Responsible Gambling in Canada – Tips and Recommendations
In a Nutshell
Responsible gambling is all about the sustainable practice of betting for fun. The iGaming industry has become one of the go-to pursuits for leisure and entertainment activities online.
However, every online casino is built to earn money. This money is generated through the wagering of its customers. These customers have a range of casino games to play online, all of which have a house edge, making it impossible to win long-term.
This means players must learn to control their gambling behaviours and stay within their financial limits to enjoy their casino gaming—win or lose.
What is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling is all about the sustainable practice of betting for fun. The iGaming industry has become one of the go-to pursuits for leisure and entertainment activities online.
However, every online casino is built to earn money. This money is generated through the wagering of its customers. These customers have a range of casino games to play online, all of which have a house edge, making it impossible to win long-term.
This means players must learn to control their gambling behaviours and stay within their financial limits to enjoy their casino gaming—win or lose.
Why Responsible Gambling Matters in Canada
The Canadian iGaming market is one of the fastest-growing worldwide. According to iGaming Ontario, the total number of wagers placed in the year to March 31, 2024, amounted to $63 billion. This represented a 78% year-on-year increase on the year to March 31, 2023.
Statista forecasts the Canadian iGaming market achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.39% between now and 2029, with gaming revenues projected to hit $5.71 billion by the end of this decade. Statista also predicts there’ll be 33.9 million active Canadians gambling online by 2029.
This underlines the importance of safeguarding vulnerable bettors and equipping players with the necessary tools to bet safely and responsibly. The Canadian government and online casino operators are obligated to help promote responsible gambling practices.
Understanding Responsible Gambling
The Principles of Responsible Gambling
The ethics of responsible gambling enshrine casino gaming and sports betting as enjoyable pastimes instead of harmful ones. All active bettors should be educated about the risks involved and the realities of winning and losing money.
Since gambling online is more about entertainment than profit, the underlying message to players is to set strict budgets and time limits to only wager what they can afford. Responsible gambling also maintains a healthy balance between gambling and the rest of your lifestyle, ensuring iGaming never interferes with your work, mental well-being, and personal relationships.
Gambling for Entertainment, Not Profit
Responsible gambling is essential since the odds always favour online casinos. Winning is never a sure-fire thing. Canadians should never consider slots or table games to make money or resolve financial issues.
By adopting this mindset, you can begin to accept losing as part and parcel of gambling, discouraging yourself from depositing more and chasing your losses.
How to Recognize Problem Gambling
Signs of Problem Gambling
The telltale signs of problem gambling in an individual include:
- Depositing and betting more to try and retrieve past losses.
- Using credit or debt to fund additional gambling activities.
- Indulging in gambling activities in secret.
- A failure to stop betting even if an individual knows the negative consequences.
- An increased neglect of work, family, and social responsibilities due to iGaming.
- Feeling guilty or ashamed of one’s gambling habits.
Understanding the Difference Between Casual and Problem Gambling
There’s an apparent divide between casual gambling and problem gambling. Controlled, casual gambling is a recreational pastime where bettors are happy to set limits on how much they wager and play. They view it as entertainment and know when to stop and focus on other responsibilities in life.
When someone’s gambling is out of control, they cannot stop betting, even when they know the financial and emotional harm it can cause.
Risk Factors for Problem Gambling
There are multiple risk factors when it comes to developing unhealthy gambling habits. If someone is already feeling stressed or anxious, gambling may offer a short-term release.
Equally, someone who turns to online gambling to alleviate feelings of boredom is also at risk of problem gambling. That’s because they begin to view iGaming as a primary source of excitement.
Financial pressure is another driver of problem gambling. Some people may turn to iGaming to solve their existing money problems, which can create more issues.
Setting Limits and Managing Your Gambling Habits
Setting Financial Limits
It’s so important to set limits for your online casino betting. Consider setting deposit, loss, or daily betting limits to control your spending and guard against excessive losses. Deposit limits prevent you from adding an unlimited amount to your online casino balance and chasing losses.
Canada-licensed online casinos must offer tools like self-imposed deposit and loss limits, which cap deposits, losses, and daily, weekly, or monthly wagering. These features prevent impulsive behaviours from developing.
Setting Time Limits
The inherent house edge of casino games means the more time you play, the more you’ll likely lose. Setting time limits to your online casino sessions is a sensible move to maintain a healthy balance between your betting and the rest of your life’s responsibilities.
