Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At whatsyourrescueplan.ca, we believe that online betting should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only — never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Gambling outcomes are based on chance, and the house always has a mathematical advantage. Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Requirements
In Canada, you must be 18 years of age or older (19+ in some provinces) to participate in gambling activities. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and require all users to verify their age before accessing betting services. If you are under the legal age in your province, please do not attempt to gamble.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognize any of the following behaviours in yourself or someone you know? This checklist can help you identify problematic gambling patterns:
- Chasing Losses: Continuing to gamble to recover money you've lost
- Hiding Gambling Activity: Concealing gambling from family, friends, or financial advisors
- Loss of Control: Being unable to stop gambling or limit your bets
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations due to gambling
- Borrowing Money: Taking loans or using credit to fund gambling activities
- Gambling to Escape: Using gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression
- Increased Time and Money: Gradually spending more time and money on gambling
- Failed Attempts to Quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Feeling irritable or anxious when not gambling
- Relationship Conflict: Arguments with loved ones about your gambling
If you've checked even one of these boxes, it may be time to seek support.
Self-Help Tools & Features
Many reputable betting sites offer built-in tools to help you maintain control over your gambling. These may include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose over a day, week, or month
- Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to prevent extended gambling sessions
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling accounts for a set period or permanently
- Account Closure: Permanently close your gambling account if needed
We encourage you to use these tools proactively as part of your responsible gaming strategy.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Here are trusted organizations that provide confidential support:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council — www.responsiblegambling.org
Provides resources, tools, and information for problem gambling in Canada. - Gamblers Anonymous Canada — Free peer support meetings across Canada for those struggling with gambling addiction.
- Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario (PGIO) — Offers counselling and treatment services for Ontario residents.
North America
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA) — www.ncpgambling.org
Operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (available 24/7).
International Resources
- GamCare (UK) — www.gamcare.org.uk
Provides counselling and support for problem gambling in the United Kingdom. - GamStop (UK Self-Exclusion) — www.gamstop.co.uk
A national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in the UK. - Gambling Help Online (Australia) — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free counselling and support for problem gambling in Australia.
All of these organizations offer confidential, non-judgmental support. There is no shame in reaching out for help.
Take Action Today
If you believe you have a gambling problem or are concerned about your gambling habits, please reach out for help immediately. The sooner you seek support, the sooner you can begin your recovery.
You are not alone. Thousands of Canadians have successfully addressed problem gambling with professional support. Recovery is possible.
Contact the Responsible Gambling Council or your provincial helpline today — it's free, confidential, and available to help you.