Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

Sports betting should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has an edge, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose and set strict limits before you begin.

Age Verification

Sports betting in Canada is only legal for individuals who are 18 years of age or older (or the applicable legal age in your province or territory). By using any sports betting site, you confirm that you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction.

If you are under the legal gambling age, please do not participate in betting activities. Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss responsible gaming with young people.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop without warning. If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, seek help immediately:

• Chasing losses by betting more money to recover what you've lost
• Betting with money needed for essential expenses (rent, food, bills, medications)
• Hiding your gambling activities or lying about how much you gamble
• Feeling anxious or irritable when you cannot gamble
• Gambling for longer periods than intended
• Neglecting family, work, school, or other responsibilities due to gambling
• Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
• Friends or family expressing concern about your gambling habits
• Experiencing mood swings or depression related to gambling
• Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling

Self-Help Tools and Responsible Gaming Features

Most reputable sports betting sites offer tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you are willing to lose in a given timeframe
• Betting Limits: Cap the size of individual bets you can place
• Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you have been gambling and how much you have wagered
• Time-Out/Cool-Off Periods: Take a break from gambling for a set period (hours, days, or weeks)
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily ban yourself from accessing betting sites for an extended period (typically 6 months to several years)

We strongly encourage you to use these tools proactively, even if you don't currently feel you have a problem.

Support Organizations for Problem Gambling in Canada

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Contact these trusted Canadian and international organizations:

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council
  Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
  Resources and support for problem gambling across Canada

Provincial Resources (Canada)

• Gambling Help Online (National)
  Free, confidential online counselling and support resources
• Gamblers Anonymous
  Free peer support meetings available across Canada

International Organizations

• National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
  Website: www.ncpgambling.org
  Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
• GamCare (United Kingdom)
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  Support and treatment services for problem gambling
• GamStop (United Kingdom)
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
  National self-exclusion scheme
• Gambling Help Online (Australia)
  Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Free counselling and information

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

There is no shame in asking for help. Problem gambling is a recognized condition that affects many Canadians, and support services are available and confidential. Whether you're experiencing problem gambling yourself or concerned about someone else, professional help can make a real difference.

Do not wait. Contact a support organization listed above or speak with your doctor, counselor, or a trusted family member about your concerns.

Remember: Responsible gaming ensures that sports betting remains entertainment, not a source of hardship.