Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be entertainment, not a source of income or a way to solve financial problems. Most people gamble responsibly within their limits. But for some, it becomes problematic. Coolbet provides tools and resources to help you stay in control.

This page explains how to recognize warning signs, use available tools, and access help if gambling stops being fun.

Guidelines for Safe Gambling

Keep gambling enjoyable by following these principles:

• Set a budget before playing - decide how much you can afford to lose and stick to it
• Time limits matter - set how long you'll play and take regular breaks
• Never chase losses - trying to win back losses leads to bigger problems
• Don't gamble when upset or drunk - emotional decisions lead to poor choices
• Balance gambling with other activities - it shouldn't be your only entertainment
• Never borrow money to gamble - only use money you can afford to lose
• Understand the odds - the house always has an edge long-term

Recognizing Problem Gambling

Problem gambling develops gradually. Watch for these warning signs in yourself or others:

Financial Warning Signs

• Spending more money than planned or can afford
• Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
• Missing bill payments due to gambling expenses
• Lying about how much money you've spent gambling
• Selling possessions to fund gambling

Behavioral Warning Signs

• Gambling for longer periods than intended
• Thinking constantly about gambling when not playing
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to stop
• Needing to bet more money to get the same excitement
• Repeatedly trying and failing to cut down or stop
• Gambling to escape problems or relieve negative emotions

Social and Personal Warning Signs

• Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities
• Relationship problems caused by gambling
• Loss of interest in hobbies and social activities
• Secretive behavior about gambling activities
• Feeling guilty or ashamed about gambling

If you recognize multiple warning signs, it's time to take action. Don't wait until the problem becomes severe.

Self-Control Tools Available

Coolbet provides multiple tools to help you manage your gambling. Access these through your account settings under Responsible Gaming.

Deposit Limits

Set maximum amounts you can deposit within specific timeframes:

• Daily limits - control spending per 24-hour period
• Weekly limits - manage budget across seven days
• Monthly limits - set overall monthly spending caps

Limit decreases take effect immediately. Increases require a 24-48 hour cooling-off period before activation, preventing impulsive decisions during losing streaks.

Loss Limits

Cap how much you can lose over specific periods. Once the limit is reached, you cannot place additional bets until the period resets.

Loss limits calculate net losses (deposits minus withdrawals and remaining balance) to give accurate spending tracking.

Wager Limits

Restrict total amount wagered regardless of wins or losses. This controls activity level even if you're winning.

Session Time Limits

Set maximum session durations. When time expires, you're automatically logged out and cannot log back in for a specified cool-down period.

Reality Check

Pop-up reminders appear at intervals you choose (15 minutes to several hours) showing:

• How long you've been playing current session
• Net wins or losses for the session
• Option to continue or take a break

Reality checks interrupt gameplay flow, forcing conscious decisions about continuing rather than mindless playing.

Take a Break

Temporary self-exclusion for set periods:

• 24 hours
• 7 days
• 30 days

During breaks, you cannot access your account, place bets, or make deposits. The break cannot be cancelled once activated.

Self-Exclusion

Long-term or permanent account closure:

• 6 months
• 1 year
• 5 years
• Indefinite

Self-exclusion is serious. Your account gets closed immediately and cannot be reopened until the exclusion period expires. Withdraw any remaining balance before activating self-exclusion.

Contact support to arrange self-exclusion if you cannot do it through account settings. They'll process the request immediately without attempting to change your mind.

Professional Help and Support Resources

If gambling has become a problem, professional help is available. These organizations provide free, confidential support:

ConnexOntario

Website: connexontario.ca
Phone: 1-866-531-2600 (toll-free, 24/7)
Services: Free, confidential referrals to addiction services throughout Ontario

ConnexOntario connects Ontario residents with local support services including counseling, treatment programs, and support groups. Services available in multiple languages.

GamTalk

Website: gamtalk.org
Services: Online peer support community moderated by trained professionals

GamTalk provides a safe space to discuss gambling issues with others who understand. Moderated forums ensure supportive, judgment-free environment. Available 24/7 from anywhere.

Gamblers Anonymous

Website: gamblersanonymous.org
Services: Fellowship of people sharing experiences and supporting recovery

GA meetings operate across Canada. Find local meetings through their website or by calling regional helplines. Meetings follow a 12-step program proven effective for addiction recovery.

Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario

Website: problemgambling.ca
Services: Research, education, and treatment resources

Canadian Mental Health Association

Website: cmha.ca
Services: Mental health support including gambling-related issues

Many gambling problems co-occur with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. CMHA provides comprehensive mental health support addressing underlying issues.

Provincial Helplines

Helping Someone With a Gambling Problem

If someone you know has a gambling problem:

• Talk to them privately - choose a calm moment without distractions
• Express concern without judgment - focus on behaviors and consequences, not personal attacks
• Listen without lecturing - let them explain their perspective
• Offer specific help - research resources, offer to attend counseling together, help with practical matters
• Set boundaries - don't lend money or cover debts, which enables continued gambling
• Take care of yourself - problem gambling affects families; seek support for yourself too

You cannot force someone to change. You can offer support, provide information about resources, and maintain boundaries protecting yourself and other family members.

Organizations like Gam-Anon provide support specifically for family members and friends of problem gamblers.

Preventing Underage Gambling

Coolbet prohibits anyone under 18 (or 19 where applicable) from creating accounts or gambling. We verify age during registration and may request additional verification if age is questioned.

Parents and guardians should:

• Monitor children's internet usage
• Use parental control software
• Keep payment methods secure
• Educate children about gambling risks
• Model responsible gambling behavior

If you discover a minor has accessed our site, contact support immediately. We'll close the account and investigate how age verification failed.

Coolbet's Commitment to Responsible Gaming

We're committed to providing entertainment in a safe, responsible environment:

• Staff training - employees receive training to identify and respond to problem gambling signs
• Proactive monitoring - we monitor accounts for concerning patterns and may reach out to players
• Easy access to tools - responsible gaming features are prominent and simple to use
• No encouragement of excessive play - marketing focuses on entertainment value, not promises of winning
• Partnership with support organizations - we collaborate with responsible gaming advocates and treatment providers
• Continuous improvement - we regularly review and enhance responsible gaming measures

Self-Assessment Questions

Answer these questions honestly to evaluate your gambling habits:

• Do you gamble to escape problems or relieve feelings like anxiety or depression?
• Have you felt the need to bet more money more frequently?
• Have you tried to stop gambling and found you couldn't?
• Do you feel restless or irritable when trying to cut down?
• Have you lied to family or others about your gambling?
• Has gambling caused problems in relationships or at work?
• Do you rely on others to provide money for gambling debts?
• Have you committed illegal acts to finance gambling?

If you answered yes to several questions, consider seeking help. These are recognized indicators of problem gambling from clinical assessment tools.

Contact Us About Responsible Gaming

For questions about responsible gaming tools or to request assistance:

Email: [email protected]
Live Chat: Available 24/7
Subject: Responsible Gaming Support

Our support team can help you:

• Set up deposit, loss, or time limits
• Activate take a break or self-exclusion
• Provide information about external support resources
• Answer questions about responsible gaming features

We treat all responsible gaming inquiries with sensitivity and confidentiality. Support staff will never pressure you to continue gambling if you're seeking help to stop.