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Responsible Gaming

Gambling should always remain a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial difficulties. Responsible gaming means making conscious, informed decisions about when, how, and how much you play, keeping full control over your time and budget.

This responsible gaming page is part of the Captain Cooks information published on captain-play.ca. It explains the tools, protections, and support that regulated operators such as Captain Cooks (operating under the Kahnawake Gaming Commission for most of Canada and iGaming Ontario/AGCO for Ontario) are expected to provide.

If at any point gambling stops being fun or starts to feel like a source of pressure or stress, you should stop playing and use the limits, breaks, and support resources described below. The operator's support team and independent professional services are available to help you regain control and, where necessary, completely stop gambling.

Risk Awareness

Understanding the risks of gambling is a key part of staying in control. Even on regulated platforms linked from captain-play.ca, such as Captain Cooks, every wager involves the risk of losing money, and no system can guarantee a win. Over time, this risk can lead some players to develop harmful patterns of play.

Common signs of problematic gambling

  • Escalating time and money: You gamble more often, for longer sessions, or with higher stakes than you originally planned.
  • Chasing losses: You try to win back money you lost, increasing your bets or playing when you are upset.
  • Preoccupation with gambling: You think about the casino frequently outside of play, plan your next session, or feel restless when you cannot play.
  • Ignoring responsibilities: Gambling causes you to miss work, studies, family time, or other obligations.
  • Financial pressure: You borrow money, use funds meant for essentials (rent, food, bills), or accumulate debt to keep gambling.
  • Secrecy and guilt: You hide the extent of your gambling from family or friends, or feel ashamed after playing.
  • Mood changes: You experience irritability, anxiety, or low mood related to your gambling or when trying to cut down.

If you recognize several of these signs in your own behaviour, you may be at risk of gambling-related harm and should consider using the safer-gambling tools and external support services described on this page.

Self-assessment checklist

This short self-check is not a medical diagnosis, but it can help you reflect honestly on your gambling behaviour. Ask yourself whether the following statements describe you over the last 12 months:

  • I spend more money or time gambling than I intend to once I start.
  • I have tried to stop or cut down on gambling but found it difficult.
  • I gamble to escape problems, stress, or unpleasant emotions.
  • I have lied to family, friends, or colleagues about how much I gamble or lose.
  • I have used savings, credit cards, loans, or money needed for essentials to gamble.
  • Arguments, relationship problems, or work issues have been caused or worsened by my gambling.
  • I feel restless, irritable, or low when I cannot gamble.
  • Even after winning, I feel I must continue to gamble to win more.

If you answer "yes" to several of these statements, you are strongly encouraged to take a break, set strict limits, or consider self-exclusion. You should also contact one of the confidential helplines or professional services listed in the support section below.

Limits & Tools

Regulated operators associated with captain-play.ca, including Captain Cooks, are expected by regulators such as the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and iGaming Ontario/AGCO to provide a range of safer-gambling tools. These tools help you control your spending and the time you spend playing.

Setting deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly)

The exact menu names may differ slightly between captain-play.ca, captaincooks.casino and captaincooks.games (Ontario), but the process is generally as follows:

  1. Log in to your account: Access your account from the relevant domain linked via captain-play.ca.
  2. Open the limits section: Go to "My Account" or "Responsible Gaming" and select "Deposit Limits" or a similarly named option.
  3. Choose the period: Select the type of limit you want to set:
    • Daily limit: Maximum amount you can deposit in any 24-hour period.
    • Weekly limit: Maximum over a rolling 7-day period.
    • Monthly limit: Maximum over a calendar month.
  4. Enter your limit amount: Type the maximum amount in CAD you are comfortable risking for that period (e.g., 50, 100, 250). Always choose an amount you can afford to lose without affecting essential living expenses.
  5. Confirm your settings: Save or confirm the limit. The system will then prevent you from depositing more than this amount within the selected time frame.

Lowering your deposit limits usually takes effect immediately. Increasing or removing a limit typically involves a mandatory "cooling-off" period (for example, 24 hours) before the higher limit becomes active, to prevent impulsive decisions. Always check the specific terms displayed in your account.

