Responsible Gambling at Stake Canada — Tools, Warning Signs, and Help Resources
Gambling should always remain entertainment — never a source of income or a way to solve financial problems. This page explains how to stay in control while playing at Stake, recognise when gambling stops being fun, and where to find confidential help. If you need help right now, scroll directly to the Help Resources section below — the helplines are free and available 24/7.
Responsible Gambling Tools at Stake
Stake provides several built-in safeguards to help you manage your gambling activity. These tools are accessible at any time from your account settings.
Available Controls
- Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit
- Loss Limits: Define the maximum amount you can lose within a specified timeframe
- Wager Limits: Control how much you can bet per session or per day
- Session Time Limits: Receive notifications or automatic logouts after a set playing duration
- Reality Checks: Pop-up reminders showing how long you’ve been playing and your session balance
- Self-Exclusion: Temporary cool-off periods or permanent account closure
Access these by navigating to Settings → Responsible Gambling in your Stake dashboard. Learn more about our platform on the home page.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Recognising problematic behaviour early is essential. Gambling becomes a problem when it stops being entertainment and starts affecting your daily life.
Behavioural Indicators
- Spending more money or time gambling than you originally planned
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Chasing losses — betting more to try to recover what you’ve lost
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Experiencing mood swings tied directly to wins or losses
- Neglecting work, family responsibilities, or social commitments
- Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or relieve negative emotions
If you recognise these signs in yourself, consider taking the confidential self-assessment at ConnexOntario or contacting a support line listed below.
How to Set Limits at Stake
Setting limits before you start playing is the most effective way to maintain control. We recommend establishing these boundaries at account creation.
Step-by-Step Process
- Step 1: Log in to your Stake account
- Step 2: Click your profile icon and select Settings
- Step 3: Navigate to the Responsible Gambling section
- Step 4: Choose your limit type — deposit, loss, wager, or time
- Step 5: Enter your preferred amount and timeframe
- Step 6: Confirm your selection
Important: Decreasing limits takes effect immediately. Increasing limits requires a 24-hour cooling-off period to prevent impulsive decisions. For questions about our policies, visit our about page.
Self-Exclusion at Stake and Canada-Wide
When limits aren’t enough, self-exclusion provides a stronger barrier. This is a serious commitment designed to protect you.
Exclusion Options
At Stake: You can self-exclude for 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days, 6 months, or permanently. During exclusion, your account is locked, you cannot deposit or play, and marketing communications stop.
Province-Wide Programs: Canada offers provincial self-exclusion programs:
- Ontario: iGaming Ontario’s self-exclusion through iGamingOntario.ca
- British Columbia: GameSense Self-Exclusion through BCLC
- Alberta: Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program through AGLC
Once you commit to self-exclusion, it cannot be reversed early. This is intentional — the cooling-off period exists to protect you from impulsive decisions.
Help Resources for Canada
Professional support is available 24/7, confidentially and free of charge. You are not alone.
Canadian Support Services
- ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 | connexontario.ca
- Responsible Gambling Council: responsiblegambling.org
- Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction: ccsa.ca
- Gambling Therapy (International): gamblingtherapy.org — 24/7 live chat
- Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (if gambling has led to crisis)
All services are confidential. Counsellors understand gambling-related issues without judgment.
Resources for Friends and Family
Problem gambling affects more than just the person gambling. Partners, family members, and close friends often experience significant emotional and financial impact.
Support for Loved Ones
- Gam-Anon: Support groups specifically for family members | gam-anon.org
- Gambling Therapy Family Support: Free online support groups for relatives
- ConnexOntario: Also available for family members seeking guidance — 1-866-531-2600
Early intervention makes a difference. If you’re concerned about someone’s gambling, these services can help you understand how to approach the conversation supportively.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I set deposit limits at Stake?
Navigate to Settings → Responsible Gambling in your account dashboard. Select “Deposit Limits,” enter your preferred daily, weekly, or monthly cap, and confirm. Limits take effect immediately. To increase a limit, you must wait 24 hours after requesting the change.
What self-exclusion timeframes are available?
Stake offers self-exclusion periods of 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days, 6 months, or permanent closure. Once activated, self-exclusion cannot be reversed early. Provincial programs across Canada also provide multi-operator exclusion options.
Where can I get help for problem gambling in Canada?
Contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 (available 24/7) or visit connexontario.ca. For international support, Gambling Therapy offers 24/7 live chat at gamblingtherapy.org. All services are confidential and free.
If gambling has stopped being fun, take a break. Limits and self-exclusion are tools you control. The helplines above are confidential and free — reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.