Responsible Gaming

Last updated: 2026

At toskanfoundation.org, we believe that gambling at Mastercard casinos in Canada should always be a form of entertainment — never a way to earn money, solve financial problems, or escape from personal difficulties. While the majority of players gamble responsibly and within their means, we recognize that for some individuals, gambling can become a serious problem. We are committed to promoting safe play and providing our visitors with the information and resources they need.

Age Verification

Gambling is strictly for adults. In most Canadian provinces and territories, the legal gambling age is 19; in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec, it is 18. Always verify and follow the legal age requirement in your province or territory before playing.

Licensed online casinos are required to verify the age and identity of all players. If you share your home or devices with minors, please take precautions:

• Never leave your casino account logged in on shared devices.
• Use strong passwords and keep them private.
• Consider installing parental control software to block gambling websites.
• Never gamble with money belonging to or intended for minors.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Please review the following checklist honestly. If several of these statements apply to you or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:

• Chasing losses — gambling more to try to win back money you have lost.
• Hiding your gambling — lying to family or friends about how much time or money you spend gambling.
• Gambling with money needed for essentials such as rent, bills, or groceries.
• Borrowing money, using credit cards, or selling possessions to fund gambling.
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to cut down or stop.
• Gambling to escape stress, depression, loneliness, or other problems.
• Neglecting work, studies, relationships, or hobbies because of gambling.
• Repeatedly increasing bet sizes to feel the same level of excitement.
• Unsuccessful attempts to control, reduce, or stop gambling.
• Feeling guilt, shame, or hopelessness after gambling sessions.

Self-Help Tools

Reputable online casinos offer a range of tools to help you stay in control. We strongly encourage all players to use these features proactively — before problems arise:

• Deposit limits — set a maximum amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
• Loss limits — cap the amount you can lose within a set period.
• Wager limits — restrict the total amount you can bet.
• Session time limits and reality checks — receive on-screen reminders of how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.
• Cooling-off periods — take a short break from gambling, from 24 hours to several weeks.
• Self-exclusion — voluntarily block yourself from a casino or a provincial gambling program for an extended period (six months, one year, or permanently).

Practical tips for responsible play:

• Set a budget before you start and never exceed it.
• Treat gambling losses as the cost of entertainment, not as money to be recovered.
• Never gamble under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Take regular breaks and balance gambling with other activities.
• Keep track of the time and money you spend.

Support Organizations

If gambling is causing problems in your life, free, confidential, and professional help is available. We recommend the following organizations:

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) — an independent non-profit dedicated to problem gambling prevention in Canada. Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
• ConnexOntario — free and confidential health services information for Ontario, including problem gambling support (24/7): 1-866-531-2600.
• Each Canadian province and territory operates its own problem gambling helpline — check your provincial health authority website for local support services.

International Resources

• National Council on Problem Gambling (USA) — 24/7 confidential helpline: 1-800-522-4700. Website: www.ncpgambling.org
• GamCare (UK) — support, information, and advice for anyone affected by gambling. Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamblers Anonymous — peer support groups available in Canada and worldwide. Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org

Get Help Today

If you recognize the signs of problem gambling in yourself or someone you care about, please don't wait. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Contact one of the organizations listed above, speak with your doctor, or confide in someone you trust. Support is free, confidential, and available around the clock.

Remember: gambling should be fun. When it stops being fun, it's time to stop — and help is always available.