Time and session controls

In addition to monetary limits, many regulated platforms provide tools to help you control the time you spend playing:

  • Session timers / reality checks: You can select reminders (for example, every 15, 30, or 60 minutes). A pop-up shows how long you have been playing and your net result, giving you a clear opportunity to log out or continue.
  • Daily time limits: Where supported, you can set a maximum total play time per day. Once reached, you will be logged out or prevented from launching more games until the next day.

Short breaks ("Time-Out")

If you feel you are losing control but are not ready for a long-term self-exclusion, you can usually activate a short break:

  1. Navigate to "Responsible Gaming" or "Account settings" and choose "Time-Out" or "Take a Break".
  2. Select the desired duration, typically 24, 48, or 72 hours (some operators may offer up to 30 days).
  3. Confirm your decision. Once activated, you will be unable to log in for real-money play or make deposits until the time-out period ends.

During a time-out, you may still be able to access account information or request withdrawals, depending on the operator's policies. Always read the on-screen information carefully when you activate a break.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a strong protective measure intended for players who feel unable to control their gambling. It blocks access to your account for a significant period or permanently. Regulators such as the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and iGaming Ontario encourage or require operators to provide robust self-exclusion options.

How to request self-exclusion

Exact labels may differ across domains, but the typical process on a Captain Cooks - related platform accessed via captain-play.ca is:

  1. Log in to your account: If you still have access and feel you can do so safely, log in once to request the exclusion.
  2. Open the self-exclusion menu: Go to "Responsible Gaming", "Safer Gambling" or "Self-Exclusion" in your account settings or the site footer.
  3. Choose the exclusion period: Select a duration that fits your needs, for example:
    • 6 months (minimum recommended for serious concerns)
    • 1 year
    • 5 years
    • Lifetime (permanent exclusion)
  4. Read the information carefully: The site will outline what self-exclusion means, how long it lasts, and whether it applies to related brands (for example, within the Casino Rewards group).
  5. Confirm your decision: You will typically need to tick a confirmation box and click "Confirm". Some jurisdictions may require you to confirm again via email or customer support.

If you are unable to access your account or feel at immediate risk, you should contact customer support via live chat or email and explicitly request self-exclusion. Keep a copy of any confirmation messages for your records.

Consequences of self-exclusion

  • Account access: You will not be able to log in to your excluded account(s), make deposits, place bets, or claim bonuses during the exclusion period.
  • Marketing communications: The operator should stop sending you promotional emails or SMS, as far as technically possible. Some transactional messages (for example, about pending withdrawals) may still be necessary.
  • Remaining balance: You remain entitled to your available real-money balance, subject to the operator's terms and any identity or security checks. In practice, you may need to contact support to arrange a withdrawal because you cannot access the full account interface.
  • Bonuses and loyalty points: Bonus funds, free spins, or loyalty rewards may be forfeited when you self-exclude. The applicable terms and conditions of the operator will govern this.
  • Irrevocability: Fixed-term self-exclusions generally cannot be cancelled before their expiry date. Lifetime (permanent) exclusions are usually treated as indefinite, although some regulators allow a lengthy review and cooling-off procedure before any potential reactivation. Always check the operator's rules and local law.

In Ontario, self-exclusion may also be available through the province-wide program (currently branded as "My PlayBreak"), which covers multiple regulated operators. In other Canadian provinces under Kahnawake jurisdiction, the operator may apply your exclusion across its associated brands, particularly within the Casino Rewards group.

Support Resources

Gambling-related problems can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or experience. If you are worried about your own gambling or that of someone close to you, you do not have to face it alone. Canada offers several confidential helplines, and there are international services available online at any time.

Local support in Canada

The services below are independent from captain-play.ca and Captain Cooks. They provide free, confidential information, counselling referrals, and crisis support.