Losing track of time is a significant risk factor for developing problem gambling traits, and online casinos in Canada are increasingly offering time-tracking tools and session reminders to help players stay aware of their activity.
Avoid Chasing Losses
It’s all too easy for players to try to recover lost money by continuing to gamble without essential financial and time limits set. Problem gamblers will become more desperate with their staking in search of bigger wins. This is a dangerous mindset since further losses can result in players spiralling out of control, leading to deeper financial and personal problems.
Staying in Control of Emotions
Keeping a clear, calm head during your casino sessions is critical to making rational decisions at the casino tables. Don’t gamble when you’re feeling stressed, frustrated, or upset. All these feelings can cloud your judgement, leading to impulsive behaviours like over-betting or chasing losses.
Instead, players should focus on betting when they are in a balanced state of mind, viewing it as entertainment rather than a release from emotional distress.
Responsible Gambling Tools and Features at Online Casinos
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Deposit and Loss Limits
Licensed online casinos in Canada must now offer deposit and loss limits on players’ accounts. These limits are voluntary, allowing players to set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on their account deposits and losses within their account preferences. This reduces the threat of impulsive gambling and developing harmful gambling habits. It’s all geared towards empowering players to maintain control over their finances. -
Self-Exclusion Options
For Canadian players who need to take a more drastic approach to curbing their problem gambling, most online casinos in Canada now offer a self-exclusion facility. Players can voluntarily block access to their online casino accounts for a predetermined period. Self-exclusion helps to give players the breathing space they need for their casino gameplay. They can regain control of other aspects of their lives and realize that the world doesn’t have to revolve around their gambling. -
Reality Checks and Time Reminders
Another important responsible gambling feature of Canada’s latest online casinos is “reality checks.” These are regular prompts to players of their current gaming activity, stating how long they’ve been playing and how much they’ve wagered. These pop-ups effectively state in black and white when a player has spent too long or too much gambling in a single session. It allows players to reflect on and evaluate their behaviour. -
Cool-Off Periods
Cool-off periods act like self-exclusion, allowing players to take a temporary break from online casino gaming. The difference between cool-off periods and self-exclusion is that the former covers shorter timespans, offering a temporary respite for hours or days rather than weeks or months. Both tools help promote healthier gambling habits online, however. -
Access to Gambling History
To better understand online gambling habits, online casinos now readily give players access to their betting history. They can review their deposits, wins, losses, and active playing time. Sometimes, seeing the losses and active playing time on slots and at virtual tables can be enough to scare problem gamblers into reducing their activity and setting appropriate financial and time limits.
Legal Framework for Responsible Gambling in Canada
Federal and Provincial Gambling Regulations
In Canada, online casino gaming is licensed and regulated at a provincial level. Every province can oversee its iGaming legislation and responsible gambling initiatives. At the time of writing, the province of Ontario is the only one that has embraced and built an open iGaming market.
Key Regulatory Bodies in Canada
iGaming Ontario is the government body that oversees Ontario’s iGaming market, ensuring fair play and legal compliance and promoting responsible gambling. Meanwhile, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission licenses iGaming operators within the Mohawk Territory of Kahnawake in Quebec.
Although iGaming is not legal in other Canadian provinces, some forms of gambling and gaming are available elsewhere in Canada. These are governed and regulated by the British Columbia Lottery Corporation and Loto-Quebec.
Each plays a similar role to iGaming Ontario and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission in ensuring gaming operators prioritize player safety and promote responsible gambling practices.
Responsible Gambling Requirements for Online Casinos
Adhering to the responsible gambling guidelines set by iGaming Ontario is a licensing condition for iGaming operators in Ontario.
Operators must maintain responsible gambling accreditation via the Responsible Gambling Council’s RG Check program while operating their problem gambling prevention and accountable gambling ad campaigns.
Licensed operators must also be prepared to cooperate with centralized self-exclusion programs to support at-risk Canadian players.
Resources and Support for Problem Gambling in Canada
If you’re a Canadian seeking problem gambling resources nationwide, try the following organizations:
Problem Gambling Helpline
This is a 24/7 telephone helpline offering confidential advice and support on problem gambling issues. It is available at 1-888-230-3505.
