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. At neonormal.ca, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices and supporting our users' wellbeing.
Remember: the house always has an edge. Only bet what you can afford to lose, and never gamble with money needed for essentials like rent, food, or bills.
Age Verification
In Canada, you must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your province) to participate in sports betting. Age verification is a legal requirement and protects young people from the harms of gambling.
If you're under the legal age, please do not use sports betting services. If you have concerns about a minor's gambling activity, contact the appropriate provincial authority or support organization.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognize any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know? If so, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing Losses: Attempting to recover losses by gambling more
- Hiding Gambling Activity: Concealing the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Loss of Control: Being unable to stop or reduce gambling despite wanting to
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Prioritizing gambling over work, school, family, or personal obligations
- Increased Spending: Needing to bet larger amounts to feel the same excitement
- Financial Strain: Borrowing money, using credit, or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Mood Changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Lying About Gambling: Being dishonest with family and friends about gambling habits
- Failed Attempts to Quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
- Escape Through Gambling: Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
Self-Help Tools & Features
Most reputable sports betting platforms offer tools to help you maintain control. Consider using:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Establish a cap on how much you're willing to lose in a given period
- Reality Checks: Enable reminders that pop up during gameplay to help you stay aware of time and money spent
- Time Limits: Set session duration limits to prevent extended gambling periods
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from betting platforms if you need a break
- Account Suspension: Request a pause on your account to give yourself time to reflect
Take advantage of these tools proactively. They're designed to help you stay in control and gamble responsibly.
Support Organizations in Canada & Beyond
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available. Reach out to these trusted organizations:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
A leading Canadian organization providing research, education, and resources on responsible gambling. - Gamblers Anonymous Canada – Free peer support groups across Canada for people struggling with gambling addiction.
- Provincial Gambling Helplines – Many provinces offer free, confidential helplines. Check your provincial health authority for contact information.
International Resources
- United Kingdom – GamCare (www.gamcare.org.uk) and GamStop (www.gamstop.co.uk)
- Australia – Gambling Help Online (www.gamblinghelponline.org.au)
- United States – National Council on Problem Gambling (www.ncpgambling.org)
All of these services are confidential, non-judgmental, and free to use. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Take Action Today
If you're concerned about your gambling habits or those of someone close to you, don't wait. Professional support is available and can make a real difference.
Contact a support organization today. Whether you need advice, counseling, or crisis support, trained professionals are ready to help you regain control and improve your wellbeing.
At neonormal.ca, we support your decision to gamble responsibly—or not to gamble at all.