Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
At essna.ca, we believe gambling should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Playing on Stake or any other platform carries financial risk. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never use gambling as an escape from personal difficulties.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older (or the legal gambling age in your Canadian province) to access gambling services. Gambling is strictly prohibited for minors. We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to verify your identity at any time.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following behaviours in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount of time or money spent
- Neglecting family, work, school, or other important responsibilities due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or guilty when not gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Unable to control or reduce gambling despite wanting to
- Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other problems
- Relationships suffering due to gambling habits
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable platforms, including Stake, offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a session or timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered
- Session Limits: Set automatic time limits for your gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Take a break from gambling by temporarily or permanently closing your account
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling
We encourage you to use these tools. Visit your account settings on Stake or contact their support team to activate these features.
Support & Help Organizations
If you need help or support for problem gambling, here are trusted organizations available to you:
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council (Ontario)
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-668-8702 (available across Canada) - Gamblers Anonymous Canada
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org
Free peer support meetings across Canada
International Resources
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 - GamCare (UK)
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (UK Self-Exclusion)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk - Gambling Help Online (Australia)
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Crisis Support: If you're in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact emergency services (911 in Canada) or reach out to the Canadian Mental Health Association at 1-833-456-4566.
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but help is available. There is no shame in asking for support. Whether you're concerned about your own gambling or someone else's, please contact one of the organizations listed above. Many services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Remember: You are not alone, and recovery is possible.