Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Westridge Update, we believe that online betting should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Gambling should never be viewed as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. Betting outcomes are based on chance, and the house always has a mathematical advantage. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and always gamble responsibly.
Age Verification
In Canada, you must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your province) to participate in online betting. It is illegal for anyone under this age to gamble. If you are under the legal age, please do not use betting sites. Parents and guardians: help protect young people by monitoring online activity and discussing the risks of gambling.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognize any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know?
- Chasing Losses: Betting more to recover money you've lost
- Hiding Gambling: Concealing the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Tolerance: Needing to bet larger amounts to feel the same excitement
- Withdrawal: Feeling irritable or anxious when trying to cut back
- Loss of Control: Unable to stop or limit your gambling despite wanting to
- Neglected Responsibilities: Gambling interferes with work, school, or family obligations
- Financial Problems: Borrowing money to gamble or gambling with bills and rent money
- Relationship Issues: Gambling causes conflict with loved ones
- Lying About Gambling: Lying to family or friends about your gambling habits
- Escape Gambling: Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
If you recognize any of these signs, help is available.
Self-Help Tools
Many online betting platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a day, week, or month
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose
- Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Period: Take a temporary break from gambling (hours to days)
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from an operator for a set period (typically 6 months to several years)
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account
Use these tools to stay in control and gamble within your means.
Support Organizations in Canada
If you or someone you care about is struggling with problem gambling, support is available:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Provides resources, support, and information for problem gambling in Canada.
Provincial Resources
Many Canadian provinces have their own problem gambling helplines. Contact your provincial health ministry or search for "problem gambling help [your province]" to find local services.
International Support
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org - GamCare (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - Gambling Help Online (Australia)
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
If You Need Help
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you are concerned about your gambling or the gambling of someone you know, please reach out to one of the support organizations listed above. Confidential counseling and assistance are available 24/7 in many cases.
Remember: Problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible. You don't have to face this alone.