Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Way to Make Money
Sports betting and online gambling should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. It is important to understand that gambling involves risk, and the odds always favor the house. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and do not view gambling as a way to earn income or solve financial problems.
Please set limits on how much time and money you spend on gambling activities, and stick to them.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age to participate in sports betting and online gambling in Canada. In some provinces, the legal age may be higher. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet all local legal requirements before engaging in any gambling activity.
We do not permit minors to use our affiliate services or access gambling websites through our recommendations.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, problem gambling may be developing:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Gambling with increasingly larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Lying to family, friends, or others about the extent of your gambling
- Neglecting family, work, school, or other important responsibilities
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or negative emotions
- Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to reduce or stop gambling
- Repeatedly attempting unsuccessfully to control or quit gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling activities
- Jeopardizing relationships, employment, or educational opportunities
- Experiencing financial hardship due to gambling losses
If you experience any of these warning signs, seek professional help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gambling Features
Most reputable sports betting and online gambling platforms offer built-in tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Establish a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a set timeframe
- Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets you can place
- Time Limits: Set reminders or automatic session timeouts to limit your time gambling
- Reality Checks: Enable notifications during play to remind you of elapsed time and money spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling platforms
- Account Closure: Close your account if you feel you cannot control your gambling
Use these tools proactively to help manage your gambling responsibly.
Support Organizations for Problem Gambling
If you need help, support is available. The following organizations provide confidential assistance:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org — Resources, counseling referrals, and support for problem gambling in Canada
- Gambling Awareness for Youth: Information and support specifically for young people affected by gambling
- Provincial Helplines: Most Canadian provinces offer free, confidential gambling support hotlines. Contact your provincial health authority for local resources
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): www.ncpgambling.org — Free, confidential helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (24/7)
United Kingdom
- GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk — Counseling and support for problem gambling
- GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk — National self-exclusion scheme for UK gambling sites
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au — Free counseling and support services for problem gambling
International Resources
- Gamblers Anonymous: A worldwide peer-support organization with local chapters offering free meetings
- Alcoholics Anonymous / Narcotics Anonymous: Many AA/NA meetings address gambling addiction as a behavioral compulsion
If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Today
Problem gambling is a recognized mental health condition that affects individuals and families. Help is available, and recovery is possible.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out to one of the support organizations listed above. Speaking with a counselor or therapist can provide valuable strategies and emotional support.
Remember: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The sooner you seek assistance, the sooner you can regain control and improve your wellbeing.
Contact Responsible Gambling Council or call your provincial gambling helpline today.