Responsible Gaming

Every form of gambling carries an inherent risk of financial loss. No outcome is guaranteed, and no strategy eliminates that risk entirely. Responsible gaming means approaching gambling as entertainment with a set budget, not as a source of income.

Instant Casino encourages all players in Canada to follow these core principles:

• Set a personal budget before you start playing, and stick to it regardless of outcomes;
• Treat any money spent on gambling as the cost of entertainment, not an investment;
• Take regular breaks to maintain perspective on your activity;
• Avoid chasing losses, as this behaviour increases financial and emotional risk;
• Play with a clear mind, and avoid gambling under the influence of alcohol, stress, or emotional distress;
• Keep gambling separate from financial responsibilities such as rent, bills, and savings;
• Use the responsible gaming tools available on the platform to keep your activity within healthy limits;
• Monitor how much time and money you spend on gambling on a regular basis;
• Talk openly with someone you trust if you feel your gambling is becoming difficult to control;
• Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Gambling addiction is a recognized condition that can develop gradually, often without the person being fully aware of the change. Early identification of warning signs is an important step toward getting the right support.

The following indicators may suggest that gambling has moved beyond recreational play:

• Spending more money on gambling than originally planned on a consistent basis;
• Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to reduce or stop gambling;
• Repeatedly trying to cut back on gambling without success;
• Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional difficulties;
• Lying to family members, friends, or colleagues about the extent of gambling activity;
• Borrowing money, selling possessions, or neglecting bills to fund gambling;
• Losing interest in hobbies, social activities, or responsibilities that were previously important;
• Continuing to gamble even after experiencing significant financial or personal consequences;
• Spending excessive amounts of time thinking about gambling or planning the next session;
• Feeling a compulsive need to recover losses by placing further bets.

Gambling addiction is a serious condition. If any of these signs apply to you or someone you know, professional help is available and accessible in Canada.

Addressing a gambling problem takes commitment, but practical steps and available tools can make the process more manageable. Instant Casino provides several resources to support players who need to take back control.

The following recommendations can help prevent or address problematic gambling behaviour:

• Use the deposit limit feature on your account to cap how much you can add over a set period;
• Activate loss limits to prevent spending beyond a defined threshold in any single session;
• Set session time limits or use the session reminder feature to track how long you play;
• Use the self-exclusion option if you need a full break from the platform for a defined period;
• Take advantage of the cool-off period feature to pause your account temporarily without permanent closure;
• Reach out to customer support at any time to request account restrictions or obtain guidance;
• Avoid gambling as a coping mechanism for stress, financial pressure, or emotional difficulties;
• Keep a written record of your gambling activity to identify patterns and stay accountable;
• Speak with a trusted person about your gambling habits to build a support network;
• Contact a professional counselling service or helpline if self-management tools are not sufficient.

Several established organizations across Canada offer confidential support for individuals affected by gambling addiction. Reaching out to these services is a constructive and important step.

• Gambling Support Ontario – Provides free, confidential support and treatment referrals: connexontario.ca;
• Problem Gambling Help Line (Ontario) – 24/7 telephone support at 1-888-230-3505;
• Gambling, Gaming and Technology Use (CAMH) – Resources and treatment programs from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: camh.ca;
• British Columbia Problem Gambling Helpline – Available 24/7 at 1-888-795-6111;
• Alberta Health Services – Addiction Helpline – 24/7 support at 1-866-332-2322;
• Gamblers Anonymous Canada – Peer support meetings and resources across Canada: gamblersanonymous.org;
• National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) – Educational resources and a helpline at 1-800-522-4700;
• Manitoba Problem Gambling Helpline – Available 24/7 at 1-800-463-1554.

Players who are experiencing difficulties related to gambling can contact the Instant Casino support team at any time. The team is equipped to assist with applying account restrictions, activating self-exclusion, or directing users to appropriate external resources.

The following channels are available for support:

• Live Chat – Available directly on the Instant Casino website for immediate assistance;
• Email – Players can submit a detailed request at [email protected];
• Help Centre – A dedicated section on the website with guidance on responsible gaming tools and account controls.