Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
Online gambling is intended as a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Always play responsibly, set limits, and never wager more than you can afford to lose. The outcome of all casino games is based on chance, and no strategy can guarantee winnings.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal age for gambling in your province or territory — in Manitoba the legal age is 18) to access online casino services. Operators are required to verify your age and identity. Underage gambling is illegal and can lead to serious consequences. If you are underage or suspect someone underage is gambling, report it immediately.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone. Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer “yes” to several, it may be time to seek help:
- Do you chase your losses, trying to win back money you have lost?
- Do you hide your gambling activity from family, friends, or colleagues?
- Do you spend more money or time gambling than you intended?
- Have you neglected work, school, or family responsibilities because of gambling?
- Have you borrowed money, sold possessions, or committed illegal acts to fund your gambling?
- Do you lie about how much you gamble or how much you have lost?
- Do you feel guilty, anxious, or depressed after gambling?
- Have you tried to stop or cut back but found yourself unable to?
- Do you gamble to escape from problems or relieve stress?
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online casinos offer a range of responsible gaming tools. You should use them proactively:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month.
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount of money you can lose over a specific period.
- Wager Limits: Limit the total amount you can wager during a session or timeframe.
- Session Time Limits: Set a maximum duration for each gambling session.
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.
- Cooling-Off Periods: Temporarily suspend your account for a set period (e.g., 24 hours to 6 months).
- Self-Exclusion: Exclude yourself from all gambling services for a longer term (6 months to 5 years or permanently).
Support Organizations by Region
If you need confidential help or advice, contact the appropriate organisation for your location:
- United Kingdom: GamCare – 0808 8020 133
GamStop – National online self-exclusion scheme - Australia: Gambling Help Online – 1800 858 858
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) – Information and resources; provincial helplines also available (e.g., Manitoba Addictions Helpline 1-855-662-6605)
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – 1-800-522-4700
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Information and counselling on gambling addiction
- Other Countries: Please contact your national problem gambling helpline or local health authority for the most relevant support.
Seek Help Today
If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with gambling, do not wait. Reach out to a support organisation listed above. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in many regions. Remember: the first step to recovery is asking for help. You are not alone.