  • Ontario - ConnexOntario
    Phone: 1-866-531-2600 (24/7)
    Website: connexontario.ca
    Languages: English and French; additional languages via interpreter on request.
  • British Columbia - BC Gambling Support Line
    Phone: 1-888-795-6111 (24/7)
    Website: bcresponsiblegambling.ca
    Languages: English; access to multiple languages via translation services.
  • Quebec - Gambling: Help and Referral (Jeu: aide et référence)
    Phone: 1-800-461-0140 (24/7)
    Website: jeu-aidereference.qc.ca
    Languages: French and English.
  • Alberta - AHS Addiction Helpline
    Phone: 1-866-332-2322 (24/7)
    Website: albertahealthservices.ca
    Languages: English; interpreter services may be available.

Other provinces and territories provide similar services through local health authorities. If your region is not listed, call your provincial health information line or visit your government's mental health and addictions website for current details.

International support organizations

🏢 Organization📞 Contact🌐 Website⏰ Hours🗣️ Languages
GamCare (UK)+44 0808 8020 133gamcare.org.uk24/7English
Gambling TherapyOnline chatgamblingtherapy.org24/7Multilingual
Gamblers AnonymousLocal meetingsgamblersanonymous.orgVariesMultiple

National and cross-operator self-exclusion schemes

In addition to operator-specific self-exclusion, some countries offer centralized schemes that block access to multiple sites and venues at once. These may be relevant if you travel or live part-time abroad.

  • United Kingdom - GamStop (gamstop.co.uk): Free online self-exclusion for most UK-licensed gambling sites, for periods of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years.
  • Spain - RGIAJ Register: Government-managed self-exclusion list that prevents access to licensed online operators and, in some regions, land-based venues.
  • Other jurisdictions: Many European countries and some US states now operate similar registers. Check the responsible gambling section of the regulator where you reside or visit.

Blocking software and technical tools

Software tools can help you block access to gambling sites and apps on your devices, adding an extra layer of protection:

  • Gamban (gamban.com): Paid app that blocks access to thousands of gambling websites and apps across multiple devices.
  • BetBlocker (betblocker.org): Free blocking software for various devices, allowing you to set exclusion periods.
  • System parental controls: Many operating systems and routers allow you to restrict categories of websites; you can use these to reduce exposure to gambling content.

Support for families and loved ones

Gambling problems often affect partners, relatives, and close friends. Many of the services above also provide dedicated support for families, including counselling referrals, support groups, and practical guidance on financial and emotional impacts.

All reputable helplines and counselling services operate with strict confidentiality. They will not share your information with captain-play.ca, Captain Cooks, or other operators, except where required by law in situations of immediate risk (for example, if someone's life is in danger).

Help for Family

If you are worried about someone else's gambling, you may feel anxious, frustrated, or unsure how to help. While you cannot force another person to change, you can encourage them and protect yourself and your household.

How to start the conversation

  • Choose the right moment: Speak when the person is sober, calm, and not currently gambling or in crisis.
  • Use non-judgmental language: Focus on your feelings and concerns rather than accusations. For example, "I'm worried about how gambling is affecting you and our finances" instead of "You are ruining everything."
  • Be specific but compassionate: Mention concrete examples (missed bills, secrecy, mood changes) while emphasizing that your goal is to support, not to punish.
  • Listen actively: Allow them to speak without interrupting, even if you disagree. Feeling heard can make them more open to accepting help.

Encouraging them to seek support

  • Offer to look at the support options together, including local helplines, counselling services, and online resources such as Gambling Therapy.
  • Suggest practical steps such as setting limits, taking a time-out, or requesting self-exclusion on their gambling accounts.
  • Encourage them to speak with a family doctor, therapist, or addictions specialist, who can assess the situation and recommend appropriate treatment.

Resources for families and partners

  • Gam-Anon (gam-anon.org): International fellowship for families and friends of people with gambling problems, offering meetings and online support.
  • Gambling Therapy forums (gamblingtherapy.org): Includes dedicated sections for family members and loved ones.
  • Local family or carers' support groups, which can often be found via provincial mental health services or the same helplines listed in the Support Resources section.

