Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Sports betting should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The outcome of sports events is unpredictable, and there is always a risk of losing money. Please bet only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
Sports betting is only available to individuals who are 18 years of age or older in Canada. If you are under the legal gambling age in your province or territory, please do not participate in sports betting activities. It is your responsibility to comply with local laws and regulations.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs in your gambling behavior, you may be developing a problem:
- Chasing Losses: Continuing to gamble to recover money you have lost
- Hiding Gambling: Concealing your betting activities from family or friends
- Spending More Than Planned: Repeatedly betting more money or for longer periods than intended
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Gambling instead of attending to work, school, or family obligations
- Borrowing Money: Taking loans or using credit to fund gambling activities
- Mood Changes: Becoming irritable or anxious when unable to gamble
- Escalating Bets: Needing to bet larger amounts to achieve the same level of excitement
- Failed Attempts to Stop: Repeatedly trying and failing to cut back or quit gambling
- Relationship Conflicts: Experiencing problems with loved ones due to gambling
Self-Help Tools & Player Protection
Most responsible sportsbooks offer tools to help you maintain control over your gambling. Consider using these features:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Establish a maximum amount you are willing to lose before stopping
- Betting Limits: Restrict the maximum size of individual bets
- Reality Checks: Enable notifications to remind you of how long you have been gambling and how much you have wagered
- Time-Out (Cool-Off Period): Take a temporary break from your account for a period you specify (typically hours or days)
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently close your account and exclude yourself from all sports betting platforms for an extended period
These tools are available through your sportsbook account settings. Use them proactively to maintain responsible gambling habits.
Support Resources for Problem Gambling in Canada
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organizations provide confidential support:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Information, resources, and referrals for problem gambling in Canada - Gamblers Anonymous Canada
A peer-support fellowship offering free meetings across Canada for people seeking recovery from problem gambling - Provincial Problem Gambling Helplines:
Most provinces offer free, confidential helplines. Contact your provincial health authority or visit the Responsible Gambling Council website for local resources.
International Resources
- United Kingdom - GamCare
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Free, confidential support for problem gambling in the UK and online - United Kingdom - GamStop
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in the UK - Australia - Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free counseling and support services for Australians - United States - National Council on Problem Gambling
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (confidential and free)
Take Action Today
If you suspect you have a problem with gambling, reach out for help immediately. Problem gambling is a treatable condition, and support is available. There is no shame in asking for assistance.
- Contact the Responsible Gambling Council to find local resources in your province
- Speak with a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional
- Use self-exclusion and account management tools available through your sportsbook
- Set strict limits on your deposits, losses, and time spent gambling
Your well-being is important. Gambling should be fun—if it's causing stress or financial hardship, it's time to seek help.