Responsible Gaming
Entertainment, Not Income
Sports betting should be viewed as entertainment, similar to going to the movies or attending a live event. It should never be considered a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Always bet only what you can afford to lose, and never use money needed for essential expenses like rent, food, or utilities.
Age Verification
Sports betting in Canada is only legal for individuals who are 18 years of age or older (19+ in some provinces). It is your responsibility to comply with all applicable laws in your province or territory. If you are under the legal age in your jurisdiction, you are not permitted to participate in sports betting activities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs in your own behavior, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by betting more money to try to recover what you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activity or lying to friends and family about how much you bet or lose
- Gambling with money intended for bills, rent, or other essential expenses
- Spending more time and money on gambling than you originally planned
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to reduce or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Neglecting work, school, relationships, or hobbies due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to finance gambling activities
- Failed attempts to cut back or control your gambling
- Risking important relationships, education, or career opportunities due to gambling
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable sportsbooks and betting operators offer tools to help you maintain control over your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you will deposit in a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a cap on the total amount you are willing to lose within a given timeframe
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up notifications during your betting sessions to remind you of the time and money spent
- Betting Limits: Restrict the maximum stake you can place on individual bets
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from betting platforms for a set period or permanently
- Account Closure: Permanently close your betting account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gambling habits and prevent problem gambling from developing.
Support Organizations in Canada
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available:
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org — Canada's leading authority on responsible gambling with resources, support, and information
- Gamblers Anonymous: Support group meetings across Canada for people trying to stop gambling
- Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario: Provides assessment, treatment, and support services
- CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health): Offers problem gambling services and referrals across Canada
- Provincial Health Services: Most provinces have dedicated gambling helplines and counseling services
International resources are also available for additional support:
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA): www.ncpgambling.org
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK): www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
If You Need Help
If you recognize that your gambling has become a problem, or if gambling is negatively affecting your life, finances, relationships, or mental health, please reach out for help today. There is no shame in seeking support — many people struggle with problem gambling, and recovery is possible with the right assistance.
Contact the Responsible Gambling Council or your provincial gambling helpline immediately:
Visit www.responsiblegambling.org
Remember: gambling should be fun and within your means. If it isn't, help is available 24/7.