Responsible Gambling in Ontario
We fully understand that gambling can have negative effects on some individuals, which is why we encourage every user to stay rational and ensure that their gambling activities do not interfere with daily life, financial stability, or mental health. This is also one of the main reasons why the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) requires all licensed operators to implement these measures, aiming to protect users’ interests and mitigate potential risks.
1. Set a Budget and Stick to It
Setting a budget is the most effective way to manage gambling expenses. We recommend that you always set a daily, weekly, or monthly spending limit before you engage in gambling and strictly adhere to it. The budget should be an amount you can afford without affecting your basic living needs or financial responsibilities. Proper budget management helps you maintain control over your gambling and avoid unnecessary financial risks.
2. Understand the Nature and Risks of Gambling
Gambling should be considered a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. We encourage users to recognize the nature of gambling—the outcome is entirely dependent on random chance, and there is no strategy that can guarantee success. Always keep in mind that gambling can lead to addiction, especially when appropriate limits are not set. Therefore, we hope you approach gambling with a rational mindset and treat it as a recreational activity, not a means of financial gain.
3. Regularly Review Your Gambling Behavior
If you find yourself frequently visiting gambling websites or investing excessive time and energy into gambling, we recommend taking a break and reassessing your behavior. To help you manage your gambling activity, our website provides self-limiting tools that allow you to track your gambling history and make necessary adjustments, ensuring that you always maintain rational control over your gambling.
4. Use the Self-Exclusion Feature
If you feel that you may be developing a gambling addiction, we offer a self-exclusion feature to help you regain control over your gambling. With this feature, you can set a period of self-exclusion, restricting access to our site or suspending your account. You can choose the length of the self-exclusion, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks or longer. This function is designed to provide you with a break, allowing you time to evaluate your behavior and make more informed decisions.
5. Maintain a Balance Between Gambling and Other Life Activities
To ensure that gambling does not negatively impact your life, we recommend that you view it as a form of entertainment, rather than a central focus of your life. Engaging in other healthy activities, such as exercise, socializing, and leisure pursuits, helps prevent excessive gambling. Maintaining a good balance in life reduces the risk of addiction and supports the development of healthy entertainment habits.
6. Provide Help and Support
If you or someone you know is facing gambling addiction, we strongly advise seeking professional support. You can visit connexontario.ca or call 1-866-531-2600. You can also receive help by texting “CONNEX” to the free helpline at 247247. This service is free and confidential, aimed at providing effective support for residents of Ontario.
7. Ensure Age-Appropriate Gambling
We strictly adhere to the laws and regulations of Canada and Ontario, ensuring that only individuals aged 19 or older, or those of the legal gambling age, are permitted to engage in gambling activities. We are strongly opposed to any form of underage gambling. To ensure compliance, we implement measures to verify the age of all users and require necessary identification.
8. Recognize Early Signs of Gambling Addiction
Signs of gambling addiction include, but are not limited to:
- Inability to stop or control gambling behavior
- Viewing gambling as a solution to financial problems
- Developing excessive emotional dependence on gambling activities
- Gambling affecting personal life, work, and family relationships
If you or someone you know shows these symptoms, please seek professional help immediately. Early intervention is key to preventing the problem from worsening.