Importance of Safer Gambling Tools: Quebec Responsible Gaming

Online gambling as a hobby and pastime activity has no harm or risks. However, when it goes out of hand, it leads to severe mental and physical health issues. It leads to gambling addiction, a problem similar to a substance or drug abuse disorder. As the gaming industry continues to grow, so does the need for responsible gaming tools. Without these tools, problem gambling can lead to serious financial and personal consequences. Fortunately, there are many Quebec responsible gaming organizations to turn to when in need of professional help.

Responsible gaming tools help gamblers set limits on how much they can spend and how often they can gamble. They also provide information on where to get help if gambling becomes a problem. These tools are important because they allow people to gamble responsibly. Therefore, various online and land-based casinos, such as Loto-Quebec, are going a step ahead by introducing responsible gambling as a part of their business plan.

On this page, we will discuss the importance of having responsible gambling tools and the signs and symptoms that may indicate gambling addiction. We will also introduce some of the best responsible gaming organizations in Quebec and Canada, as well as responsible gambling organizations that operate in other countries. Moreover, you will learn about the cures for gambling addiction and where you can find rehabilitation centers to treat it.

What is Responsible Gaming in Quebec?

Responsible gaming is defined as any gambling activity that is undertaken in a controlled and managed manner with the sole purpose of entertainment. In other simpler words, it is a term used to describe gambling in a manner that is considered safe, sane, and responsible.

Most people gamble for fun and enjoyment and correctly fall under the category of “responsible gamblers.” However, some people develop problems with gambling that can lead to financial ruin, job loss, mental health issues, and even suicide. Gambling addiction is a serious problem that should not be taken lightly.

Set Your Budget

Responsible gaming includes setting limits on how much money and time you spend on gambling, as well as staying within those limits. It also means only gambling with money you can afford to lose and never borrowing money to gamble.

Know Your Limits

Most importantly, responsible gaming means knowing when to stop. If you find that gambling is no longer fun or if it’s causing you financial or personal problems, it’s time to stop. There are many resources available to help problem gamblers, so don’t hesitate to seek out help if you need it.

Tools Will Protect You

Almost every online casino site has resources dedicated to providing support and guidance to those struggling with gambling addiction on their platform. These sites also host a number of responsible gaming tools to help manage and control your gambling. These tools include setting deposit limits, self-exclusion from online casinos, and using financial counselling services. These will be discussed in later sections in detail.

Hourglass, pad locks and slot reels in a futuristic design representing the top responsible casinos in Quebec

Best Online Casinos in Quebec That Promote Responsible Gambling

Almost all of the renowned online casinos in Quebec promote responsible gambling. The Quebec government is committed to encouraging responsible gaming among its citizens. To that end, they have partnered with Loto-Quebec platforms in the province to promote responsible gambling initiatives. Offshore casinos on our page are licensed and regulated by proper iGaming Authorities. So, they have all agreed to abide by certain guidelines that promote responsible gaming, including providing information on odds and house edge, maintaining player account balances, and offering customer support services.

In addition to these measures, the casinos have also agreed to provide free or low-cost counselling services for problem gamblers. This is an important step in helping to reduce the incidence of gambling addiction in Quebec.

The provision of responsible gaming tools by Quebec online casinos is a positive step towards creating a culture of responsibility around gaming in the province. It’s no surprise that these casinos in Quebec are also recognized globally for their efforts to promote safe gambling practices. Quebec citizens are not their only concern either. They also extend their responsible gaming services to customers residing in other parts of the globe.

Editor’s Comment: If a player wants to choose any other casino that follows a fair and responsible gaming policy, they must make sure to check its credentials and licenses and which regulatory body authorizes it.

Hourglass with a Shield Lock representing Responsible Practices and Principles in Québec

Responsible Gaming Practices and Principles in Quebec

Going overboard in any activity results in some long-lasting consequences. A player must avoid going downhill by embracing responsible gaming tools that help them stay steady. Therefore, the need for a regulatory authority to step in and promote responsible gaming is of utmost importance.

Keeping this importance in mind, Quebec has taken responsible gaming seriously, adopting a set of principles and practices to ensure that gaming is conducted in a fair and responsible manner. Some of the most strictly maintained principles are:

A player is likely to encounter responsible gaming in Quebec in the form of minimum bets made, maximum wins and bonuses claimed, and how much money to deposit and withdraw in a day.

