Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At The Good Paws, we believe that online gaming through Interac casinos should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you find yourself viewing gambling as an income source or a solution to financial difficulties, it's time to seek support.
Please gamble responsibly and within your means. Set limits, play for fun, and know when to stop.
Age Verification
All players must be 18 years of age or older (or the legal gambling age in your province) to participate in online gaming. The Good Paws is committed to preventing underage gambling. If you are under the legal age in your jurisdiction, please do not attempt to register or play.
Note: In Canada, the legal gambling age varies by province (18 in some provinces, 19 in others). Please verify the legal age requirements in your province.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognize any of the following warning signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available:
- Chasing Losses: Continuing to gamble in an attempt to recover money you've lost
- Hiding Gambling Activity: Being secretive about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations due to gambling
- Increasing Amounts: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Failed Control Attempts: Repeatedly trying and failing to cut back or stop gambling
- Mood Changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or restless when you're not gambling
- Financial Problems: Borrowing money to gamble or experiencing financial difficulties as a result of gambling
- Relationship Strain: Arguments with family or friends about your gambling habits
- Using Gambling to Escape: Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional problems
Self-Help Tools & Resources
Many online casinos and gaming platforms offer built-in tools to help you maintain control. These tools include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the maximum amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic reminders or session timeouts to prevent extended play
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up notifications during gameplay to remind you of the time and money you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gaming platforms
- Account Cooling-Off Period: Request a temporary pause from your account
We encourage you to take advantage of these tools. They are designed to help you play safely and within your limits.
Support Organizations in Canada & Beyond
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available. Here are trusted organizations that provide confidential support:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council — www.responsiblegambling.org — Provides resources, support services, and information on problem gambling across Canada
- Gamblers Anonymous — A 12-step fellowship for individuals struggling with a gambling problem (check local chapters)
Provincial Support (Canada)
Many Canadian provinces have dedicated problem gambling helplines. Contact your provincial health authority or search "problem gambling help [your province]" for local resources.
International Support Organizations
- GamCare (United Kingdom) — www.gamcare.org.uk — Confidential support and counseling services
- GamStop (United Kingdom) — www.gamstop.co.uk — National self-exclusion scheme
- Gambling Help Online (Australia) — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au — Free counseling and support
- National Council on Problem Gambling (United States) — www.ncpgambling.org — Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
If You Need Help
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you believe you may have a problem with gambling, please reach out to one of the organizations listed above. They offer:
- Free, confidential counseling and support
- Resources to understand and manage problem gambling
- Information about treatment options
- Support for family members affected by problem gambling
Don't wait. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can regain control. Professional support is available 24/7 in most cases, and all conversations are kept confidential.
Our Commitment
The Good Paws is committed to promoting responsible gaming. We support the mission of preventing problem gambling and providing resources for those who need help. By choosing to gamble responsibly, you're making a positive choice for yourself and your loved ones.