Responsible Gaming

At stepitupontario.ca, we believe that gambling at Mastercard casinos — or any online casino — should always be a form of entertainment, never a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Casino games are designed so that the house has an advantage over time, and no strategy or system can guarantee winnings. Please play only with money you can comfortably afford to lose, and treat any winnings as a bonus, not an income.

Age Verification

Online gambling is strictly for adults. In most Canadian provinces, the legal gambling age is 19; in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec it is 18. You must meet the legal age requirement in your province or territory of residence before registering at any online casino. Licensed casinos are required to verify your age and identity. Never allow a minor to access your casino account, and consider using parental control software if children use your devices.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. Be honest with yourself and review the following checklist. If several of these 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 from family, friends, or colleagues
• Borrowing money, using credit, or selling possessions to fund gambling
• Gambling with money meant for essentials like rent, bills, or groceries
• Spending more time or money on gambling than you originally planned
• Feeling restless, anxious, or irritable when trying to cut back or stop
• Neglecting work, studies, or relationships because of gambling
• Using gambling as an escape from stress, depression, or personal problems
• Lying to your casino's support team or ignoring reality-check reminders
• Unsuccessfully trying to quit or reduce gambling on multiple occasions

Self-Help Tools

Reputable online casinos offer a range of tools to help you stay in control. We strongly encourage you to set these up before you start playing:

• 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 to prevent chasing losses.
• Wagering/Session Limits — Restrict how much you can bet or how long you can play in a single session.
• Reality Checks — Enable on-screen reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.
• Cooling-Off Periods — Take a short break from gambling, from 24 hours up to several weeks.
• Self-Exclusion — Block yourself from a casino (or, where available, from all licensed operators in your jurisdiction) for a minimum period of six months or permanently. In Ontario, for example, iGaming operators participate in centralized self-exclusion options.
• Account Closure — Close your account entirely if gambling is no longer enjoyable.

Support Organizations

If gambling is causing problems in your life, free and confidential help is available. You are not alone.

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) — Information, resources, and support for safer gambling. Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
• ConnexOntario (Ontario residents) — Free, confidential helpline for problem gambling, mental health, and addiction. Phone: 1-866-531-2600 (24/7)

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) — Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (call or text). Website: www.ncpgambling.org

United Kingdom

• GamCare — Helpline: 0808 8020 133. Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop — Free national self-exclusion scheme. Website: www.gamstop.co.uk

Australia

• Gambling Help Online — 24/7 support. Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au

Germany

• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) — Helpline: 0800 137 27 00 (free). Website: www.check-dein-spiel.de

Take Action Today

If you recognize the warning signs in yourself or someone you care about, don't wait. Reach out to one of the organizations above, talk to a trusted friend or family member, and use the self-exclusion and limit tools offered by your casino. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness — recovery is possible, and support is free, confidential, and available right now.

Remember: When the fun stops, stop. Gambling is entertainment — never a source of income.