Responsible Gambling in Canada by Loto-Quebec

Starting in 1969, Loto Quebec's sole purpose is to look after activities and practices about gambling and games of the outcome. Their purpose is to contribute to the community by promoting responsible gambling in Canada as a recreational and legal activity and see if the games of chance are controlled.

The province's government-run gambling organization has various games, including instant, online lottery, bingo, video lottery, kinzo, and gaming halls. Its motto is to promote responsible gambling in Quebec, with transparency during gameplay in mind.

Here are the various responsible gaming programs and measures adopted by the agency to ensure an optimally safe gambling environment within Quebec.

By taking these measures, Loto-Quebec is helping to create a culture of responsible gaming in Canada.

Loto Quebec Responsible Gambling Tools

With a player's welfare in mind, Loto-Quebec presents responsible gaming in Canada with tools that activate once a player starts gambling. A player can set up these tools manually when they feel like their gambling behaviour is worsening. In some severe cases, a casino can also impose by-default restriction settings on a problem gambler’s account.

Set Limits

Setting limits is essential to keep your gaming activities in check. Loto-Quebec lets you set session, deposit, bet, and loss limits. A player can specify the following settings when signing up on Loto-Quebec:

Take a Break from Activities

In addition to setting limits, a player can take a timeout from their gambling activities for a specific period. Usually, a player specifies the time for which they’d like to take a break from gaming, or casinos do it themselves! Periodic timeouts can be requested in which the casino logs off and restricts a user's sign-in every 8 hours or so.

Self-Exclusion

While a casino obliges responsible gaming and employs these tools, a player can still get carried away. If one is suffering from huge losses to the point that playing is no longer fun, it is best to take a step back. Loto-Quebec offers each player to sign up for a self-exclusion program under which they no longer have access to the casino site for a specific period of time. Players can choose the time period for which they’d like to self-exclude themselves from any online gaming activities.

Loto Quebec Responsible Gambling Programs

Loto-Quebec has several responsible gambling programs that can be activated once a player becomes a part of their family. With a player’s safety in mind, here is what they offer:

Bien joué! area

The kiosk provides information to customers about Quebec responsible gaming in each of its establishments in the province. Created in 2006, the Bien joué area guides each player about the games of chances and the risks associated with them.

Moreover, they bring awareness to the harsh repercussions of gaming irresponsibly. They also teach players how they can put a stop to problem gambling before it gets uglier. The experts teach players the importance of responsible gaming tools and teach them how to set deposit, wager and loss limits.

Loto Quebec Self-Exclusion Program

If a player feels that their gambling addiction is getting out of control, they can choose the self-exclusion program provided by Loto-Quebec. The program is a voluntary step a player takes to bar them for around three months to 5 years, depending on the period chosen. It works in favour of those who want to overcome their addictive gambling habits and the consequences of problem gambling. Once the decision for self-inclusion is taken, it cannot be reversed!

To register, one needs to follow these steps:

An Extra Layer of Protection: When you sign up for a self-exclusion program with Loto-Quebec, you will be excluded from promotional mailing lists as well!

Gambling: Help and Referral Helpline

Once players sign up for a self-exclusion program, they receive a call from the Gambling: Help and Referral HelpLine within 72 hours. These services are separate from Loto-Quebec, and the organization has no role in what benefits these telephonic services offer. These services are free and depend on whether a player wants to take them!

The following services are offered for every self-exclusion player to promote responsible gaming in Canada:

You can also contact the helpline service for free on this toll-free number: 1-800-461-0140. The representatives are available 24/7 round the clock to provide help to players struggling with managing their gambling habits.

Quebec Alcohol Racing and Gaming Commission - Responsible Gambling Regulations

Quebec Alcohol Racing and Gaming Commission is the governing authority that oversees all gaming activities and issues licenses to casinos within the province. The Commission has put in place a number of regulations aimed at ensuring that gambling is conducted in a responsible manner.

Proper Policies

One of the key features of the Commission's regulations is the requirement for all gambling operators to have a responsible gaming policy in place. This policy must include measures to prevent and mitigate problem gambling, as well as procedures for dealing with complaints from customers.

