Our Commitment to Safe Play
We’re all about your safety and well-being. Play should be about enjoyment, which is why we prioritize safe play. It’s central to what we aim to do. We want you to feel safe and empowered while gaming in Canada.
Check out the sections below for tools, some advice on managing play, and Canadian resources to get support.
A Guide to Enjoyable Gaming
Enjoyable gaming means thinking of games as fun, not as a means to earn money. It’s all about you being in charge. A key move is to establish limits for both your budget and time before diving in. Only invest money you can stand to part with. This makes it enjoyable. It’s best not to chase after losses; just call it a day instead. The most important part is being aware of how you act. Always choose to play when your head is clear. This keeps the activity a fun part of your free time.
How to Spot a Gambling Problem
At times, betting can change from just a hobby into something more concerning. It’s important to notice some signs that indicate a gambling habit could be a cause for worry.
- A need to recover losses: You find yourself trying to win back lost money by placing even bigger bets, which often leads to a cycle;
- Growing secrecy: You keep your betting activities and how much money you’re spending hidden from those close to you;
- Loss of control: You want to stop or reduce your gambling but struggle to do it without help;
- Constant preoccupation: You find yourself thinking about gambling a lot, planning your next bet, or figuring out ways to get money for it;
- Financial difficulties: You’re borrowing money, selling your belongings, or have trouble covering bills because of gambling losses;
- Using gambling as an escape: You turn to betting to avoid other problems in life or to help cope with anxiety or feelings of depression;
- Strain on relationships: The time and money you devote to gambling lead to conflicts and tension with family and friends.
Your Toolkit for Controlled Play
We hope you enjoy yourself while playing and do so in a responsible way. Most regulated Canadian platforms offer a variety of features to help you keep track of your activities.
- Deposit Limits: You can set how much CAD you’re willing to put into your account on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis;
- Reality Checks: Reminders that pop up during your gaming session (e.g., every 60 minutes) to show how long you’ve been playing;
- Session Limits: Set a maximum time for how long you want to play before you dive in, and the system can log you out once time is up;
- Self-Exclusion: Most provincial regulators (like iGaming Ontario or BCLC) offer voluntary self-exclusion programs that bar you from gaming facilities and sites for specified periods.
Wagering and Your Finances: A Practical Guide
It makes sense to manage your finances carefully when you choose to place bets. Use these tips to ensure the fun continues:
- Set a Clear Budget: Create a budget specifically for entertainment and stick to it without fail;
- Use Only Extra Cash: Betting funds should only come from discretionary income after all essential bills are paid;
- Keep It Separate: Consider using a distinct e-wallet (like Interac or MuchBetter) for betting to avoid mixing it with household money;
- Know When to Stop: Chasing losses is a dangerous trap; accept the loss and walk away.
Protecting Young People and Our Stance on Youth Betting
In Canada, the legal gambling age is either 18 or 19, depending on your province.
| Legal Age | Provinces / Territories |
|---|---|
| 18 | Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec |
| 19 | British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut |
Parents can lower risks by setting parental controls on devices and keeping login information private.
Canadian Gambling Support & Help Resources
If you find it hard to manage your gambling, assistance is accessible across Canada. These groups offer free, confidential help.
National Support Services
- Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)
- Website: responsiblegambling.org
- Phone: 416-499-9800
- Gamblers Anonymous Canada
- Website: gamblersanonymous.org
- Phone (Alberta): 1-855-222-5542
- Phone (Ontario): 226-224-9347
Provincial Help Lines
- Ontario (ConnexOntario): 1-866-531-2600 (Call or Text)
- British Columbia: 1-888-795-6111
- Quebec (Aide aux joueurs): 1-800-461-0140
- Alberta (AHS): 1-866-332-2322
A Parting Reminder
Playing games of chance is all about having a good time. It’s just a way to pass the time. Always keep a handle on what you do and how you manage your money. If you feel you need support, remember that professional, free assistance is out there. Your well-being comes first.