Responsible Gaming
Introduction
Gambling should always be treated as a form of entertainment — never as a way to earn money, solve financial problems, or escape from everyday stress. Whether you are placing bets with bitcoin or traditional currency, the outcome of any wager is never guaranteed, and losses are a real part of gambling. At makeapact.ca, we believe that bitcoin sports betting should only ever be enjoyed with money you can afford to lose. If gambling stops being fun, it's time to stop and take a step back.
Age Verification
You must be of legal gambling age to participate in any betting activity featured on this website. In most Canadian provinces and territories, the legal gambling age is 18 or 19, depending on where you live (for example, 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec; 19 in Ontario, British Columbia, and most other provinces). Always verify and comply with the legal age requirements in your province or territory before registering with any sportsbook. Licensed operators are required to verify your age and identity, and underage gambling is strictly prohibited.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Ask yourself honestly whether any of the following apply to you or someone you care about:
- Chasing losses — betting more to try to win back money you've lost
- Gambling with money meant for essentials like rent, bills, or groceries
- Hiding your gambling activity or lying to family and friends about how much you spend
- Borrowing money, selling possessions, or going into debt to fund gambling
- Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when you try to cut down or stop
- Gambling to escape stress, depression, or personal problems
- Neglecting work, school, or relationships because of gambling
- Spending more time or money on gambling than you intended
- Using cryptocurrency price movements as a justification to keep betting
If you answered "yes" to one or more of these, it may be time to seek support.
Self-Help Tools
Reputable sportsbooks and betting platforms offer tools to help you stay in control. We strongly encourage you to use them:
- Deposit limits — cap how much you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly
- Loss limits — set a maximum amount you are willing to lose over a given period
- Wager/session limits — restrict bet sizes or the time you spend on the platform
- Reality checks — on-screen reminders showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Cooling-off / time-out periods — take a short break from betting for 24 hours to several weeks
- Self-exclusion — block yourself from gambling platforms for an extended period or permanently
In Canada, provincial self-exclusion programs are also available — for example, iGaming Ontario's self-exclusion options, OLG's My PlayBreak, and BCLC's GameSense program in British Columbia. Contact your provincial gambling regulator for details.
Support Organizations
Free, confidential help is available in Canada and internationally:
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) — www.responsiblegambling.org — independent non-profit dedicated to gambling problem prevention
- ConnexOntario — www.connexontario.ca — 24/7 free and confidential help in Ontario: 1-866-531-2600
- Canada Safety Council — Problem Gambling Resources — provincial helplines are available across Canada; in a crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline)
- Gamblers Anonymous — www.gamblersanonymous.org — peer support meetings across Canada and worldwide
- GamCare (UK) — www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK) — www.gamstop.co.uk — free national self-exclusion service
- National Council on Problem Gambling (US) — www.ncpgambling.org — helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
- Gambling Help Online (Australia) — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (Germany) — www.check-dein-spiel.de
If You Have a Problem — Seek Help Now
Recognizing that gambling has become a problem is a sign of strength, not weakness. If gambling is affecting your finances, relationships, or mental health, please reach out to one of the organizations above today. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Talk to someone you trust, use self-exclusion tools, and remember: help is available, and recovery is possible.
Last reviewed: 2026. makeapact.ca is an affiliate website and does not operate gambling services. Always gamble responsibly.