Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Norwood PC, we believe that gambling should only be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting sites and casino games are games of chance where the odds always favor the house. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never view gambling as an investment or income source.
Age Verification
In Canada, the legal age to gamble is 18 years or older (19+ in some provinces). All visitors to betting sites must be of legal age in their jurisdiction. It is illegal for minors to participate in gambling activities. If you are under the legal gambling age, please do not use online betting services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know? Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be alert to these warning indicators:
- Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding gambling activity: Keeping gambling secret from family or friends
- Increasing amounts: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to feel the same excitement
- Failed attempts to stop: Repeatedly trying and failing to cut back on gambling
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations due to gambling
- Gambling to escape: Using gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or negative emotions
- Borrowing money: Taking loans or using credit to fund gambling
- Relationship problems: Conflicts with loved ones over gambling behavior
- Financial difficulties: Difficulty paying bills or managing money due to gambling losses
- Preoccupation: Constantly thinking about gambling or planning the next gambling session
Self-Help Tools and Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable betting sites offer tools to help you stay in control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose within a given timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic session termination after a predetermined time period
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from a betting site
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling activities.
Support Organizations and Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. These organizations provide confidential support and treatment:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council — www.responsiblegambling.org
- Gamblers Anonymous — Support meetings and peer recovery programs across Canada
- Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario — Specialized treatment services
International Resources
- United Kingdom: GamCare — www.gamcare.org.uk
- United Kingdom: GamStop (National Self-Exclusion Scheme) — www.gamstop.co.uk
- Australia: Gambling Help Online — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling — www.ncpgambling.org
Need Help? Take Action Today
If you feel that your gambling is becoming a problem, or if someone you care about is struggling with gambling, seek help immediately. Problem gambling is a treatable condition, and support is available 24/7.
Don't wait. Contact the Responsible Gambling Council or one of the support organizations listed above. Speaking to someone confidentially is the first step toward recovery.
Your wellbeing is more important than any bet. Help is just a phone call or click away.