Responsible Gaming Guide for PokerStars Canada

Core Philosophy

At PokerStars, we recognize that gambling is intended for entertainment purposes only. It should never be considered a source of income or a financial solution. Engaging in gambling activities should be a fun and enjoyable experience. We encourage players to approach online gaming with a mindset of leisure and enjoyment, always prioritizing personal well-being and responsible participation.

Self-Control Tools

To support our players in maintaining a healthy relationship with gambling, PokerStars offers a variety of self-control tools designed to promote responsible gaming. These tools empower players to make informed decisions and set limits that align with their personal circumstances. The available self-control tools include:

Deposit Limits: Players can set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits to control the amount of money they can add to their account.
Loss Limits: This feature allows players to set a maximum amount they are willing to lose over a specified time period, helping to prevent excessive losses.
Wagering Limits: Players can establish limits on the total amount they are allowed to wager, ensuring that their gambling activities remain within manageable boundaries.
Session Time Limits: Players can set time limits on how long they wish to play in a single session, encouraging regular breaks and reflection.
Cooling-off Periods: This option allows players to take a temporary break from gambling by restricting access to their accounts for a short duration.
Self-Exclusion Options: Players can choose to self-exclude from PokerStars for a defined period, during which they will not be able to access their accounts or participate in any gambling activities.

Self-Assessment

To help players identify early signs of problematic gambling behavior, we encourage self-reflection through the following structured list of questions:

Have you ever felt the need to bet more than you can afford to lose?
Do you find yourself chasing losses by placing larger bets?
Have you experienced feelings of anxiety or distress when not gambling?
Do you lie to friends or family about how much you gamble?
Have you ever borrowed money or sold personal items to fund your gambling?
Do you neglect personal or professional responsibilities due to gambling?
Have you noticed a change in your mood or behavior when gambling?

If players answer “yes” to any of these questions, it may indicate early signs of problematic gambling behavior. We encourage players to take immediate action and utilize the self-control tools available on our platform.

Protection of Minors

PokerStars is committed to preventing underage access to its platform. We implement strict safeguards and procedures to ensure that all players are of legal gambling age. Key measures include:

Age Verification: All players must provide accurate personal information, including date of birth, during the registration process to confirm their age.
KYC Checks: We conduct Know Your Customer (KYC) checks to verify the identity and age of our players, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and regulatory standards.

By implementing these measures, we strive to create a safe environment where only individuals of legal age can participate in gambling activities.

External Help

PokerStars encourages players to seek external support if they feel they may be experiencing gambling-related issues. Several professional organizations provide assistance and resources for individuals struggling with gambling problems. Players can reach out to:

GamCare: Offers support and information to anyone affected by gambling.
BeGambleAware: Provides resources for responsible gambling and helps individuals find local support services.
Local Support Services: Various organizations across Canada offer counseling and assistance for gambling-related issues. We recommend players to explore these resources for additional support.

Early Warning Signs of Problematic Gambling Behavior

Recognizing early warning signs of problematic gambling behavior is crucial for maintaining a healthy gambling experience. Some red flags include:

Increased frequency of gambling sessions.
Escalating amounts wagered or losses incurred.
Neglecting personal or work responsibilities due to gambling.
Using gambling as a way to escape from stress or emotional issues.

Players should remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring their gambling habits.

Immediate Actions for Players

If players feel they are losing control over their gambling activities, we encourage them to take the following immediate actions:

Utilize self-control tools available on the PokerStars platform, such as setting deposit or loss limits.
Consider taking a break by using the cooling-off period feature or self-exclusion options.
Reflect on their gambling behavior using the self-assessment questions provided earlier.
Reach out to external support organizations for guidance and assistance.

Account Restriction and Self-Exclusion Mechanisms

PokerStars provides comprehensive options for players wishing to restrict their gambling activities. Players can:

Set personal limits on deposits, losses, and wagers through their account settings.
Initiate a self-exclusion period, during which they cannot access their account or participate in gambling activities. This period can be customized to suit the player’s needs.

These mechanisms are designed to promote responsible gaming and assist players in maintaining control over their gambling habits.

Personal Responsibility and Protection Tools

At PokerStars, we emphasize the importance of personal responsibility in gambling. While we provide various tools and resources to support responsible gaming, it is ultimately up to each player to make informed decisions about their gambling activities. We encourage players to take advantage of the protection tools available and to regularly assess their gambling behavior.

Confidentiality and a non-judgmental support approach are fundamental to our philosophy. Players can feel secure in seeking help, knowing that their privacy will be respected and that they will be treated with understanding and compassion.

By fostering a responsible gaming environment, PokerStars aims to ensure that all players can enjoy their experience in a safe and controlled manner.