Responsible Gaming

Responsible gaming means choosing to play for entertainment while staying in control of your time, money, and decisions. Our goal at north-star-bets (north-star-bets-ca.com) is to inform, equip, and support you to keep gambling a safe, recreational activity. We provide practical tools, proactive assistance, and confidential help whenever needed. Observe -> Expand -> Reflect: we help you notice risks, expand your options for control, and reflect before you play.

Risk Awareness

OBSERVE: Early signs can be subtle. Notice patterns that reduce control or increase harm.

• Betting more often or for longer than planned; chasing losses after setbacks
• Thinking about gambling outside play; neglecting work, study, or relationships
• Hiding spend from family; borrowing money or using multiple payment methods
• Irritability or anxiety when not gambling; gambling to escape stress or low mood
• Ignoring reality-check messages or limits; repeatedly increasing limits

EXPAND: Risks increase with impulsive play, alcohol or drug use, and when using credit or borrowed funds. Consider objective indicators such as net losses over time and time-on-device.

REFLECT: Pause play and use our tools below if any sign applies to you. Professional, confidential help is available 24/7 in Canada.

Quick self-assessment

• [ ] I often gamble longer or spend more than I intended.
• [ ] I chase losses or return quickly after a loss to "win it back."
• [ ] I feel stressed, guilty, or secretive about my gambling.
• [ ] I have borrowed money or sold items to fund gambling.
• [ ] Gambling is affecting my work, studies, or relationships.
• [ ] I rely on gambling to cope with problems or negative feelings.
• [ ] I ignore or increase my limits to keep gambling.
• [ ] Others have expressed concern about my gambling.

Three or more "Yes" answers suggest elevated risk. Consider setting stricter limits, taking a Time‑Out, or using self‑exclusion and contacting support.

Regional Compliance Note (CA): Ontario regulation (AGCO/iGO) and Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) standards require operators to provide accessible tools, clear information, and assistance for players exhibiting risk indicators.

Limits & Tools

OBSERVE: Limits help you pre-commit to safe boundaries on money and time.

Deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)

1. Go to Account > Responsible Gaming > Limits on north-star-bets-ca.com.
2. Select Deposit Limit and choose a timeframe: Daily, Weekly, or Monthly.
3. Enter your maximum amount (e.g., Daily $50, Weekly $150, Monthly $400) and confirm.

• Increases take effect after a minimum 24‑hour cooling‑off period (Ontario standard); decreases take effect immediately.
• You can hold one active limit per timeframe; the most restrictive applies.

Time spent controls

• Session timers: Set a reminder (e.g., every 30/60 minutes). A pop‑up shows time spent, net result, and quick exit options.
• Reality checks: Enabled by default at regular intervals; you can adjust frequency in Account > Responsible Gaming.

Time‑Out (short breaks)

1. Navigate to Account > Responsible Gaming > Time‑Out.
2. Choose a duration: 24, 48, or 72 hours (you may also select 7, 14, or 30 days).
3. Confirm. You will be logged out and cannot deposit or bet during the Time‑Out. Marketing is paused.

EXPAND: Consider combining tools: a conservative monthly deposit limit plus a weekly time‑out day. Avoid using credit to fund play. Keep written budgets.

REFLECT: If you override limits frequently or take Time‑Outs after losses, consider self‑exclusion and contact support.

Regional Compliance Note (CA): Ontario standards require deposit limits, reality checks, and cool‑off periods. We also prohibit reverse withdrawals and may apply additional protections if risk is detected.

Self-Exclusion

OBSERVE: Self‑exclusion is a formal pause from gambling for a set period and is the strongest onsite protection.

north-star-bets self-exclusion (site-specific)

1. Go to Account > Responsible Gaming > Self‑Exclusion.
2. Select a duration: 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, or lifetime.
3. Read the summary of consequences and confirm your decision.
4. For assistance, contact support@north-star-bets-ca.com or +1-855-218-7827.

Ontario-wide exclusion: iGO "My PlayBreak"

• Available to eligible Ontario players across all registered operators. Choose a province‑wide period and complete identity verification through iGO's program.
• Once active, access to participating Ontario online gaming sites is blocked for the chosen period. Marketing is prohibited during exclusion.

Consequences and funds

• You cannot log in, deposit, bet, or receive marketing during exclusion.
• Open bets placed before exclusion are settled normally; any resulting real‑money balance will be returned to your original payment method where feasible.
• Bonus funds and unused promotional benefits are forfeited per promotional terms.
• We may request ID/AML verification before refunding. If automatic refund is not possible, we will contact you via your registered email.

EXPAND: Choose the longest period that feels safe. Combine with device blocking tools (see Support Resources) and remove payment methods associated with gambling.

REFLECT: If you have previously self‑excluded and are considering return to play, seek professional advice first. Reinstatement, where permitted, includes a cooling‑off and re‑activation checks.

Regional Compliance Note (CA): We comply with AGCO/iGO self‑exclusion standards for Ontario and KGC requirements outside Ontario, including advertising bans to self‑excluded players and secure handling of exclusion data.

Support Resources

OBSERVE: Support is confidential and available 24/7 in Canada. Choose local or international services that meet your needs.

