Responsible Gaming
Our Commitment to Safe Gaming
At What Matters We, we are committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Gambling should be enjoyed as entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. We encourage all players to gamble within their means and to seek help if they develop unhealthy gambling habits.
Age Verification
By accessing betting sites through whatmatterswe.ca, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age or the legal gambling age in your Canadian province, whichever is higher. Gambling is strictly prohibited for individuals under the legal age limit. All licensed operators verify player age and identity before allowing account creation.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs in your gambling behavior, it may be time to seek help:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activity from family or friends
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to reduce gambling
- Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Lying about the extent of your gambling involvement
- Experiencing relationship conflicts due to gambling habits
- Unsuccessful attempts to control or stop gambling
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most licensed betting operators offer tools to help you maintain control over your gaming:
- Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly spending limits on your account
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount of money you can lose over a specified period
- Reality Checks: Receive automatic notifications during gaming sessions to remind you of time and money spent
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Periods: Temporarily suspend your account for a set period without closing it
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling for an extended period, or permanently
We recommend reviewing these tools with your chosen operator and activating those that suit your needs.
Support Organizations in Canada
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Resources and support for problem gambling in Canada - Gamblers Anonymous Canada
A peer support organization offering meetings and community support across Canada - Provincial Gaming Help Lines:
Most Canadian provinces operate confidential helplines. Contact your provincial health ministry or visit responsible gambling websites for local resources.
International Resources
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Call: 1-800-522-4700 (confidential helpline) - GamCare (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk - Gambling Help Online (Australia)
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Take Action Now
If you suspect you may have a gambling problem, seek help immediately. Reaching out to support organizations is confidential, non-judgmental, and free. Recovery is possible, and professional counselors are ready to assist you.
Remember: Gambling should only ever be for entertainment. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.