Responsible Gaming
Introduction
At Bear Mountain Bike Fest, we believe that online gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only. Gaming is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. It should be fun, exciting, and played within your means. If you find yourself viewing gaming as a source of income or a way to recover losses, we encourage you to seek help immediately.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal age in your province/territory) to participate in online gaming activities on this site. We take age verification seriously and employ strict measures to ensure compliance with Canadian gaming regulations.
If you are under the legal age, please do not proceed with gaming activities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Please review the following checklist. If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available:
- ☐ Constantly thinking about gambling or planning your next gaming session
- ☐ Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel the same excitement
- ☐ Unable to cut back or stop gaming despite multiple attempts
- ☐ Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to reduce gaming
- ☐ Gambling to escape problems, anxiety, sadness, or other negative emotions
- ☐ Lying to family, friends, or others about the extent of your gambling
- ☐ Hiding gaming activity or spending from loved ones
- ☐ Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- ☐ Using credit cards, loans, or borrowing money to gamble
- ☐ Neglecting work, school, family, or hobbies due to gambling
- ☐ Experiencing relationship problems caused by gaming activity
- ☐ Repeatedly failing to honor financial obligations due to gaming
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online gaming sites offer responsible gaming tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Period: Take a mandatory break from gaming for a set duration (hours or days)
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gaming platforms for a defined period or permanently
We strongly encourage you to use these tools proactively, even if you don't currently feel you need them.
Support Organizations for Canada
If you or someone you care about is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out to these trusted Canadian resources:
Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Canada's leading organization providing education, research, and support for problem gambling.
Gambling Helpline (Provincial Support)
Most Canadian provinces offer confidential helplines. Search for your provincial gambling helpline or visit the Responsible Gambling Council website to find local support in your area.
National Council on Problem Gambling (US-based, serves North America)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Offers resources and referrals for problem gambling support across North America.
Gamblers Anonymous
A peer-support fellowship with meetings across Canada. Visit www.gamblersanonymous.org to find meetings in your area.
Call to Action
If you believe you have a problem with gambling, please seek help today. There is no shame in reaching out—problem gambling is a recognized health issue with effective treatments and support available.
Contact one of the organizations listed above, speak with a healthcare provider, or call your provincial gambling helpline. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can regain control.
Remember: Gambling should always be fun. If it's not, it's time to get help.