Proper Training

The Commission also requires all gambling operators to provide training for their staff on responsible gaming practices. Operators must also display accurate information about the games of chances including the RTP rate. There should be no hidden fees on the platform.

Provision of Resources

Additionally, platforms are required to provide responsible gaming links on their website, and make customized help available to customers upon request, either via a live chat option or a phone helpline.

Important Regulations

These regulations are designed to ensure that gambling is conducted in a safe and responsible manner in Quebec and to protect consumers from harm. Here are some other important regulations set by the commission that are relevant to all gamblers in Quebec:

All of these rules and regulations are set in place to ensure fair and responsible gaming practices, both by the casino site and the player. These are just a few of the many rules outlined by the Quebec Alcohol Racing and Gaming Commission that stress the importance of responsible and fair gambling practices in the province. Knowing these laws will help players make informed decisions while choosing a site to gamble at and keep them from engaging in unlawful practices at the casino.

Responsible Gambling in Quebec - Agency in Charge

The iGaming regulatory board in Quebec is Régie des alcools, Des courses et des jeux, or the Quebec Alcohol, Racing and Gaming Commission. It is in charge of overseeing all iGaming activities in Quebec.

The agency was founded in 1996 to ensure the integrity of these industries and to protect the public interest. The commission's main responsibilities are to issue licences and permits, inspect and monitor premises, investigate complaints, and enforce the law. It also works to prevent and detect crime and to educate the public about responsible gaming.

The mission of the commission is to regulate and monitor the following sectors:

Moreover, it issues permits and licenses to organizations in these sectors. It also has the authority to revoke or sanction any such organization that violates the regulations set by the Commission.

The Régie falls under the Minister of Public Security scope and is responsible for safeguarding the public interest, security, and peace. The Government of Quebec established the board to regulate all gambling activities, racing, alcohol, and public contests. Overall, it addresses Quebec problem gambling and how to counter it.

Why Responsible Gaming Tools and Policies Matter?

Legal Quebec responsible gaming websites introduce tools in their usual way of business to look after the safety of their players. These tools are present to curtail any gaming activities that have the chance of turning into an addiction.

Likewise, a gambling establishment is answerable to the regulatory authority. In this case, the board called the Régie has the right to ban them from running a business if they stray away from these rules. Therefore, following responsible gaming tools and policies matters for a casino's proper functioning and the player's welfare.

A gambling addict thinking about craps, roulette, blackjack and slot machines

What is Gambling Addiction?

Gambling addiction is one of the most known impulse control disorders that trigger one's “Reward System”. This triggering is similar to how people feel when they do drugs or alcohol. The 'high' generated from such addiction results in financial loss and personal damage as well as risking those around. This 'high' is attributed to the influx of dopamine induced by the brain when a person receives a reward.

Fact: Gambling addicts in Canada squander away more than $500,000 annually!

The American Psychiatric Association has considered excessive gambling addiction and included it in the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 2013. Gambling addiction is much like substance abuse, and with it, its consequences!

Gambling Addiction vs. Problem Gambling

Problem Gambling is when someone is prone to gamble even when aware of the negative consequences. A gambler’s behaviour has nothing to do with it but everything to do with their compulsive gambling that risks their loved ones.

Gambling addiction is also known as pathological or compulsive gambling, where a gambler impulsively makes decisions and does harm to oneself. It is an extreme case of problem gambling and is considered a psychiatric disorder.

Two factors might affect the gambling patterns of a player:

Social and Behavioral Signs of Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction hinders one's progress in society and alters their behaviour negatively. Consequently, they must be given access to centers providing gambling help in Canada. Here are some noticeable signs someone with a gambling disorder starts showing during the early stages:

Gambling Away Inheritance or Savings

The repercussions of gambling addiction are mainly felt in the form of financial loss. A gambling addict is likely to bet all their inheritance and savings on the games of the outcome.

Gambling for Longer Than Planned

Gambling addicts reassure their loved ones with false hopes, saying they will quit gambling eventually. However, they prolong the activity to experience the thrill.

Preoccupation with Gambling

Gambling addicts do not give time to their loved ones and other chores of importance. They are so preoccupied with the act that they lose the sense of time and responsibility!

Extreme Urge to Gamble and Loss of Control

Even if the addict thinks of quitting, impulsiveness takes control, and they let go of the idea. This loss of control is attributed to the reward system triggered by the activity and one of the persistent Quebec problem gambling traits.

