Responsible Gambling
Online gambling is supposed to be a fun and exciting adventure, but for some people, that’s not always the case. Gambling can become a serious problem if you are not careful.
We have compiled all the information that you need in order to stay gamble aware – including protective measures, tools and help organizations.
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Responsible gambling means to take the necessary steps to ensure your gambling activities are done in a way that minimises the risk of potential gambling problems.
Responsible gambling guidelines are enforced by several gambling regulators like Malta Gaming Authority and the United Gambling Commission to ensure that the licensed online casino is fair, transparent and compliant. This includes responsible gambling resources, tools and gambling limitations to protect the player of harms way.
At Playcasinos.ca, we only list offers from licensed online casinos, as per our rating guidelines, to promote a safe and responsible gambling experience.
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What is responsible gaming?
Responsible gaming covers the efforts by an online gambling site to protect players and encourage safe gambling habits
All licensed and reputable operators are legally required to implement measures that promote responsible gambling. These include limits on deposits, bets and session times, as well as the option for players to self-exclude and freeze their casino account for a period of time.
It also extends to the protection of minors and underage persons from being exposed to gambling activity.
Important: Underage gambling is illegal and both operators and legal guardians may be held liable for it. Check the legal gambling age in your province to make sure your gambling is not breaking the law.
| Province | Legal Age |
|---|---|
| Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec | 18 years |
| British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan | 19 years |
How can the online casino help the player?
Online casinos are responsible to take measures to protect players from falling victim to gambling problems. These include:
- Time outs – The casino will temporarily block you from entering the casino site to prevent long gambling sessions without breaks.
- Session limits – Sets a limit of time you can stay logged into a casino site at a given gambling session.
- Deposit limits – Limits the amount of money you are allowed to deposit or wager at a given time frame.
- Self-exclusion – Gives you the option to temporarily or permanently shut down your casino account. The account can be re-opened after the self-exclusion period by contacting the casino’s customer support.
How can I become more gamble aware?
Even though online casinos are legally required to implement measures that promote responsible gambling, it does not remove the responsibility of the player to become more gamble aware.
Adopt the following habits today to maintain a safer gambling experience:
- Maintain a budget: dedicate a set amount of money each month that you can safely lose without being in harms way for yourself or others. Do not spend more than you can afford to lose.
- Monitor your spending history: Do regular check-ins to make sure your gambling habits are aligned with your budget. Your spending history can be found in your account at the casino site.
- Be transparent: Communicate with people close to you about your gambling habits.
- Be honest: How do you feel before, during and after you gamble? Be honest with yourself and consider creating a gamble diary to monitor your wellbeing to detect negative patterns early.
- Play for fun: Gambling should be treated as a fun activity you do once in a while, and not a daily occurrence. Gambling is not a reliable way of making money and should never be treated as such.
What are the signs of gambling addiction?
Signs of gambling problems or gambling addiction include:
- Lying about your gambling habits to friends and family
- Chasing losses and trying to win back lost money
- Borrowing money in order to be able to keep playing
- Being unable to stop thinking about gambling
- Being unable to fight the urge to play
- Committing crimes to be able to carry on gambling
- Neglecting important aspects of your life to focus on gambling
How bad can gambling addiction get?
When you’re in the grip of a gambling addiction, everything becomes secondary to fulfilling your gambling needs. This can lead to terrible consequences, including:
- Alienating and losing family and friends
- Missing important relationship milestones
- Losing large sums of money
- Incurring enormous debts
- Going bankrupt
- Losing your job
- Losing your home
- Ending up in prison for crimes you committed to be able to keep on gambling (such as theft or fraud)
Where can I get help for gambling addiction?
The following organizations offer help and support for those experiencing some form of gambling problem.
Canada Safety Council
What they do: Provide more detailed information on gambling addiction, how to avoid it as well as a list of trusted helplines you can contact for help and support.
Contact info: https://canadasafetycouncil.org/gambling-addiction/
Canadian Centre for Addictions
What they do: List the warning signs to recognize gambling addiction as well as the various methods used to treat it. They also provide free screenings and assessments by qualified addiction counselors.
Contact info: https://canadiancentreforaddictions.org/
Responsible Gambling Council
What they do: Provide a list of groups which provide treatment services for gambling addiction in each province.
Contact info: https://www.responsiblegambling.org/for-the-public/problem-gambling-help/find-a-treatment-centre/
ConnexOntario
What they do: This organization offers free services to Ontario residents suffering from mental health issues and addiction.
Contact info: https://www.connexontario.ca/en-ca/
Gamtalk
What they do: Gamtalk’s platform provides 3 channels for people with gambling addiction to share their struggles and successes, in addition to a list of a list of treatment centers in your region.
