Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Stake Canada, we believe that online gaming should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Gambling should never be viewed as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. If you find yourself gambling to escape problems or recover losses, it's time to seek help.
We are committed to promoting responsible gaming practices and supporting our Canadian players in maintaining a healthy relationship with online gaming.
Age Verification
Online gaming in Canada is restricted to individuals who are 18 years of age or older, or the legal age of majority in their province. Stake Canada requires all users to verify their age during account registration. It is illegal for anyone under the legal age to participate in gambling activities.
If you are under the legal age, please do not create an account or attempt to play.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Review the following checklist and seek help if you recognize any of these warning signs in your behavior:
- Spending more money on gaming than you can afford to lose
- Constantly thinking about gaming or planning your next session
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money you've lost
- Hiding your gaming activities or the amount of money you're spending from family and friends
- Neglecting work, school, family, or other important responsibilities due to gaming
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gaming activities
- Feeling anxiety, irritability, or depression when not gaming
- Experiencing failed attempts to reduce or stop gaming
- Using gaming as an escape from problems or negative emotions
- Lying to others about the extent of your gaming
- Experiencing relationship conflicts due to your gaming habits
If you recognize any of these signs, it is important to reach out for support immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Features
Stake Canada provides several tools to help you maintain control over your gaming activities:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a gaming session or time period
- Reality Checks: Enable reminders that appear at regular intervals during your gaming session to help you stay aware of time and money spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from your account, preventing you from accessing Stake Canada for a period you choose
- Account Cooling Off: Take a break from gaming by temporarily disabling your account without losing your data
These tools are available in your account settings. We encourage you to use them to help maintain responsible gaming habits.
Support Organizations in Canada & Internationally
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available. Here are trusted organizations offering support:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org — Provides resources, support, and referrals for Canadians affected by problem gambling
- Gamblers Anonymous Canada: Peer support meetings available across Canada for individuals struggling with gambling addiction
- Canadian Problem Gambling Research Centre: Offers evidence-based information and treatment referrals
International Organizations
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK): www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA): www.ncpgambling.org
All of these organizations offer confidential support, counseling referrals, and resources at no cost.
If You Need Help
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you believe you have a problem with gambling, or if someone close to you is struggling, please reach out to one of the support organizations listed above today.
You can also contact the Responsible Gambling Council at any time for confidential support and treatment referrals. Remember: recovery is possible, and professional help is available.
Take control today. Your health and well-being matter.