Responsible Gaming
Introduction
At ksrp.ca, we believe that gambling should always be a form of entertainment — never a way to earn money, solve financial problems, or escape from everyday life. When you play at Mastercard casinos in Canada, only gamble with money you can afford to lose, set a budget before you start, and treat any winnings as a bonus rather than an expectation. If gambling stops being fun, it's time to take a break and reassess your habits.
Age Verification
Gambling is strictly for adults. In Canada, the legal gambling age is 19 in most provinces and territories, and 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec. Always confirm the legal age in your province or territory before playing. Licensed casinos are required to verify your age and identity before allowing deposits or withdrawals. Never share your account with anyone under the legal age, and use parental controls or device restrictions if minors have access to your computer or phone.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone. Ask yourself honestly whether any of the following apply to you:
- Chasing losses — gambling more to try to win back money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activity or lying to family and friends about how much you spend
- Gambling with money meant for rent, bills, groceries, or other essentials
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when you try to cut down or stop
- Neglecting work, studies, or relationships because of gambling
- Gambling to escape stress, depression, or other personal problems
- Unsuccessfully trying to cut back, stop, or control your gambling
- Thinking about gambling constantly or planning your next session
If you recognize one or more of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, it may be time to seek support. Recognizing the problem early is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Self-Help Tools
Reputable online casinos offer built-in tools to help you stay in control. We strongly encourage you to use them:
- Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit into your account.
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount you can lose within a set time period.
- Session / Wagering Limits: Control how long you play or how much you wager per session.
- Reality Checks: Enable on-screen reminders that show how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.
- Cooling-Off Periods: Take a short break from gambling for 24 hours, a week, or longer.
- Self-Exclusion: Block yourself from a casino or provincial gambling platform for an extended period or permanently. Many Canadian provinces also offer voluntary self-exclusion programs for land-based and online venues.
You can usually activate these tools in your account settings or by contacting the casino's customer support team.
Support Organizations
Free, confidential help is available in Canada and internationally:
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): Information, resources, and support for safer gambling — www.responsiblegambling.org
- ConnexOntario (Ontario): Free, confidential 24/7 helpline for problem gambling — call 1-866-531-2600
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK): Free national self-exclusion scheme — www.gamstop.co.uk
- National Council on Problem Gambling (US): 24/7 helpline 1-800-522-4700 — www.ncpgambling.org
Provincial support services are also available across Canada, including problem gambling helplines in British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and other provinces and territories.
Take Action Today
If you think you may have a gambling problem — or you're worried about someone close to you — please don't wait. Reach out to one of the organizations above today. Help is free, confidential, and non-judgmental. Setting limits, taking a break, or self-excluding is a responsible decision, and support is always available. Remember: gambling should be fun. When it stops being fun, stop.