Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Sports betting should be enjoyed as entertainment only. It is not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Always bet with money you can afford to lose, and never view gambling as an investment or income source.
Age Verification
In Canada, you must be at least 18 years of age (19 in some provinces) to participate in sports betting. Underage gambling is illegal and harmful. If you are under the legal age for your province, please do not participate in betting activities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following warning signs in your gambling behavior, please seek help:
- Spending more time and money on betting than intended
- Chasing losses by betting more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
- Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression
- Lying about the amount of money spent on betting
- Neglecting work, school, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Experiencing relationship problems because of gambling habits
- Being unable to cut down or stop gambling despite trying
Self-Help Tools and Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable sports betting operators offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to deposit within a specific time period
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose
- Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets
- Time Limits: Set reminders and time restrictions on your betting sessions
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic notifications about your gaming activity
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from betting for a set period or permanently
- Account Closure: Permanently close your betting account
Use these tools proactively to maintain a healthy relationship with sports betting.
Support Organizations — Get Help Now
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, confidential help is available:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council — www.responsiblegambling.org
- Gamblers Anonymous (Canada) — Support meetings and peer support across Canada
- Problem Gambling Services — Most provinces offer free counseling services; contact your provincial health ministry for local resources
International Resources
- GamCare (UK) — www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK) — www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia) — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA) — www.ncpgambling.org
If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Today
Problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible. You are not alone. If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling, reach out to one of the support organizations listed above. Most services are confidential and free.
Remember: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can regain control of your life.