Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not a Source of Income
At charliesbranson.com, we believe that gambling and crypto gaming should always be enjoyed as a form of entertainment — never as a way to earn money, pay off debts, or solve financial problems. There is no strategy, system, or "safe bet" that guarantees a win. Every game is based on chance, and the outcome is never within your control. Please set a budget you can afford to lose, treat that money as the cost of your entertainment, and never chase losses in an attempt to win back what you have spent.
Age Verification — 18+ or Local Legal Age in Canada
All gambling and crypto gaming activities are strictly reserved for adults. In Canada, the legal gambling age is 18 or 19 years old, depending on your province or territory:
- 18+: Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec
- 19+: British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon
It is illegal for minors to gamble. If you are under the legal age in your jurisdiction, do not attempt to register an account, place a bet, or access gambling services. Operators are required to verify age and identity, and providing false information is a breach of their terms of service and potentially the law.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone, and it often develops gradually. If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you care about, it may be time to seek support:
- Chasing losses: Continuing to gamble in an attempt to win back money you have lost, often with larger bets or more frequent sessions.
- Hiding gambling: Concealing the amount of time or money you spend gambling from family, friends, or partners.
- Lying about gambling: Making excuses, downplaying losses, or telling others you are "just about to stop."
- Spending more than you can afford: Using money intended for rent, bills, groceries, or savings to fund gambling.
- Borrowing or selling belongings: Taking out loans, using credit cards, or selling possessions to continue gambling.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments because of gambling.
- Feeling anxious, guilty, or depressed: Experiencing negative emotions related to gambling that persist even when not gambling.
- Inability to stop or cut back: Repeatedly trying to reduce or quit gambling without success.
- Gambling to escape problems: Using gambling as a way to cope with stress, loneliness, grief, or other emotional difficulties.
- Increasing bet sizes: Needing to bet larger amounts to feel the same level of excitement or thrill.
If you identify with several of these signs, please reach out to a professional support service listed below. You are not alone, and help is available.
Self-Help Tools and Safer Gambling Controls
Reputable gambling operators offer a range of tools to help you stay in control of your gambling. We encourage you to use these features proactively:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit over a daily, weekly, or monthly period. Once reached, further deposits are blocked until the limit resets.
- Loss Limits: Define a maximum amount you are willing to lose within a set timeframe. When the limit is hit, you will be prevented from placing further bets.
- Session Time Limits: Cap the length of time you can spend gambling in a single session.
- Reality Checks: Enable timed reminders that notify you how long you have been gambling, how much you have spent, and offer you the option to exit or continue.
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently block yourself from accessing a gambling site. During the exclusion period, the operator is legally required to prevent you from logging in or depositing.
- Cooling-Off Periods: Take a short break from gambling — from 24 hours up to several weeks — without permanently closing your account.
- Account History and Statements: Regularly review your full deposit, withdrawal, and wagering history to maintain a clear picture of your gambling activity.
- Parental Controls: Install software such as GamBlock, Net Nanny, or BetBlocker to block gambling websites on shared devices.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, professional and confidential help is available. Below are recognized support organizations by jurisdiction:
Canada (Primary Jurisdiction)
- Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) — Offers prevention programs, resources, and information for safer gambling across Canada.
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org - ConnexOntario — Free and confidential health services information for Ontario residents, including problem gambling support. Call 1-866-531-2600 or visit www.connexontario.ca
- Problem Gambling Helpline (Canada-wide) — Many provinces offer their own helplines. Contact your provincial health authority or visit the RGC website for local resources.
United Kingdom
- GamCare — The leading UK provider of free information, advice, and support for anyone affected by problem gambling. National Gambling Helpline: 0808 8020 133.
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop — A free, independent self-exclusion service that allows UK residents to block themselves from all UK-licensed online gambling sites.
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Australia
- Gambling Help Online — Free, confidential support for Australians affected by gambling. Available 24/7 via online chat, email, or phone (1800 858 858).
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) — Provides a national helpline (1-800-GAMBLER), screening tools, and treatment resources across all 50 states.
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — Germany's Federal Centre for Health Education offers information and support for gambling-related issues. Helpline: 0800 1 37 27 00.
Website: www.bzga.de
Other Jurisdictions
For countries not listed above, we recommend contacting your national gambling authority or public health service to find the most relevant local support organization. Many countries operate free, confidential gambling helplines and self-exclusion registries.
If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Today
Problem gambling is a serious condition, but it is treatable, and recovery is possible. If you recognize any warning signs in yourself, or if gambling has stopped being fun and started causing stress, anxiety, or financial pressure, please do not wait. Reach out to a support organization listed above, speak to someone you trust, or contact a professional counsellor. Every day you delay is a day you could be taking a step toward regaining control. You are not alone — thousands of people have found their way back to a healthy relationship with gambling, and you can too.
This page is provided for informational and harm-reduction purposes only. It does not constitute medical or psychological advice. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact your local emergency services immediately.