Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At BOWD.ca, we're committed to promoting responsible gambling practices. Sports betting and casino games should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has an edge, and there is no guaranteed way to win.
Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses or bet more than you can comfortably manage.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal age of majority in your province) to participate in sports betting and gambling activities in Canada. BOWD.ca takes age verification seriously and complies with all applicable provincial regulations.
If you are underage, please do not use our services. We encourage parents and guardians to discuss responsible gambling with young people in their care.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognize any of these warning signs in yourself or someone you know?
- Chasing Losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding Gambling Activity: Keeping your gambling secret from family, friends, or partners
- Increasing Bets: Needing to bet larger amounts to feel the same excitement
- Loss of Control: Unable to stop gambling or stick to set limits
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Gambling interferes with work, school, or family obligations
- Financial Strain: Borrowing money, maxing out credit cards, or gambling with bills money
- Mood Changes: Becoming anxious, irritable, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Failed Attempts to Quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
- Escaping Problems: Using gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or sadness
- Risky Behavior: Gambling with money needed for essentials or taking on debt
If you experience any of these warning signs, it's important to seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
BOWD.ca provides several tools to help you maintain control over your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount of money you're willing to lose in a given period
- Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets you can place
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic notifications reminding you how long you've been gambling and how much you've wagered
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Period: Take a break from gambling for a set period without closing your account
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from BOWD.ca for a specified duration or permanently
To access these tools or adjust your settings, contact our customer support team or log into your account.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. These organizations provide free, confidential support:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- Gamblers Anonymous Canada – Free peer support meetings across Canada
- Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario – Specialized resources for Ontario residents
International Resources
- United Kingdom: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- United Kingdom: GamStop National Self-Exclusion Scheme – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
Helplines
- Canada: Call or text 1-800-522-4700 (Gamblers Anonymous)
- Ontario: 1-888-PROBLEM (1-888-776-5326)
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a treatable condition. If you're struggling with your gambling habits, please don't hesitate to contact one of the support organizations listed above. They offer free, confidential assistance and can help you develop a plan to regain control.
Remember: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Support is available 24/7.
Our Commitment
BOWD.ca is committed to operating responsibly and ethically. We comply with all Canadian provincial gambling regulations and support initiatives to prevent problem gambling. If you have questions about our responsible gaming practices, please contact our support team.