Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

At ericdove.ca, we believe gambling should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only—never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you find yourself relying on gambling for income or using it to cope with stress, it's time to seek help.

Age Verification

By accessing Stake and other gaming platforms through ericdove.ca, you confirm that you are:

• At least 18 years of age, OR
• Older than the legal gambling age in your Canadian province or territory

Underage gambling is illegal and harmful. If you are under the legal age, please do not participate in any gambling activities.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Recognize these warning signs in yourself or others:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
• Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount spent
• Gambling with money needed for essentials (rent, food, bills)
• Neglecting family, work, school, or hobbies due to gambling
• Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to reduce gambling
• Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
• Gambling for longer periods than intended
• Failed attempts to stop or reduce gambling
• Using gambling to escape stress, depression, or anxiety
• Experiencing financial difficulties as a result of gambling

If any of these resonate with you, help is available.

Self-Help Tools & Limits

Most reputable gaming platforms, including Stake, offer tools to help you stay in control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a specific timeframe
• Loss Limits: Define a maximum amount you're willing to lose
• Reality Checks: Receive periodic notifications reminding you how long you've been playing
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from your account
• Time-Out Periods: Take a break from gaming for a set duration

Use these tools actively to maintain control over your gambling habits.

Support Organizations in Canada

If you need help, reach out to these trusted Canadian organizations:

• Responsible Gambling Council
  Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
  Provides resources, counselling referrals, and support for problem gambling in Canada
• National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
  Website: www.ncpgambling.org
  Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
  Offers support for those in North America dealing with problem gambling
• Gambling Help Online (Australia)
  Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Free counselling and resources available internationally
• GamCare (UK)
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  Offers support and helpline services for problem gambling

Many provinces also have local gambling helplines—contact your provincial health authority for specific resources.

Need Help? Reach Out Today

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out, and support is available.

Contact the Responsible Gambling Council at www.responsiblegambling.org or speak with a healthcare professional in your area.

Your wellbeing matters. Gaming should be fun, not a problem.