Gambling Help Online
This portal also offers extensive guidance on problem gambling, including advice on self-help tools and support services for anyone struggling with gambling.
Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)
The Toronto-based RGC is an organization boasting the motto “All in for safer gambling.” It’s been leading the problem gambling prevention agenda in Canada for over four decades, with the non-profit running awareness programs and support services for any problem gamblers in their hour of need.
Provincial Resources
Let’s also cover some of the most successful provincial resources protecting the best interests of problem gamblers in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia:
- ConnexOntario
Bettors in the province of Ontario can turn to ConnexOntario for 24/7 support, referrals, and further information on gambling addiction services. Their 24/7 helpline is 1-866-531-2600. - BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program
In British Columbia, the Responsible & Problem Gambling program offers free, confidential support and counselling to individuals and families. - Loto-Quebec’s Responsible Gambling Resources
Loto-Quebec runs its self-exclusion programs and develops educational tools and resources to promote safe, responsible gambling and incentivize good betting habits among Quebec residents.
Counselling and Support Groups
Across Canada, you can rely on counselling services like Gamblers Anonymous (GA) for peer support on problem gambling. Individuals can go to as many meetings as they wish to share experiences with others and develop coping strategies.
Tens of thousands of Canadians have completed GA’s 12-stage recovery program, which helps people overcome problem gambling habits for the long term.
Elsewhere, many Canadian provinces offer non-profit counselling services, covering one-to-one and group therapy sessions to assist individuals and families affected by gambling addiction.
How to Talk to Someone About Their Gambling
Recognizing the Signs in Someone Else
To start the conversation about a friend or loved one’s problem gambling, you need to know the red flags of gambling addiction. Problem behaviours include secrecy over gambling activities, borrowing money without an explanation, frequently selling off much-loved possessions and significant mood swings.
If an individual begins to prioritize their gambling sessions over their relationships and life responsibilities, this is another indicator that it’s time to talk.
Approaching the Conversation
When the time comes to discuss someone’s gambling problem, it’s always best to approach it from a position of concern rather than negative judgment. Try not to lay blame or make accusations. This rarely works since the individual concerned will likely go on the defensive.
Always remain compassionate. Suggest they seek professional support or reassure them that you can help them through it. This can encourage people with an addiction to open up and voice their feelings instead of expressing them through their gambling.
Offering Resources
As part of your mediation efforts, it can be helpful to recommend problem gambling resources, such as helplines, support groups, or professional counselling. Emphasize the confidential nature of most organizations like Gamblers Anonymous and the Problem Gambling Helpline. Reinforce that these people are nonjudgmental and passionate about helping people like them find a path to recovery.
Self-Assessment Tools for Gambling Behaviour
Using Self-Assessment Tools
Individuals can also self-assess their level of problem gambling using tools developed by the likes of the RGC and even some online casino operators. These tools and features will usually look to build a picture of an individual’s gambling frequency and volume, as well as the emotional impact of their gambling.
Those diagnosed as having early onset of problem gambling can then be triaged, with early intervention programs offered with 100% confidentiality.
Popular Self-Assessment Tools
Several tools are recommended for problem gambling self-assessment in Canada. The Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI) is highly effective at measuring the severity of an individual’s betting behaviour. It’s used not only in Canada but also in the UK, Australia, and parts of Scandinavia to gauge harmful gambling levels.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) has also launched its own “PlaySmart” tool, where players can confidentially complete online questionnaires to obtain a clear picture of their gambling habits and decide whether interventions are necessary.
What to Do After Taking a Self-Assessment
If a self-assessment problem gambling tool recommends seeking professional help in treating gambling addiction, there are two things to do immediately.
First, enforcing self-exclusion from online casinos or, at the very least, defining clear deposit and loss limits is a good start. Second, reach out to support organizations like Gamblers Anonymous to get the ball rolling.
Responsible Gambling for Different Types of Gamblers
Casual Gamblers
For those who view their online gambling as a bit of fun, it’s easy for casual gamblers to practice responsible gambling. Use the responsible gambling tools of your chosen online casino to define clear limits on the time and money you spend playing casino games online.
By adhering to these boundaries, casual bettors will always view their casino gaming as entertainment instead of a drain on their mental and financial well-being.
Frequent Gamblers
It’s just as important, if not more so, for frequent bettors to be strict with their deposit and loss limits at their preferred online casinos. Keep a diary of your gambling activities. This can be useful for pinpointing any warning signs or triggers for harmful gambling behaviours.