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, expresses suicidal thoughts, or there is a risk of violence, contact emergency services (911 in Canada) or go to the nearest emergency department without delay.

Operator's Commitment

Regulated operators that players access via captain-play.ca, including those operating under Fresh Horizons Ltd. (Kahnawake Gaming Commission) and Apollo Entertainment Ltd. (iGaming Ontario/AGCO), are expected to implement proactive measures to detect and reduce gambling-related harm. Independent bodies such as eCOGRA may also review and audit these practices.

Internal monitoring and risk checks

While specific algorithms and thresholds are confidential, operators typically monitor player behaviour for indicators of risk, such as:

  • Very long or frequent sessions without breaks.
  • Rapid increases in deposit amounts or bet sizes.
  • Repeated deposits in a short time frame, particularly after losses.
  • Use of multiple payment methods or attempts to bypass deposit limits.
  • Patterns consistent with chasing losses or playing at unusual hours.

When the system flags concerning patterns, the operator may implement protective steps, such as displaying safer-gambling messages, suggesting deposit limits or time-outs, or temporarily restricting certain features until additional checks are completed.

When support may contact you

Subject to applicable privacy laws and regulatory requirements, the operator may proactively reach out to you if serious risk indicators are detected. This may occur, for example, when:

  • Your activity suggests you may be gambling beyond affordable levels.
  • You have previously indicated concerns about your gambling, and your behaviour deteriorates.
  • Regulatory obligations require direct intervention (for example, repeated breaches of limits or signs of harmful play).

In such cases, support staff may contact you via email, in-account messages, or (where permitted) by phone. The purpose of this contact is strictly to discuss safer-gambling options (limits, breaks, self-exclusion) and to provide information about professional support. It is not for marketing. The operator may also decide, in line with its legal obligations and terms and conditions, to apply limits or suspend your account if it believes that continued play would be unsafe.

Updates

Responsible gaming standards evolve over time, and regulators such as the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, iGaming Ontario, and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario may update their requirements. To remain compliant and to reflect best practices, the information and tools described on this page may change.

  • Notification channels: Changes to responsible gaming policies or tools will generally be communicated through one or more of the following:
    • Updated text on this responsible gaming page and related help pages.
    • On-site notifications or banners after you log in.
    • Email notices to your registered address, particularly for material changes that affect your rights or account settings.
  • Priority of terms: In the event of any inconsistency between this page and the operator's official terms and conditions, bonus policy, or jurisdiction-specific rules, the latter documents (as published on the relevant domain) take precedence.

Last updated: 24 February 2026. This reflects the regulatory environment and operator information available up to early 2026. You should always review the latest information on the operator's own site before playing.

Contact & Feedback

This page provides general information about responsible gaming in connection with Captain Cooks on captain-play.ca. It does not replace the official contact details or responsible gambling policies of any particular operator.

Responsible gaming contacts

For questions or concerns about your gambling behaviour or the tools available on your account, you should contact the operator directly using the contact options provided in your account (for example, live chat or the "Contact Us" page). Because specific email addresses and phone numbers may vary by jurisdiction and change over time, this page does not reproduce them.

  • Responsible gaming e-mail: A dedicated address is typically listed in the operator's "Responsible Gaming" or "Contact" section once you are logged in.
  • Responsible gaming phone line: Where available, the phone number is displayed on the operator's website and in your account's help or support section.

If you cannot locate the responsible gaming contact details, use the general support channel (for example, live chat) and explicitly state that your enquiry relates to safer gambling or self-exclusion. Support agents are required to treat such requests with priority.

Feedback and support request form

You can also use the form template below to structure a message to the operator or to a support organization (for example, by copying this text into an email or secure message). This form is for self-control and support requests and is not monitored directly by captain-play.ca.
















Note: Do not use this form in an emergency. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services (911 in Canada) or a crisis helpline.

This responsible gaming content is intended for informational purposes only and does not create or modify any contractual relationship between you and the operator. Always refer to the official terms, policies, and responsible gambling information provided on the relevant gaming site before depositing or playing.