Responsible Gaming

Every form of gambling carries a risk of financial loss. There are no guaranteed outcomes, and no strategy eliminates that risk entirely. Responsible gaming is about staying informed, setting boundaries, and treating gambling as entertainment rather than a source of income.

1win provides players in Canada with practical tools to support healthy betting behaviour:

• Set deposit limits. Decide in advance how much you are comfortable spending and stick to that amount.
• Use session time reminders. Keep track of how long you have been playing to avoid losing perspective.
• Take regular breaks. Stepping away from gambling periodically helps maintain a clear and balanced mindset.
• Play within your means. Only use funds that you can afford to lose without affecting your essential expenses.
• Avoid chasing losses. Attempting to recover lost funds by placing more bets increases financial risk significantly.
• Keep gambling separate from personal problems. Gambling should never be used as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions.
• Stay informed. Learn about the odds and mechanics of the games you play so your decisions are based on accurate information.

These principles are designed to help you enjoy gambling as a form of leisure, with full control over your choices and spending.

Gambling addiction can develop gradually, and many people are unaware of the warning signs until the problem has grown serious. Being aware of these indicators is an important step toward protecting your wellbeing.

The following signs may suggest that gambling has become a problem:

• Spending more money on gambling than you originally intended or can afford
• Being unable to stop or reduce betting activity despite repeated attempts
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when not gambling
• Neglecting work, school, family, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling activity
• Lying to friends or family members about how much time or money you spend on gambling
• Using gambling to escape negative emotions such as stress, loneliness, or depression
• Continuing to gamble even after experiencing significant financial losses
• Placing increasingly larger bets to experience the same level of excitement
• Losing interest in hobbies or activities that were previously enjoyable

Gambling addiction is a recognised medical condition that requires appropriate attention and care. If several of these indicators apply to you, seeking support is a constructive and important step.

Addressing a gambling problem takes commitment, but effective solutions are available. The following recommendations can help you regain control and build healthier habits:

• Acknowledge the issue. Accepting that gambling has become a problem is the first and most important step toward recovery.
• Set strict financial limits. Use the deposit and spending limit tools available on 1win to cap how much you can wager within a set period.
• Request a self-exclusion. If you feel that a temporary or permanent break is necessary, you can request a self-exclusion through the platform’s responsible gaming features.
• Block access to gambling sites. Third-party software such as Gamban or BetBlocker can restrict access to gambling platforms across all your devices.
• Seek professional counselling. Speaking with a therapist or counsellor who specialises in addiction can provide structured support and coping strategies.
• Connect with a support community. Groups such as Gamblers Anonymous offer peer support from people who have faced similar challenges.
• Inform a trusted person. Sharing your situation with a friend or family member can provide accountability and emotional support during recovery.
• Replace gambling with alternative activities. Structured hobbies, physical activity, or social engagements can reduce the urge to gamble.
• Avoid high-risk environments. Limit exposure to situations, locations, or social settings where gambling is likely to occur.
• Monitor your progress. Keep a personal record of your gambling activity and the steps you are taking to address it, as this builds awareness and motivation.

A number of reputable organisations in Canada offer confidential support, counselling, and information for people affected by gambling addiction. Reaching out to these services is a positive and productive step.

• Connex Ontario — Free and confidential mental health, addictions, and crisis services: connexontario.ca
• Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario — Clinical resources, self-help tools, and professional training: problemgambling.ca
• Gambling Support Now (BC) — Support for residents of British Columbia: bcresponsiblegambling.ca
• Alberta Health Services — Addiction Helpline — 24/7 support line: 1-866-332-2322 / albertahealthservices.ca
• Gamblers Anonymous Canada — Peer support meetings and resources for those with a gambling problem: gamblersanonymous.org
• Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) — National research and policy resources on addiction: ccsa.ca
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) — Ontario-based addiction and mental health services: camh.ca

If you are experiencing difficulties related to gambling and need assistance, the 1win support team is available to help you access responsible gaming tools or account restrictions. The following channels are available to players in Canada:

• Live Chat — Available directly on the 1win website for immediate assistance
• Email Support — Send your query to the official support address listed in your account settings
• Help Centre — Access articles and guides on responsible gaming tools and account management through the platform’s Help section

The support team can assist with setting deposit limits, activating self-exclusion, and directing you to appropriate external resources.