.