Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At johnshipman.ca, we believe sports betting should be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Gambling always carries risk, and the house always has an edge. Only bet what you can afford to lose, and never gamble with money needed for essential expenses like rent, food, or utilities.
Age Verification
Sports betting in Canada is restricted to individuals who are 18 years of age or older (19+ in some provinces). It is illegal for anyone under the legal gambling age to participate in sports betting. We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to request proof of age at any time.
If you are under the legal gambling age, please do not use our site or place any bets.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognize any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know?
- Chasing losses by betting more money to recover what you've lost
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement
- Hiding your gambling activity or lying about how much you're betting
- Neglecting family, work, school, or other important responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to finance gambling
- Experiencing anxiety, depression, or irritability when trying to cut back on gambling
- Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
- Repeatedly failing at attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Using gambling as an escape from stress, problems, or negative emotions
- Risking relationships, employment, or educational opportunities because of gambling
If you recognize these signs, problem gambling support is available and recovery is possible.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Many sportsbooks offer tools to help you maintain control over your gambling. Consider using these features:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of losses you're willing to accept over a given timeframe
- Betting Limits: Cap the amount you can wager on individual bets
- Reality Checks: Enable notifications that remind you how long you've been gambling and how much you've wagered
- Time-Out: Take a break from gambling for a set period without closing your account
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from an operator's services, typically for a minimum of 6 months or longer
These tools are designed to help you gamble responsibly. We encourage you to use them proactively.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organizations provide confidential support:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org — Ontario-based organization providing research, resources, and support for problem gambling
- Problem Gambling Services: Contact your provincial health authority or visit your local problem gambling helpline for free counseling and support
- Gamblers Anonymous: Support meetings available across Canada for those struggling with compulsive gambling
International Resources
- United Kingdom — GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
- United Kingdom — GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk (National self-exclusion scheme)
- Australia — Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United States — National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
All of these organizations provide confidential support, and most offer free services. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If You Need Help
Problem gambling is a treatable condition. Whether you're experiencing difficulties yourself or are concerned about someone else, professional support can make a real difference.
Don't wait — reach out to one of the organizations above today. Help is available 24/7, and support is confidential.