Frequent bettors should also periodically enrol themselves in self-assessment problem gambling tools to recognize when their gambling may be moving beyond a form of entertainment.
High-Risk Gamblers
Anyone showing immediate signs or traits of being a problem gambler should take urgent action. The sooner something is done, the less likely things will spiral further out of control. Individuals should seek professional counselling and support to address the underlying issues and develop coping strategies.
As difficult as it may be, high-risk bettors should have their casino accounts self-excluded indefinitely until they overcome their issues.
Gambling Responsibly Online vs. In-Person
Differences Between Online and In-Person Gambling
The unprecedented accessibility of online casinos in Canada, specifically Ontario and Quebec, is both a benefit and a curse. Players can gamble anytime, anywhere, with access to all casino games at the tap of a smartphone screen or laptop.
By contrast, gambling at a brick-and-mortar casino involves physically travelling to play, not to mention time constraints, which naturally limit play duration. That’s why responsible gambling tools at online casinos are so essential: to provide similar barriers.
Additional Risks of Online Gambling
It’s not just the fact that online casinos are accessible on any device today that makes them a greater risk of gambling harm than land-based casinos. It’s the fact that these online casinos are open 24/7, 365 days a year.
This constant availability can lead to unnecessarily prolonged gaming sessions. Digital deposits are also faster and frictionless, making it all too easy to deposit more to chase losses without setting essential limits.
Using Online Tools for Responsible Gambling
Responsible gambling tools are, therefore, indispensable for managing and controlling a player’s gambling behaviour. They enforce boundaries, drastically lowering the risk of overspending and curbing active playtime. By taking a proactive approach to these features, Canadians can enjoy a safer, more controlled iGaming experience.
Online Casinos’ Role in Promoting Responsible Gambling
How Reputable Online Casinos Support Responsible Gambling
As part of their licensing agreement with iGaming Ontario, online casino operators are required to promote responsible gambling habits. They must offer educational content that informs players about gambling risks and healthy gambling behaviours.
Sites are developing responsible gambling tools and features to allow players to discretely limit their accounts, thereby discouraging themselves from taking too many risks.
Monitoring Player Behaviour
Artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms are increasingly used in the background by online casinos to monitor the behaviour of Canadian bettors and detect early signs of problem gambling. The algorithms are programmed to detect irregular spending patterns or frequency of play.
The sites may then intervene and offer reminders of how long they’ve played or how much they’ve spent to encourage them to take a break or restrict account access.
Fair Advertising and Marketing
Canadian-licensed online casinos are also responsible for marketing and promoting their services fairly and transparently. Their advertising must clearly state that gambling is a form of entertainment and not a guaranteed way of making money.
Similarly, these advertising campaigns must also target solely those of legal gambling age to guard against exploitation. All of this drives the ethics of a 21st-century online casino.
Features of Responsible Online Casinos
- Valid licence from respected authorities like iGaming Ontario and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
- Visible promotion of self-exclusion programs.
- Accessibility of responsible gambling tools within casino accounts.
- Committed to offering detailed gambling histories to allow players to review their betting habits.
- Conduct independent testing and certification for fair gameplay from third parties like eCOGRA.
Bonuses with Responsible Play in Mind
Fair bonuses and promotions are another key differentiator between a responsible and disingenuous online casino. Responsible operators will offer fair bonuses to enhance gameplay without encouraging excessive spending.
They’ll commit to wagering requirements and other terms and conditions at a competitive level, unlike some online casinos whose wagering requirements make it impossible to clear the terms and conditions in time or without overspending.
Conclusion
Responsible gambling practices are essential to delivering Canadians safe and sustainable iGaming experiences. Excessive gambling is harmful. Not just to the gamblers but those around them. Recognizing signs of problem gambling early is vital to tackle the issue head-on.
Players should always use available tools at preferred online casinos to set responsible betting limits that safeguard their financial and mental well-being. It’s great to see iGaming operators adopting this stance and not just focusing on their bottom lines.
If you’re ever feeling like your online gambling is getting out of control, help is at hand. Interventions can be made within your online casino account and via confidential offline support groups.
Ultimately, the best choice for safe, responsible gambling is at a reputable, licensed Canadian casino site which offers the necessary safeguards to keep your casino gaming fun.