Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Sports betting should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Please gamble responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose. Remember that the odds always favour the house, and there are no guaranteed ways to win.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal age for gambling in your province) to participate in sports betting. irc2016canada.ca is committed to preventing underage gambling and complies with all Canadian gaming regulations.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs, you may have a gambling problem. Please seek help:
- Chasing losses by betting more money to recover what you've lost
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, food, bills, medications)
- Hiding your gambling activities or betting amounts from family and friends
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to cut back or stop gambling
- Spending increasing amounts of time and money on gambling
- Neglecting work, school, family, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
- Lying about the extent of your gambling
- Experiencing mood swings or depression related to gambling
- Attempting unsuccessfully to reduce or control your gambling
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most responsible sportsbooks offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose over a given period
- Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications reminding you how long you've been gambling and how much you've wagered
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling sites for a set period or permanently
- Session Time Limits: Automatically end your session after a predetermined time
- Account Closure: Request permanent closure of your betting account
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling activities.
Support Organizations in Canada
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available:
Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
The leading Canadian organization dedicated to responsible gambling and problem gambling prevention.
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Provincial Problem Gambling Helplines
Most Canadian provinces operate their own helplines. Contact your provincial health ministry or search "problem gambling helpline [your province]" for local resources.
Gamblers Anonymous Canada
A peer-support fellowship for people recovering from gambling problems, offering free meetings across Canada.
National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
For those seeking additional resources, this U.S. organization provides helpline services.
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
International Resources
Additional support organizations:
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK Self-Exclusion): www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
If You Need Help
Do not wait. Problem gambling can escalate quickly and impact your financial, mental, and physical health, as well as your relationships. If you believe you have a gambling problem, reach out to one of the organizations listed above immediately.
Recovery is possible. Help is available 24/7 through most Canadian helplines and online resources. Taking action today can prevent serious harm tomorrow.
Our Commitment
irc2016canada.ca is committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. We support all Canadian gambling regulations and encourage all users to gamble responsibly. If you have concerns about your gambling, please use the resources provided above or contact us with any questions.