Borrowing Money to Gamble

A gambling addict is prone to ask around for money. They are indebted to people around them, which becomes hard for them to pay off in the future. In serious cases, this borrowing goes out of hand as they undertake illegal means of borrowing.

Continuing to Gamble Despite the Harms

Despite negative consequences, a gambling addict will continue the activity. They do not consider any harmful effects their activity might cause on their loved ones and the community to which they belong.

Social Isolation

These addicts are usually isolated as society or the community shuns them for their activities. In general, they feel content gambling and require no assistance from others.

Denial

Lastly, they are in constant denial regarding the need for help and their continuous losses at gambles. They will discard any positive opinions or advice from their community and would seek the company of like-minded addicts.

Physical Signs of Gambling Addiction

Compulsive gambling disorder takes a toll on one’s physical capabilities. Contact a good gambling help in Canada if someone near you shows the following physical gambling addiction signs:

Frequent Headaches

A person may start experiencing frequent headaches from time to time. The intensity of headaches can increase with time and may turn into severe migraines.

Nausea

A person also experiences nausea and feelings of vomiting, similar to what a substance abuse patient has. This nausea may be accompanied by tremors and tightening of the chest.

Lack of Appetite

A gambling addict also starts losing his appetite, which leads to weight loss. It is because of the impulsiveness and restlessness associated with this disorder that a patient loses interest in eating the food.

Insomnia and Other Sleep Problems

Another symptom a gambling addict faces is insomnia (sleep disorder) and other sleep problems, including awakening early morning, deprivation of quality sleep, etc.

Stomach Issues

Gambling addiction can cause stomach problems such as diarrhea and lead to lower body immunity. Digestive issues and intestinal disorders are common symptoms found in gambling disorders.

Psychological Signs of Gambling Addiction

Pathological or compulsive gambling has adverse psychological effects that harm a person’s mental health and overall well-being. Your loved ones may need some gambling help in Canada if they exhibit the following psychological symptoms:

Anxiety and Agitation

A gambling addict would always be anxious. They would experience anxiety attacks and frequent anger spasms. They would also experience agitation, restlessness, and inability to stay still.

Very Frequent Mood Swings

They are prone to frequent mood alteration. They would switch from being happy to immediately being sad, angry, or anxious.

Concentration and Memory Issues

Gambling addicts suffer from impairment of their cognitive abilities. They lose concentration quickly and may suffer from memory loss. They get easily diverted from the primary task and lose interest in retaining helpful information.

Poor Judgment

They judge poorly and lose their sensibility. Due to impulsiveness embedded within their body, they lose sight of their goals and what’s important and thus do not care about the negative consequences.

Nervousness and Defensiveness

They feel nervous around the crowd, especially when they are asked to speak up. They cut off their ties with the community and become defensive when someone tries to help them out.

Increased Irritability and Temper

Gambling addicts become extremely irritable and lose their temper frequently. They are prone to harm their loved ones because of these anger issues and frequent outbursts.

Feelings of Guilt

A pathological gambling addict suffers from feelings of guilt. This guilt further leads them toward depression and anxiety.

Various Stress-Related Symptoms

Stress and burnout are the most common symptoms associated with gambling addiction. The patient feels tension and stress build up, which leads to frequent anger outbursts.

Where to Get Gambling Help? Rehabilitation Centers and Certified Treatment Centers for Gambling in Québec

If your loved ones or someone you know suffers from gambling addiction, you better enroll them in a rehabilitation center. Here are some rehabilitation and treatment centers that mainly cater to problem gambling in Quebec:

Responsible Gaming in Canada and Outside of the Country

Gambling addiction is a global problem that requires attention. The menace of problem gambling in Canada and worldwide is being addressed diligently. The developed countries already strive to achieve a responsible gambling community with a player’s well-being as their core objective.

Here are several known responsible gaming organizations working outside of Quebec and offering gambling addiction help:

Responsible Gaming Organizations Support Provided BeGambleAware Provides free and confidential gambling help to pathological gamblers with responsible gambling advice and teleservices available 24/7. Gamblers Anonymous Assists compulsive gamblers with GamAnon meetings that keep the anonymity of the attendee intact. Gambling Therapy Provides emotional support and gives gambling addiction help as therapy. GamStop Provides free online self-exclusion to control your online gambling. Your access to gambling websites and apps will be restricted upon registration. GamCare Provides a dedicated approach to addressing gambling addiction via workbooks, self-guided resources, and a recovery toolkit.

