Responsible Gambling

Our commitment

Betting Sites CA helps people in Canada compare sports betting sites, and we want that choice to be an informed and safe one. We treat betting as entertainment with a real risk of loss, never as a way to earn money. That is why we look at player-protection features when we review betting sites, and why we keep this page one click away from every guide.

We are a guide, not a betting operator. We cannot set limits on your betting account, but we can show you which tools exist and where to find help.

Safer betting habits

• Set a budget before you play. Only use money you can afford to lose, never money needed for rent, bills or food.
• Set a time limit and take regular breaks.
• Do not chase losses. Losing streaks are part of betting, and trying to win money back usually makes things worse.
• Never borrow to gamble or use credit you cannot repay.
• Avoid betting when upset, stressed or after drinking.
• Read bonus terms carefully. Wagering requirements, minimum odds and expiry dates can turn a bonus into pressure to keep playing.
• Remember that no system guarantees profit. Every bet can lose.

Recognising problem gambling

Gambling may be becoming a problem if you:

• spend more money or time on betting than you planned;
• find it hard to stop, or feel restless or irritable when you try to cut down;
• chase losses or bet larger amounts to feel the same excitement;
• borrow money, sell belongings or hide your betting from family and friends;
• bet to escape stress, low mood or worries;
• notice betting affecting your work, studies, health or relationships.

If several of these sound familiar, please talk to someone. It is never too early to ask for support.

Tools offered by licensed betting sites

Regulated betting operators in Canada provide tools to help you stay in control. Look for them in the “Responsible Gambling” or “Safer Gambling” section of your account settings, or ask the operator’s support team to set them for you:

• Deposit limits on how much you can add per day, week or month;
• Loss limits and wager limits on how much you can lose or stake;
• Session time limits and reality-check reminders;
• Time-out (cooling-off) periods, from a day to several weeks;
• Self-exclusion, which blocks access for a chosen period;
• Account closure and activity statements so you can see what you have spent.

Before you register with any operator, check which of these tools it offers. It is easiest to set limits before you make your first deposit.

Self-exclusion

Self-exclusion lets you ask to be blocked from betting for a period you choose. During that period, the operator must stop you from playing and stop marketing to you. Take it seriously: it is a binding commitment for the term you select, and it works best together with support from a counsellor or someone you trust.

• Ontario: BetGuard is a free, centralised self-exclusion tool from iGaming Ontario. Anyone aged 19 or older can opt out of all regulated online gambling sites in Ontario in a few minutes, without needing a player account, for 6 months, 1 year, 5 years or a custom term. BetGuard customer care: 1-833-776-7171.
• Alberta: licensed sites in Alberta, including PlayAlberta, offer self-exclusion, and Alberta also runs a centralised system across its licensed sites.
• Other provinces: the provincial operator, such as PlayNow, Espacejeux or Atlantic Lottery, offers self-exclusion. Contact it directly or use the responsible gambling section of your account.
• Unlicensed sites: self-exclusion schemes do not cover sites that are not regulated in Canada. Blocking software (see below) can help.

Preventing underage gambling

Betting is strictly for adults: 19 or older in most provinces and territories, and 18 or older in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec. Licensed operators must verify your age before you can play. To keep young people safe:

• keep phones, tablets and computers locked, and never share betting account details;
• use parental-control and blocking software such as Gamban, GamBlock or Net Nanny;
• talk openly with young people about gambling. The Responsible Gambling Council has free guidance for parents and caregivers.

Where to get help in Canada

Every service below is free and confidential. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Self-assessment

An honest check-in can help. Ask yourself: Am I betting more than I planned? Do I feel anxious when I cannot bet? Have I hidden my betting from people close to me? The Responsible Gambling Council offers a free self-assessment quiz that takes a few minutes and is private.

If someone close to you is gambling

Gambling problems affect families and friends too. Approach the person without blame, listen, and encourage them to contact a helpline. You can also seek support for yourself. Most of the services above welcome calls from concerned family members.

How we can help

Write to us at [email protected] if you would like to unsubscribe from our emails right away, or if you see anything on the Website that you think is misleading or irresponsible. You can also use our Contact Us page or call +1 (416) 555-0148 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET). We will treat your message with care and without judgement.