Contact info: https://www.gamtalk.org/
Further Measures
You can also opt to block gambling transactions on your bank account. You would need to contact your local bank to determine if this is an available feature and if so, request them to set it up.
To limit temptation, you can also block gambling-related adds on Youtube or Facebook. Simply go to the corresponding platform, reach the ad personalization section, and untick the corresponding boxes.
Gambling helplines in Canada
Gambling should be fun, safe and responsible. At the same time, we’re aware that gambling addiction is a real and dangerous condition. If your gambling habits have become a burden for you or the people around you, help is available.
| Helpline | Phone number |
|---|---|
| Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission Helpline | 1-866-332-2322 |
| British Columbia Problem Gambling Information and Referral Service | 1-888-795-6111 |
| Manitoba Gambling Helpline | 1-800-463-1554 |
| New Brunswick Problem Gamblers Hotline | 1-800-461-1234 |
| Nova Scotia Toll-Free Gambling Helpline | 1-888-347-8888 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador Helpline | 1-888-899-4357 |
| Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Helpline | 1-800-265-3333 |
| Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-888-230-3505 |
| Prince Edward Island Gambling Support line | 1-855-255-4255 |
| Québec – Gambling Help and Referral | (514) 527-0140 Montreal and surrounding area 1-800-461-0140 and 1-866-767-5389 throughout province |
| Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-800-306-6789 |
Sources:
Questions about responsible gambling
Can I take a break from gambling?
Yes. Gambling should only be considered a source of entertainment and never be stressful or affect your personal or professional life.
If this begins to happen, then it may be a warning sign that you need to take a break from gambling. You can do this by setting a cooling-off period, which will freeze your account for anywhere from 1 to 30 days, during which time you will not receive any promotions either. Another option is self-exclusion which allows players to shut down their account for longer periods of time, generally 6 months to a year or even permanently.
Can I limit my deposits?
Absolutely. Most reputable online casinos provide the option to cap the amount of cash you deposit into your account as well as setting other limits too, such as how much you wager and the length of your gaming session.
This is a great way to help you set a budget and maintain better control over the amount you spend on online gaming.
Can I block my bank account from gambling?
Yes! You can block both our bank account and your debit card from gambling activities by contacting your bank or debit card provider.
What is Self-Exclusion?
Self-exclusion is the last option available to players when they feel they are no longer in control, it essentially blocks them from the casino site. When set up it means players will be refused service at the online casino from which they have self excluded usually for 3-6 months. However, permanent self-exclusions can also be set up.
What is bad about gambling?
There’s nothing wrong with gambling when done for fun and in moderation, but it needs to remain under control. It can quickly turn into a problem when it starts taking over your life.
Is gambling considered a mental illness?
Not exclusively. Compulsive gambling is considered to be an addictive disorder if it meets certain criteria. According to the Mayo Clinic, people who gamble compulsively often have substance abuse problems, personality disorders, depression or anxiety. The problems brought about by gambling addiction can only serve to exacerbate or make these existing conditions worse.
What can I do to prevent problem gambling?
If you believe that you have a gambling addiction, here are some ways that you can help yourself.
- Develop better coping mechanisms. Many people become compulsive gamblers in an unhealthy attempt to manage other underlying problems in their lives. Healthier ways of managing this include exercise, practising relaxation techniques and taking up new hobbies.
- Make sure you have a strong support network. In order to quit gambling, you need to have the support of friends and family, who will be there for you and help you stick to your decision. Find out if there is a Gamblers Anonymous group close to where you live, and reach out to people going through a similar experience.
- Focus on your mental health. Gambling problems can be triggered or worsened by depression, stress, substance abuse, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Getting a handle on these problems will make it easier to shake a gambling addiction.
- Seek help for your financial issues. Many people end up in the throes of gambling addiction whilst trying to shake off their debts. The odds are always stacked against you so it’s far better to seek help with debts from a credit counselor instead.
- Block the ads – If you’re trying to avoid gambling then install Gamblock, PlayScan) on PCs or mobiles. This way you won’t be tempted by advertising and offers.
How can I keep gambling a fun activity?
Only spend what you can afford to lose or opt for free alternatives like free online slots or free blackjack without spending real money.
How many people in Canada have a Gambling Problem?
Recent studies estimate that up to 3% of Canadians suffer from a gambling problem – roughly as many people as those who suffer from alcoholism. This includes both gambling online and going to land based casinos.
How much money do Canadians spend on gambling?
Studies estimate that the average household in Canada spends around $1,272 each year on gambling. This breaks down to around $100 each month.
How much money is the Gambling industry worth in Canada?
In Canada, the gambling industry generates $12.4 billion a year.