Responsible Gaming Guide for PokerStars in Canada

Core Philosophy

Gambling at PokerStars is intended solely for entertainment purposes and should never be viewed as a source of income or a financial solution. We believe that a positive gambling experience is rooted in enjoyment and responsible play. It is crucial for players to understand that gambling should be a leisure activity, and it is essential to maintain a healthy balance between gaming and other life responsibilities. Players are encouraged to treat gambling as a fun pastime rather than a way to solve financial problems.

Self-Control Tools

PokerStars offers a variety of responsible gambling tools designed to help players maintain control over their gaming activities. These tools empower players to make informed decisions regarding their gambling habits.

• Deposit Limits: Players can set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits to help manage their gambling budget effectively.
• Loss Limits: This feature allows players to establish limits on the amount they can lose over a specified period, promoting responsible financial management.
• Wagering Limits: Players can set limits on the maximum amount they wager, ensuring they stay within their comfort zone.
• Session Time Limits: Players can impose time restrictions on their gaming sessions, encouraging them to take breaks and reduce excessive play.
• Cooling-Off Periods: This option allows players to take a temporary break from gambling, providing a necessary pause to reflect on their gaming habits.
• Self-Exclusion Options: Players have the ability to self-exclude from the platform for a specified duration, preventing access to their accounts during this period.

Self-Assessment

To assist players in identifying early signs of problematic gambling behavior, PokerStars provides a structured list of reflective questions:

1. Do you often gamble to escape from stress or emotional issues?
2. Have you ever felt the need to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same excitement?
3. Do you frequently chase losses by returning to gamble more after losing?
4. Are you often preoccupied with thoughts about gambling, such as planning your next session or thinking about past wins or losses?
5. Have you ever lied about the amount of time or money you spend on gambling?
6. Do you feel restless or irritable when attempting to cut down on gambling?
7. Have you noticed changes in your relationships or responsibilities due to your gambling activities?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, it may be beneficial to take a step back and evaluate your gambling habits.

Protection of Minors

PokerStars is committed to preventing underage access to its platform. We employ a strict age verification process and conduct Know Your Customer (KYC) checks to ensure that all players are of legal age to gamble.

• Age Verification: Players must provide valid identification to confirm their age before they can access the gaming platform.
• KYC Checks: Continuous monitoring of player accounts ensures compliance with legal age requirements, further safeguarding minors from gambling.

We encourage players to report any suspected underage gambling activities to maintain a safe gaming environment for all.

External Help

Recognizing the importance of seeking external support, PokerStars provides resources for players who may need assistance with gambling issues. We strongly encourage players to reach out to professional organizations that specialize in gambling support:

• GamCare: Offers support and information for anyone affected by gambling.
• BeGambleAware: Provides resources and advice to help people make informed decisions about their gambling.
• Local support services in Canada: Many provinces offer confidential support services for individuals struggling with gambling-related issues.

These organizations promote a non-judgmental approach and ensure that help is available for anyone who needs it.

Early Warning Signs of Problematic Gambling Behavior

It is vital for players to be aware of the early warning signs that may indicate problematic gambling behavior. Recognizing these signs early can facilitate timely intervention and support. Common indicators include:

• Increasing frequency of play or extended gaming sessions.
• Prioritizing gambling over personal or professional responsibilities.
• Experiencing emotional distress related to gambling outcomes.
• Using gambling as a means of coping with stress or other negative emotions.
• Borrowing money or using funds allocated for essential expenses to gamble.

If players notice these signs in themselves or others, it may be time to reassess their gambling habits.

Taking Immediate Action

If you feel that you are losing control of your gambling, it is crucial to take immediate action. Here are steps you can take:

1. Utilize Self-Control Tools: Implement deposit limits, session time limits, or self-exclusion options to regain control.
2. Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or professional support organizations.
3. Take a Break: Consider taking a cooling-off period to step away from gambling and reassess your situation.
4. Reflect on Your Behavior: Use the self-assessment questions to evaluate your gambling habits and identify areas that may need change.

Account Restriction and Self-Exclusion Mechanisms

PokerStars supports players who wish to restrict their gambling activities through various account restriction mechanisms. Players can choose to set deposit limits, loss limits, or establish time limits for their gaming sessions.

In more serious cases, players may opt for self-exclusion, which prevents access to their account for a specified duration. This process can be initiated through the player’s account settings and is a crucial step for those who recognize the need for a break from gambling activities.

Personal Responsibility and Platform-Supported Protection Tools

At PokerStars, we emphasize the importance of personal responsibility in gambling. It is essential for players to take proactive steps to manage their gaming activities. Our platform-supported protection tools are designed to assist players in maintaining control over their gambling behavior.

We encourage players to take ownership of their gaming choices and to use the resources available to them for a safer gambling experience.

Confidentiality and Non-Judgmental Support Approach

PokerStars is committed to providing a confidential and non-judgmental support environment for all players. We prioritize player anonymity and ensure that any concerns regarding gambling behavior are handled discreetly.

Players seeking help can rest assured that their privacy will be respected and that they will receive support without fear of judgment. Our goal is to create an atmosphere where players feel safe to discuss their gambling habits and seek assistance when needed.