Responsible Gaming
Online casino games and sports betting should be fun and provide entertainment. However, for certain people, it can become addictive and cause personal problems. The good news is that many online gambling sites have tools to help keep you in control. We will explain each tool in more detail and provide links to all the responsible gambling tools available in Canada.
Responsible Gambling Tools
These are the most common tools that are available at online casinos and sports betting sites:
- Deposit Limits
- Session Limits
- Account History
- Self-Evaluation
- Self-Exclusion
Here is some more information about each tool in more detail:
Responsible Gambling and Deposit Limits
You can set a limit on how much you can deposit per day. The highest limits are usually around $200-$5000 per day. You also have the option to set different deposit limits during a certain period of time. For example, you can set hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly deposit limits.
Session Limits
You can set a time limit of how long you can play before a reminder pops up on your screen to remind you to stop playing.
This is beneficial for new online gamblers who want a reminder not to spend too much time on gambling, or those with problem gambling habits where they might get carried away in the heat of the moment.
Account History
This allows you to keep track of any wins and losses, so you can see when to take a break, or how much money you have saved up. It is also important as it will show you exactly how much money you are winning and losing.
Responsible Gambling and Self-Evaluation
This tool is made up of a set of questions that you should answer truthfully. The questions help to determine how much risk you are comfortable with. The questionnaire also helps you to determine whether you have a gambling problem.
Here are some of the common questions included in the self-evaluation form:
- How often do you gamble?
- Do you gamble when you haven’t planned to?
- How do you react when you lose?
- Have you ever put off seeing family or friends to gamble instead?
- Do you keep how much you have lost from family or friends secret?
- Do you ever chase losses? If you have any concerns about your gambling activity, we recommend you think through these questions and seek professional help.
Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion is an option if you need to take a break from online gambling. This tool allows you to close your account for a certain amount of time which can range from between 6 months to 5 years. In some cases at certain gambling sites, if a player self-excludes, it will be for life.
What happens if you have a problem?
If you want help with your gambling, or have questions, there are several options available in Canada.
The Responsible Gambling Council
RGC, the Responsible Gambling Council is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to problem gambling prevention. The RGC is dedicated to reducing gambling risks through innovation, awareness and improved safeguards. You can visit their website here: https://www.responsiblegambling.org.
Phone: +1 (416) 499-9800
Fax: +1 (416) 499-8260
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health provides educational and self-help resources for those who want to get back in control, and the people who want to assist them with that.
Visit their website here: https://www.problemgambling.ca/gambling-help/gambling-information/default.aspx.
Contact them here:
(416) 535-8501, press 2
YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program
The YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program is a free service offering educational, preventive programs to raise awareness of the risks of gambling and promote healthy, active lifestyles for young people.
Visit their website here: https://ymcagta.org/youth-programs/youth-gambling-awareness-program.
Gamtalk
It is a free online supportive community that helps people with gambling problems share their experiences and support each other. GamTalk features chatrooms and forums for those experiencing problems with gambling to connect with one another.
Visit their website here: https://www.gamtalk.org/
ConnexOntario
ConnexOntario is a specific service in Ontario that supports people with a wide range of mental health issues and addictions including problem gambling. They offer a wide range of services and connect people with experts and specialized service providers that can further assist them.
Visit their website: https://www.connexontario.ca/
Telephone: 1-866-531-2600
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