Canada - Local help

• Ontario (ConnexOntario): 1-866-531-2600 • 24/7 phone, chat, email • English/French; interpreter services available • connexontario.ca
• British Columbia (Gambling Support BC): 1-888-795-6111 • 24/7 • Multilingual • gamblingsupportbc.ca
• Alberta (Addiction Helpline): 1-866-332-2322 • 24/7 • English; translation available • alberta.ca/addiction-helpline
• Across Canada: Dial 811 for provincial/territorial health lines that can connect you to problem gambling services and local counselling (24/7; English/French; interpreter access varies by province).
• Information (Canada): Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) • responsiblegambling.org; CAMH/Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario • problemgambling.ca

Self-exclusion schemes by country

• Ontario, Canada: iGaming Ontario "My PlayBreak" - province‑wide online gambling self‑exclusion.
• United Kingdom: GamStop - national online self‑exclusion (gamstop.co.uk).
• Spain: RGIAJ state register - national self‑exclusion (registrojuego.sepg.pap.hacienda.gob.es).

Blocking and filtering tools

• Gamban: App/site blocking across devices • gamban.com
• BetBlocker: Free multi‑platform gambling blocker • betblocker.org
• Device controls: Use iOS/Android/desktop parental controls to limit downloads and content.

Family support and financial help

• Gam‑Anon: Peer groups for affected others • gam-anon.org
• Gambling Therapy Family & Friends: Online groups • gamblingtherapy.org
• Credit Counselling Canada: Non‑profit members across provinces • creditcounsellingcanada.ca

EXPAND: Combine counselling with practical steps (limits, blockers, self‑exclusion). Ask about multilingual options and culturally appropriate services.

REFLECT: If you are in immediate distress, contact local emergency services or a crisis line. Your privacy is respected; seeking help will not affect your eligibility for refunds or complaint handling.

Regional Compliance Note (CA): We signpost provincial and national resources and ensure confidentiality consistent with Canadian privacy law.

Help for Family

OBSERVE: Signs may include missing money, secrecy, mood changes, and mounting debts. It is common to feel worried or unsure how to help.

How to start the conversation

• Choose a calm, private time. Use "I" statements: "I'm concerned about...". Avoid blame.
• Focus on behaviours and impacts (finances, stress), not character.
• Offer support and options: counselling, self‑exclusion, blocking tools.

Next steps and safeguards

• Encourage contacting local services (e.g., ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600) or Gambling Therapy.
• Seek your own support: Gam‑Anon, Gambling Therapy Family & Friends, or provincial 811 health lines.
• Protect finances: separate accounts, adjust spending limits, consider credit freezes and debt‑advice services (Credit Counselling Canada).
• In crisis (risk of harm), contact emergency services immediately.

REFLECT: Recovery is a process. Set boundaries, avoid enabling, and celebrate improvements.

Operator's Commitment

OBSERVE: north-star-bets (operated by NorthStar Gaming Holdings Inc.; AGCO/iGO registration OPIG1226485 for Ontario and KGC licence 00930 for Canada outside Ontario) monitors account activity for safer‑gambling risks.

Our internal risk checks

• Behavioural indicators: rapid increase in deposits/bets, repeated limit increases, chasing losses, extended sessions, use of multiple payment methods, declined deposits, and self‑reported concerns.
• Automated reality checks and on‑site messages when time or spend thresholds are reached.
• Human review by trained staff for sustained patterns of harm.

When we may contact you and possible actions

• Proactive outreach: We may email, in‑box message, or call you if significant risk indicators appear.
• Interventions: Safer‑gambling advice; assisting with limits, Time‑Out, or self‑exclusion; temporary restrictions; or blocking new marketing.
• Protections: We may refuse bonuses, restrict products, suspend accounts, or require cooling‑off where risk remains.
• Privacy: Interactions are confidential and handled per our Privacy Policy. AML/KYC checks may be required where applicable.

REFLECT: Our aim is to support safe play, not profits from harm. We will act proportionately and transparently, documenting reasons and outcomes.

Regional Compliance Note (CA): Practices align with AGCO/iGO Registrar's Standards and KGC Responsible Gaming requirements, including no reverse withdrawals, clear access to tools, and protections for self‑excluded players.

Updates

OBSERVE: Responsible gaming standards evolve. We keep you informed of material changes.

• How we notify: Email to your registered address, on‑site banners, and updates in Account > Responsible Gaming.
• Version control: We timestamp changes and archive prior versions upon request.

REFLECT: Review updates regularly and adjust your limits if your circumstances change.

Last updated: 2025-10-27

Contact & Feedback

Responsible Gaming contacts (24/7):

• Email: support@north-star-bets-ca.com
• Phone (Canada): +1-855-218-7827
• Mailing address (HQ): 220 King Street West, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

REFLECT: If you need help setting limits, taking a Time‑Out, or self‑excluding, contact us. We will prioritize your request.

Feedback / Support request form

Full name


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Phone (optional)


Request type
Set/adjust deposit or time limits Request a Time‑Out Start self‑exclusion Welfare/Safer‑Gambling guidance General feedback

Details


I confirm this request relates to my own account and consent to being contacted for safer‑gambling support.

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Legal and Age Notice (Canada): You must meet the legal gambling age in your province/territory (19+ in Ontario). We do not permit play by persons under the legal age and may request verification at any time.