Responsible Gaming

Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, never a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and set clear boundaries for your time and spending.

Age Verification

You must be at least 18 years old, or meet the local legal gambling age for your province or territory in Canada. Underage gambling is illegal and harmful. Always verify your age and identity when asked by a licensed operator.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Watch for these warning signs in yourself or someone you care about:

• Chasing losses — betting more to try to win back money you have lost.
• Hiding gambling activity from family or friends, or lying about how much time and money you spend.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble.
• Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities because of gambling.
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut back or stop.
• Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression.
• Repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or control gambling.

Self-Help Tools

Many gambling platforms, including Stake, offer practical tools to help you stay in control:

• Deposit limits — set a maximum amount you can add to your account over a day, week, or month.
• Loss limits — cap the amount you can lose in a set period.
• Reality checks — receive reminders about how long you have been playing.
• Self-exclusion — block access to your account for a chosen period, from days to permanently.

Use these tools before you start playing, and adjust them if your circumstances change.

Support Organizations

If you or someone you know needs help, contact one of these trusted organizations:

• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
• UK: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk; GamStop – www.gamstop.co.uk
• Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• US: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
• Other countries: contact your national or regional gambling support service. The most relevant organization for your location can be found through a quick web search.

Seek Help

If you recognize any warning signs in yourself or a loved one, please reach out to a support organization today. You are not alone, and help is available free of charge and in confidence.