Responsible Gaming

Gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The odds are always in favour of the house, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Treat any money spent on gambling as the cost of entertainment, and never gamble more than you can afford to lose.

Age Verification

You must be at least 18 years of age, or the legal age for gambling in your province or territory, to participate in any gambling activity. In Canada, the legal gambling age is 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, and 19 in British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and most other provinces and territories. It is illegal for minors to gamble, and operators are required to verify your age and identity.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. Here are some common warning signs to watch for:

• Chasing losses – trying to win back money you have lost by gambling more.
• Hiding your gambling activity from family or friends.
• Spending more time or money on gambling than you intended.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble.
• Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities because of gambling.
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
• Lying about how much you gamble or the amount you have lost.
• Using gambling as a way to escape from stress, anxiety, or depression.

Self-Help Tools

Many online casinos and provincial gambling platforms offer tools to help you stay in control:

• Deposit limits – set a maximum amount you can deposit over a day, week, or month.
• Loss limits – cap how much you can lose in a given period.
• Reality checks – receive notifications about how long you have been playing.
• Self-exclusion – block yourself from gambling sites for a set period, from months to permanent exclusion.

Use these tools proactively, even if you do not think you have a problem. They are designed to help you keep gambling fun and within your means.

Support Organizations

If you or someone you know needs help, the following organizations provide confidential support and resources:

• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) – provides information, tools, and help for Canadians.
• UK: GamCare and GamStop – support and self-exclusion services for UK residents.
• Australia: Gambling Help Online – free, confidential support for Australians.
• US: National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) – helpline and resources for US residents.
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – information and support for gambling problems in Germany.
• Other countries: Please refer to your local national gambling support organization for the most relevant help in your region.

Get Help

If you recognise any warning signs in yourself or a loved one, please seek help. Problem gambling is treatable, and reaching out is a sign of strength,