Responsible Gaming Guide for PokerStars in Canada

Core Philosophy

At PokerStars, we believe that gambling should be a form of entertainment and not a means of generating income or solving financial problems. Our platform is designed to provide a fun and engaging environment for all players, where the enjoyment of the game is paramount. We encourage our players to approach gambling with a mindset focused on enjoyment rather than as a source of revenue. It is crucial to recognize that losses are a part of any gambling experience, and players should only wager what they can afford to lose.

Self-Control Tools

To promote responsible gambling, PokerStars offers a variety of self-control tools that empower players to manage their gaming behavior effectively. These tools are designed to help players maintain control and protect themselves from potential gambling-related harm. The following options are available:

Deposit Limits: Players can set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on the amount of money they are willing to deposit into their accounts. This feature helps players stay within their budget and control their spending.
Loss Limits: Players have the option to define a maximum amount they are willing to lose over a specific period. Once this limit is reached, they will be unable to continue playing until the next period starts.
Wagering Limits: This tool allows players to set restrictions on the amount they can wager within a given timeframe. It helps manage betting behavior and prevents excessive wagering.
Session Time Limits: Players can impose limits on the duration of their gaming sessions. This feature encourages players to take breaks and prevents prolonged gambling sessions that may lead to irresponsible behavior.
Cooling-Off Periods: If a player feels the need to take a break from gambling, they can request a cooling-off period during which their account will be temporarily suspended. This allows players to step back and reassess their gaming habits.
Self-Exclusion Options: For those who need a more significant break, PokerStars offers self-exclusion options. Players can choose to exclude themselves from gambling for a set period, which can range from a few days to several months or even longer. During this time, players will not be able to access their accounts.

Self-Assessment

Understanding one’s gambling behavior is essential for maintaining control. PokerStars encourages players to reflect on their gaming habits by asking themselves the following questions:

Do I often gamble to escape from stress or negative emotions?
Have I ever felt the need to gamble more than I can afford to lose?
Do I chase my losses by continuing to gamble after losing money?
Have I lied to friends or family about my gambling activities?
Do I feel anxious or irritable when I am not gambling?
Have I noticed a change in my mood or behavior related to my gambling?
Am I neglecting important responsibilities or relationships because of my gambling?

If players answer “yes” to any of these questions, it may be an indication of problematic gambling behavior, and they are encouraged to seek help.

Protection of Minors

PokerStars is committed to preventing underage gambling. We implement strict safeguards and procedures to ensure that our platform is not accessible to minors. Our measures include:

Age Verification: All players must verify their age before creating an account. We require valid identification to confirm that players are at least 19 years old, which is the legal gambling age in most provinces in Canada.
KYC Checks: Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols are in place to ensure that all players are accurately identified and that their information is up to date. This process is crucial in maintaining a safe and responsible gaming environment.

External Help

For players who may need additional support, PokerStars encourages reaching out to professional organizations dedicated to responsible gambling. Some key resources include:

GamCare: A leading provider of information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling-related issues.
BeGambleAware: An organization that provides information to help people make informed decisions about their gambling and offers support through a helpline.
Local Support Services: Various local resources are available across Canada, including counseling services and helplines that specialize in gambling addiction and recovery.

Early Warning Signs of Problematic Gambling Behavior

Recognizing the early signs of problematic gambling behavior is vital for taking corrective action. Some warning signs include:

Frequently gambling to escape stress or negative feelings.
Increasing the amount of time or money spent on gambling.
Feeling anxious or stressed when not gambling.
Lying about gambling habits to friends or family.
Neglecting responsibilities or relationships due to gambling.

If any of these signs resonate, it is essential to take immediate action to regain control.

Immediate Actions for Players

If players feel they are losing control over their gambling activities, they should consider the following immediate actions:

Utilize self-control tools such as deposit limits, loss limits, or session time limits to manage their gambling.
Take a break from gambling by requesting a cooling-off period or self-exclusion.
Reflect on their gambling behavior using the self-assessment questions to identify any concerning patterns.
Reach out for support from friends, family, or professional organizations.

Account Restriction and Self-Exclusion Mechanisms

PokerStars provides players with the ability to restrict their accounts as a means of promoting responsible gambling. Players can choose to:

Set deposit, loss, and wager limits to control their gambling behavior.
Initiate self-exclusion for a specified period. During this time, all access to their account will be suspended, which helps in managing problematic gambling behavior.

We emphasize that players have the responsibility to use these tools effectively and to seek assistance when needed.

Personal Responsibility and Platform-Supported Protection Tools

At PokerStars, we believe in the importance of personal responsibility in gambling. We encourage players to take ownership of their gaming habits and to utilize the tools provided on our platform to promote responsible gambling. Our protective measures are in place to support players in maintaining control over their gambling activities.

Confidentiality and a non-judgmental approach are fundamental to our support framework. Players can feel safe and respected when discussing their gambling activities and seeking help. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where players can prioritize their well-being.