Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At sept-qc.org, we believe that online casino 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. Casino games are designed with a mathematical advantage for the house, meaning that over time, players are expected to lose money. Please gamble only with funds you can afford to lose and enjoy the experience responsibly.
Age Verification
Online casino gaming in Canada is restricted to individuals who are at least 18 years of age or the legal age of majority in their province. We are committed to preventing underage gambling. All players must verify their age during account registration. If you are under the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction, please do not attempt to register or place bets.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop quickly and may have serious consequences. Review the following checklist. If you recognize any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know, seeking help is important:
- Chasing Losses: Continuing to gamble to recover money you've lost
- Hiding Your Gambling: Being secretive about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Gambling with Money You Can't Afford to Lose: Using rent, bill, or grocery money to gamble
- Increasing Bets: Needing to bet larger amounts to achieve the same level of excitement
- Loss of Control: Difficulty stopping or cutting back on gambling
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations due to gambling
- Mood Changes: Experiencing anxiety, depression, or irritability when not gambling
- Borrowing Money: Taking loans or using credit to finance gambling
- Failed Attempts to Quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
- Relationship Conflicts: Arguments with family or friends about your gambling habits
Self-Help Tools
Most responsible online casinos offer built-in tools to help you maintain control. Take advantage of these features:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Establish a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders during your gaming session about how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to limit your playing duration
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing your gaming account
- Account Cooling-Off Period: Request a mandatory break from gambling, typically lasting 6 months to several years
If your chosen casino does not offer these tools, we recommend choosing one that does. Your ability to set limits is crucial for responsible gaming.
Support Organizations for Canadian Players
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organizations provide free, confidential support:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council — Provides resources, tools, and support for problem gambling in Ontario and across Canada
www.responsiblegambling.org - Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario (PGIO) — Offers counseling and treatment services
www.pgio.ca - Gamblers Anonymous — 12-step support meetings across Canada
www.gamblersanonymous.org
International Resources
- UK: GamCare — Gambling therapy and support
www.gamcare.org.uk - UK: GamStop — National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk - Australia: Gambling Help Online — Free counseling and support
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - USA: National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and referrals
www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
If you believe you have a problem with gambling, please reach out to one of the support organizations listed above. There is no shame in seeking help — problem gambling is a recognized condition, and treatment and support are available.
Remember: You are not alone, and recovery is possible. Contact a counselor today by calling, visiting a website, or attending a support group meeting in your area.
This responsible gaming information is provided for educational purposes. sept-qc.org encourages all players to gamble responsibly and within their means. If you choose to gamble online, do so only with licensed and regulated operators in your jurisdiction.