Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At ESL Resources, we believe that online gaming should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to play responsibly and within your means.
Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose. Set limits, stick to them, and remember that the house always has an edge.
Age Verification
Online gaming in Canada is restricted to individuals who are 18 years of age or older (or the legal age in your province, whichever is higher). By accessing Stake or any gaming platform through this site, you confirm that you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction.
Parents and guardians: If you're concerned about underage gaming, please monitor device usage and consider parental control software.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognize any of these warning signs? If so, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding gambling: Concealing the extent of your gambling from friends or family
- Neglecting responsibilities: Gambling instead of attending to work, school, or family obligations
- Increasing stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to feel the same excitement
- Loss of control: Being unable to stop or reduce your gambling despite wanting to
- Financial strain: Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Mood changes: Using gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression
- Failed attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to cut back or stop gambling
- Lying about gambling: Being dishonest with loved ones about how much you gamble
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable gaming platforms, including Stake, offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a day, week, or month
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Session Time Limits: Restrict how long you can play in one session
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long and how much you've been playing
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from the platform
- Account Restrictions: Temporarily suspend your account if you need a break
Use these tools proactively—they're designed to protect your wellbeing.
Support Organizations in Canada & Beyond
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Contact these trusted organizations:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Information, resources, and support for problem gambling in Canada - Gamblers Anonymous (Canada)
A peer-support fellowship for people with a gambling problem. Check their website for local meetings across Canada.
International Resources
- United Kingdom
GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
GamStop (Self-Exclusion): www.gamstop.co.uk - Australia
Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - United States
National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you're experiencing problem gambling, don't hesitate to reach out:
- Talk to a trusted friend or family member
- Contact one of the support organizations listed above
- Visit your doctor or a mental health professional
- Use the self-exclusion and limit tools on your gaming platform immediately
- Call a helpline during a crisis (crisis numbers available through the organizations above)
Recovery is possible. Help is available. You are not alone.