How Quebec Responsible Gaming Organizations Compare with International Organizations

Responsible Gaming Organizations in Quebec work the same way as any other international organization. Be it Gamblers Anonymous or BeGambleAware, all of these organizations have the same aim as any Quebec-based gambling addiction rehabilitation center – safer gaming and addressing the problem and compulsive gambling.

However, establishments of responsible gaming in Quebec go further by delivering well-thought aftercare services. Nevertheless, each organization has a common goal – to see a community free of addiction.

Here are some successful international responsible gaming organizations working to help pathological gamblers achieve a better lifestyle:

A Cartoon Woman Thinking How to Gamble Responsibly in Quebec

How to Gamble Responsibly?

Any activity that you love to do should be done healthily. Even though gaming has high risks which contribute to problem gambling in Canada, doing it responsibly can make it a fun activity. Here is how you can responsibly gamble and enjoy doing it:

Gambling as a Source of Entertainment

A player should treat gaming as a recreational and pastime activity. Gambling isn’t taxable so long as it remains a hobby. With clearly defined time and expected losses and wins, a player can do gaming responsibly. Excess of it can be harmful and result in compulsive gambling, leading to the disorder.

Learn to Manage Your Bankroll

A player should manage their bankroll and know when to quit. Set time and loss limits to stay manageable and efficiently maintain your bankroll. These limits can be daily, weekly, or monthly; if a person exceeds those limits, they automatically stop playing.

Stick to Your Budget

Apart from setting a limit, players must also stick to their budget. Your gaming activities must have a designated budget that must not be utilized for anything else. For example, players must stay within their minimum deposit per day or maximum bet per spin.

Set Your Gambling Session Limit in Advance

An important Quebec responsible gambling tool is the session limit. It is when a player is logged out of their account or game after a set time. A player mentions their gaming session limit before gameplay so that they can curtail their gambling habit.

Do Not Chase Losses

A crucial part of gaming responsibly is to avoid chasing your losses. Players tend to bet more and more to get a win after consecutive losses and end up squandering their budget and money. Learn to quit the game as a player can’t do much in the games of chance.

Do Not Gamble When You Are Upset or Angry

Emotional gambling has serious consequences. An angry, upset, or highly emotional player is prone to spend all their money and make rash decisions. It can result in a bankroll decline and a further unstable state of mind.

Make Sure Gambling Does Not Interfere with Your Daily Life

It is imperative to keep your gaming activities separate from your daily life. Do not let your gambles override important decisions and events and jeopardize your loved ones. Have your priorities sorted out; do not let gaming losses affect your mood.

Always Keep Track of the Money and Time Spent Gambling

Lastly, checking how much money you have left in your wallet and the time spent on the activity is essential. If you are experiencing losses while your time increases in gambling, it’s time to take a step back and do something else.

Quebec Problem Gambling in Numbers

Even though the province of Quebec might not be suffering from severe pathological gambling, it is a problem evident in gamblers of today. While most gamblers in Quebec perceive gaming as a recreational activity, a few are likely to stray. Here are some statistics about problem gambling in Quebec under the 2019 study done by the Research Chair on Gambling Studies:

Responsible Gaming at Loto-Quebec Land-Based Casinos

Loto-Quebec has been assisting each player with their gambling help journey and trying to keep gaming as a recreational activity. It takes several measures to maintain Quebec responsible gambling integrity, even in its land-based casinos. Following are Loto-Quebec’s land-based casinos:

All of these casinos provide the same Responsible Gaming tools. The Bien joué kiosk is available at all the land-based Loto-Quebec casinos that informs a player about the risks of problem gambling in Canada and safe practices to implement while gaming.

If a person willingly enrolls in a self-exclusion program, there is no going back. Loto-Quebec takes your picture for identification and ensures you are barred from entering any of its land-based casinos for your safety.

Moreover, casino employees are trained to find any signs of distress or tension. Once they find such implications, they must call upon a security agent to tend to the customer. The security team is trained to cater to such customers and support them to the best of their abilities till the health team from a rehabilitation or crisis center arrives.

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