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. Only wager what you can afford to lose, and never bet money needed for essential expenses like rent, utilities, or groceries.
Remember: the house always has a mathematical edge. No strategy or prediction guarantees winnings.
Age Verification
In Canada, you must be at least 18 years old (or the legal age in your province/territory) to participate in sports betting. Some provinces have higher age requirements—check your local regulations.
If you are under the legal gambling age, please do not use sports betting services. Parents and guardians: monitor young people's online activities and discuss the risks of gambling.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by wagering more to recover money lost
- Lying to family, friends, or healthcare providers about gambling activity
- Gambling with money intended for bills, rent, or other essential expenses
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Failed attempts to reduce or control gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
- Neglecting work, school, family, or social activities due to gambling
- Friends or family expressing concern about your gambling habits
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gambling Features
Most licensed sportsbooks offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you're willing to lose over a set period
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders about how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing betting platforms
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if needed
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic logouts after a specified duration
Use these tools proactively—they're designed to protect you.
Support Organizations & Helplines
If you're struggling with gambling, help is available. Reach out to organizations that offer free, confidential support:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org – Resources, support, and referrals for problem gambling in Ontario and across Canada
- Gamblers Anonymous Canada – Free peer support meetings across Canada for those recovering from gambling addiction
- Provincial Helplines: Contact your provincial health authority or gaming regulator for local problem gambling services
International Resources
- GamCare (UK) – www.gamcare.org.uk – Free counselling and support services
- GamStop (UK) – www.gamstop.co.uk – National self-exclusion scheme
- Gambling Help Online (Australia) – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au – Counselling and information
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA) – www.ncpgambling.org – Referrals and helpline: 1-800-522-4700
If You Need Help
Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling:
- Contact the Responsible Gambling Council at www.responsiblegambling.org for Canadian support
- Speak with a family member, friend, or healthcare provider you trust
- Call a problem gambling helpline in your province or country
- Use self-exclusion tools immediately to restrict access to betting platforms
Recovery is possible. Support services are confidential, free, and available 24/7.
Our Commitment
Dowling Groundworks is committed to promoting responsible gambling. We provide educational resources and support information to help our visitors make informed decisions about sports betting in Canada. Gambling should always be safe, fun, and within your means.