Responsible Gambling

Responsible Gambling — Gaming Club Canada

At Gaming Club Canada, we believe that gambling should always be an enjoyable form of entertainment — nothing more, nothing less. For the vast majority of players, spinning the reels on Mega Moolah or placing a friendly wager on a Toronto Maple Leafs game is a fun way to spend an evening. But we also understand that for some people, gambling can stop being fun and start causing real harm.

We take that reality seriously. This page is here for you — whether you're simply curious about the tools available, concerned about your own habits, or worried about someone you care about. There is no judgment here, only support.

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Gambling Should Feel Good — Not Like an Obligation

Healthy gambling looks different for everyone, but it generally shares a few things in common: you set a budget before you start, you play within it, and you walk away when you've reached your limit — win or lose. You don't chase losses, you don't borrow money to play, and gambling doesn't interfere with your work, family life, or financial responsibilities.

If any of that sounds unfamiliar right now, please keep reading. The tools and resources on this page are free, confidential, and available to you any time.

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Know the Warning Signs

Problem gambling can develop gradually, and it isn't always easy to notice in yourself. Here are some signs that gambling may have moved beyond entertainment:

• Spending more than you can afford. If you're dipping into rent money, grocery funds, or emergency savings to play, that's a serious signal.
• Chasing losses. Continuing to play in hopes of winning back money you've already lost rarely works out — and often leads to bigger losses.
• Lying or hiding your gambling. If you feel the need to conceal how much time or money you're spending, that discomfort is worth paying attention to.
• Gambling to escape stress or negative emotions. Using gambling as a way to cope with anxiety, depression, loneliness, or boredom can quickly become problematic.
• Neglecting responsibilities. Missing work, skipping family commitments, or withdrawing from social life because of gambling is a significant red flag.
• Feeling unable to stop. If you've tried to cut back or quit and found it impossible on your own, professional support is available — and it works.

You don't need to tick every box on this list to reach out for help. If even one of these resonates with you, please consider using the tools below or speaking to a counsellor.

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Your Responsible Gambling Toolkit

Gaming Club Canada gives every player access to a full range of responsible gambling controls, available directly from your account dashboard. These tools are designed to keep you in control — because that's exactly where you deserve to be.

Deposit Limits

Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit in a given time period — daily, weekly, or monthly — expressed in CAD. Once your limit is in place, you won't be able to add more funds until the period resets. If you choose to lower your limit, the change takes effect immediately. If you decide to raise it, there's a mandatory cooling-off period before the increase applies — a deliberate safeguard to prevent impulsive decisions.

Setting a deposit limit is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your gambling within a budget you're genuinely comfortable with.

Loss Limits

Similar to deposit limits, loss limits let you define the maximum amount in CA$ you're willing to lose over a set time frame. When you reach that threshold, your session will end automatically. This removes the temptation to keep going in the hope of turning things around.

Session Time Limits and Reality Checks

It's easy to lose track of time when you're playing. Session time limits let you cap how long you play in a single sitting. You can also enable reality check reminders — periodic on-screen notifications that tell you how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered. These gentle prompts help you stay aware of your activity without interrupting the enjoyment.

Cooling-Off Periods

Sometimes you just need a break. A cooling-off period lets you pause your account for a short time — from 24 hours up to several weeks — without committing to a full self-exclusion. During a cooling-off period, you won't be able to log in or make deposits. It's a breathing space, plain and simple.

This tool is particularly useful if you notice you've been playing more than usual, or if you've had a frustrating stretch and feel the urge to chase your losses. Step back, clear your head, and return when you feel ready and in control.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a more serious, longer-term commitment. It allows you to voluntarily block yourself from accessing your Gaming Club Canada account for a defined period — typically ranging from several months to a number of years, or permanently if that's what you need.

Once self-exclusion is activated:

• You will not be able to log in or create a new account.
• Any pending withdrawals of funds held in your account will be processed back to you.
• You will be removed from our marketing lists and will no longer receive promotional emails or offers.

We want to be clear: self-exclusion is not a punishment. It is a powerful act of self-care, and we will honour your decision with the full seriousness and respect it deserves.

To activate self-exclusion, visit the Responsible Gambling section of your account or contact our support team directly. Our agents are trained to handle these requests with compassion and discretion.

Ontario players: If you are registered under iGaming Ontario (iGO), you also have access to the province-wide GameSense self-exclusion programme coordinated through the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). We strongly encourage Ontario residents to use both options for the broadest possible protection.

Account Closure

If you decide you no longer want to hold an account with us for any reason, including concerns about your gambling, you can request a permanent account closure at any time. Contact our support team and your account will be closed promptly. Any balance in your account will be returned to you via your original payment method — including Interac e-Transfer, which typically processes within minutes.

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Canadian Helplines and Support Resources

You are never alone in this. Across Canada, there are free, confidential services staffed by trained counsellors who understand problem gambling — without judgment.

If you're in Quebec, support is also available in French through provincial health services — Jeu: aide et référence at 1-800-461-0140.

These services are completely free of charge. Calling does not commit you to anything. Many people find that a single conversation can make an enormous difference.

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A Note for Family and Friends

Sometimes it's the people closest to someone who notice the problem first. If you're concerned about a family member's or friend's gambling behaviour, you don't have to wait for them to ask for help before reaching out yourself.

The helplines listed above can provide guidance for loved ones, not just the person gambling. There are also dedicated support groups for family members of problem gamblers — including Gam-Anon chapters across Canada — where you can speak with others who understand exactly what you're going through.

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Our Commitment to You

Gaming Club Canada is committed to responsible gambling as a core value — not a checkbox. That means:

• We will never market aggressively to players who have shown signs of distress.
• We train our customer support team to recognise responsible gambling concerns and respond with care.
• We support provincial regulation and work cooperatively with iGaming Ontario (AGCO) to maintain the highest standards for Ontario players.
• We never make self-exclusion or limit-setting difficult. These tools are accessible, prominent, and respected.
• We review our responsible gambling practices regularly and update them as best practices evolve.

If you have feedback about how we handle responsible gambling — positive or critical — we genuinely want to hear it. Your experience helps us do better.

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One More Thing

If you've read this far, something on this page spoke to you — and that takes courage. Recognising that gambling may be affecting your life, even just asking the question, is the hardest step. Everything after that is about getting the right support in place.

Please use the tools available in your account. Please call the helpline. Please talk to someone you trust.

You matter far more than any jackpot, and the best bet you'll ever make is on yourself.