Responsible Gaming

Gambling should always be a form of entertainment — never a way to make money, pay off debts, or solve financial problems. The odds are designed so that the house always has an edge, and over time, losses are inevitable. If you ever feel that gambling is no longer fun, or that it is affecting your life, relationships, or finances, please read the information below and reach out for help. You are not alone.

Age Verification

You must be of legal gambling age to play at any online casino. In Manitoba, the legal age is 18+. In many other Canadian provinces (such as British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec), the legal age is 19+. It is your responsibility to know and follow the law where you live. Underage gambling is illegal and can have serious long-term consequences.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Ask yourself if any of the following apply to you:

• Do you ever chase your losses by gambling more to try to win back money?
• Have you hidden your gambling from family, friends, or colleagues?
• Do you feel restless or irritable when you try to cut down or stop gambling?
• Have you borrowed money, sold possessions, or used money meant for bills or essentials to gamble?
• Do you gamble to escape from stress, anxiety, depression, or other problems?
• Have you lied about the amount of time or money you spend gambling?
• Has gambling caused problems with your relationships, job, or studies?
• Do you gamble more and more to get the same feeling of excitement?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, please consider speaking to a professional or contacting a support organization below. Seeking help is a sign of strength.

Self-Help Tools

Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you stay in control. Use them proactively:

• Deposit limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month.
• Loss limits: Cap how much you can lose over a set period.
• Reality checks: Receive pop-up reminders of how long you have been playing.
• Time-out periods: Take a short break from your account (24 hours to several weeks).
• Self-exclusion: Block yourself from gambling for a longer period (6 months, 1 year, or permanently).

You can find these controls in the “Responsible Gaming” or “My Account” section of most online casino sites.

Support Organizations

Free, confidential help is available in many countries. Contact the organization most relevant to your location:

• Canada (national): Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) — provides prevention, education, and referrals to local resources. For Manitoba-specific support, call the Manitoba Addictions Helpline at 1-855-662-6605 (toll-free).
• United Kingdom: GamCare — helpline, chat, and self-assessment tools. GamStop — free self-exclusion from UK-licensed online gambling sites.
• Australia: Gambling Help Online — 24/7 chat and phone support.
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) — call or text 1-800-522-4700.
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — information and helpline for gambling addiction.
• Other countries: Please search for your national problem gambling helpline or visit the Responsible Gambling Council for international resources.

Get Help Now

If you believe you have a gambling problem — or if you are worried about someone else — please seek help today. You do not have to go through this alone. Speak to a trusted friend or family member, contact one of the organizations above, or call a local helpline. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in many regions. Taking the first step can change your life.