Responsible Gaming
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While most people gamble responsibly, it is important to recognize the risks and stay in control. This page provides essential information, tools, and resources to help you make informed decisions and enjoy gambling safely.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years old, or the legal gambling age in your province or territory, to create an account and place bets. In Canada, the legal age is 19 in most provinces (including British Columbia, Ontario, and New Brunswick) and 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec. Operators are required to verify your age and identity. Underage gambling is illegal and strictly prohibited.
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, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by continuing to gamble to win back money
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about time and money spent
- Spending more money or time gambling than intended
- Neglecting work, school, family, or personal responsibilities
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Attempting to stop or cut back but being unable to do so
- Using gambling as an escape from stress, depression, or other problems
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable betting sites and sportsbooks offer built-in tools to help you manage your gambling. These are free to use and can be activated at any time:
- Deposit limits – set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit
- Loss limits – restrict the amount you are allowed to lose within a set period
- Reality checks – receive pop-up reminders about how long you have been playing
- Time-outs – take a short break from your account (e.g., 24 hours to 6 weeks)
- Self-exclusion – block yourself from gambling for a longer period, often 6 months to 5 years or permanently
- Session limits – cap the duration of a single gambling session
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know needs help, the following organizations provide free, confidential support and resources. For Canadian residents, the Responsible Gambling Council is the primary national resource. Organizations for other regions are also listed for reference.
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- UK: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- UK: GamStop (self-exclusion) – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- US: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
- Other countries: Please contact your local national gambling helpline or problem gambling organization.
Seek Help Now
If you feel that gambling is no longer a source of entertainment and is causing harm in your life, please reach out for support today. Speaking with a trained professional is free, confidential, and can make a real difference. You are not alone, and help is available.