Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At ccocr.org, we believe that gambling should only be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting sites and casino games are designed with a house edge, meaning the odds always favor the operator over time. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never view it as an investment or income source.
Age Verification
In Canada, you must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal age in your province if higher) to participate in gambling activities. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction before using any betting site. If you are underage, please do not attempt to access gambling platforms.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Be aware of these common warning signs that gambling may be becoming a problem:
- Chasing Losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding Gambling Activity: Keeping your gambling secret from family, friends, or partners
- Loss of Control: Inability to stop gambling or stick to set limits
- Increasing Bets: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Gambling affecting work, school, or family obligations
- Borrowing Money: Using credit, loans, or borrowed funds to gamble
- Emotional Dependence: Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression
- Failed Attempts to Quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
- Financial Problems: Experiencing debt, unpaid bills, or depleted savings due to gambling
If you recognize any of these signs in your own behavior, it may be time to seek help.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable betting sites offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the maximum amount you're willing to lose during a session or time period
- Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets you can place
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders of how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to prevent extended gambling sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a betting site for a set period or permanently
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
Take advantage of these features—they are designed to help you gamble responsibly.
Canadian & International Support Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available. Here are trusted organizations:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org — Information, resources, and support for problem gambling in Canada
- Gamblers Anonymous Canada: Free peer support meetings across Canada for people with gambling problems
- Provincial Helplines: Contact your provincial health ministry for local problem gambling services and hotlines
International Organizations
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk — Free confidential support for gambling problems
- GamStop (UK): www.gamstop.co.uk — National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au — Counseling and support services
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA): www.ncpgambling.org — Resources and helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
If You Need Help
Problem gambling is a treatable condition. If you believe you have a gambling problem, reach out for help today. Speaking with a counselor or support group can make a real difference. There is no shame in asking for help—many people have successfully recovered from problem gambling with proper support.
Remember: You are in control. Use the tools available to you, set limits, and seek support when needed. Gambling should enhance your entertainment experience, never harm your financial security or wellbeing.