Responsible Gambling in Canada

Tips for Gambling Responsibly

Responsible gambling is the key to maintaining healthy habits and an enjoyable relationship with online and in-person gambling. Follow these practical tips below to keep your gambling under control:

1. View gambling as entertainment, not income. Any form of gambling that you participate in should be considered a form of leisure, and not a way to make money. Generating a stable income through gambling is not possible, and those who try to do this are taking a great risk. By treating gambling as a form of entertainment only, you can enjoy the experience without the pressure of financial expectations. 

2. Set a budget you can afford to lose. Establishing a financial limit prior to gambling, and ensuring that that limit is within your disposable income is extremely important. It is not recommended to use money that is needed for essential expenses, as you will put yourself into financial strain. 

3. Stick to your budget, even if you win. You may be tempted to up the stakes if you are on a winning streak, but this can also bring you into some trouble. It is important to remain disciplined with your spending because you never know when your luck will change.

4. Bet small amounts to prolong game time. Using the money you have deposited wisely is another important step to take. Making smaller bets can stretch your money further, especially if you are a beginner or want to enjoy different games. Once you become comfortable, you can increase your bets, but it is recommended that you always bet low. 

5. Avoid chasing losses. Attempting to recover losses often leads to greater losses. Accepting losses is part of practicing responsible gambling. Make sure you step away when things aren’t going your way. 

6. Take regular breaks. Extended gameplay sessions can lead to stress and impaired judgement. Setting time limits and sticking to them is a great way to improve your decision-making and maintain a healthy perspective. 

7. Assess your emotions before gambling. The mood that you are in when playing can significantly affect your decisions. It is important to avoid gambling when you are stressed, upset or under the influence of substances. 

8. Balance gambling with other activities. To help maintain control over your gambling habits, you should enjoy it as part of a balanced lifestyle. It is encouraged to spend time on hobbies, exercises or social activities to avoid over-indulging in gambling.

9. Use responsible gambling tools. The most trustworthy online platforms in Canada will offer tools like deposit limits, time-out options and self-exclusion programs to protect their players. These features should be taken advantage from day one as a preventative measure. 

Online Gambling in Canada: Staying Safe

Gambling at online casinos and online sportsbooks is becoming increasingly popular across Canada, but it is essential to navigate the world of online gambling in a responsible way. Here are some strategies that you can use to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:

Set Time Limits

As we mentioned above, taking regular breaks is vital when gambling online as time can easily get away from you. With the immersive nature of modern betting platforms, it’s easy to forget how long you’ve been playing. Licensed operators will allow you to set time-out periods or self-imposed breaks to help you reset and regain focus, meaning you can avoid things like fatigue and poor decision-making. Being strict with yourself and adhering to time limits ensures you are taking a balanced approach to online gambling. 

Self Exclusion Programs

One of the most powerful options when it comes to staying safe in online gambling is self-exclusion, especially if you feel that your gambling habits are becoming difficult to manage. Trustworthy Canadian gambling operators are required to provide customers with a self-exclusion program, giving them the ability to take a break from gambling when they need it.

These programs must also facilitate the option to exclude from multiple platforms at once. For example, PlaySmart’s self-exclusion service will pass your request onto other operators whilst discreetly protecting your information, allowing you to take a real break. Depending on your individual needs, you can also choose to prolong your self-exclusion for anywhere between a few days and several months.  

Track Your Spending

Monitoring your gambling expenditures is a great way to avoid overspending. Tracking your transactions allows you to identify patterns and make adjustments where necessary. You can do this directly via the operator, as many platforms allow you to look at your deposit history and betting records to help you keep track. If this doesn’t suit you, you can keep a manual log with a digital or written record of your deposits and bets, which is extremely useful if you are betting across multiple platforms. By staying aware of your gambling transaction history, you can maintain a healthy relationship with gambling. 

Deposit Limits

One of the most straightforward ways of practicing responsible gambling is to set deposit limits. These caps on the amount of money you can deposit into your account over a period of time is a really effective way of managing your money and avoiding financial strain. It is recommended that you choose a limit that aligns with your financial situation and gambling habits, whether that is a daily, weekly or monthly limit. Once a limit is established, operators cannot allow you to exceed it, preventing impulsive deposits and creating a firm boundary for your spending. 

Block Gambling Transactions Through Your Bank

If the options available to you via your chosen operator are not quite enough, you can go straight to your bank. Many Canadian banks offer an additional layer of protection by directly blocking gambling transactions on your request. To set this up, you need to contact your bank and request that gambling-related transactions are restricted on your account, with many banks like TD, RBC and Scotiabank allowing you to customize the duration of the block. 

By implementing some of the safety measures here, you can enjoy online gambling responsibly and confidently, ensuring it does not become a source of stress. 

Resources for Responsible Gambing

There are a huge number of support channels and resources available for Canadian gamblers, helping you to maintain a healthy relationship with gambling, whether that be online or in person. 

• Responsible Gambling Council - https://www.responsiblegambling.org/for-the-public/problem-gambling-help/help-for-canadians or +1 (416) 499-9800

• Canada Safety Council - https://canadasafetycouncil.org/gambling-addiction or +1 (613) 739-1535

• CAMH - https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/problem-gambling or +1 (800) 463-2338

• Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission: +1 (866) 332-2322

• British Columbia ­ Problem Gambling Information and Referral Service: +1 (888) 795-6111

• Manitoba Gambling Helpline: +1 (800) 463-1554

• New Brunswick Problem Gamblers Hotline: +1 (800) 461-1234

• Newfoundland and Labrador Helpline: +1 (888) 899-4357

• Nova Scotia Gambling Helpline: +1 (888) 347-8888

• Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Helpline: +1 (800) 265-3333

• Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline: +1 (888) 230-3505

• Prince Edward Island Gambling Addiction Treatment Program: +1 (888) 299-8399

• Québec – Gambling Help and Referral: +1 (514) 527-0140

• Saskatchewan Problem Gambling: +1 (800) 306-6789

Conclusion: Responsible Gambling in Canada

While it is well known that gambling can be an exciting and rewarding pastime for Canadian people, it is important to always practice responsible gambling. By setting boundaries, staying informed, and taking advantage of the resources and tools available to you, gambling should remain a positive experience. Staying in control is easily achieved by implementing deposit limits, taking regular breaks or opting into self-exclusion programs. 

However, if you begin to feel that your gambling habits are becoming unhealthy, you must seek help from a professional. Free resources like PlaySmart, Gamblers Anonymous and the Problem Gambling Helpline are there to help you through difficult times. Ultimately, responsible gambling allows you to maintain balance and ensure that your gaming activities directly contribute to your enjoyment, not your stress.