Stake Responsible Gambling Mission Statement
At Stake, we are committed to promoting responsible gambling practices for all customers on our platform and in our community. Operating in Alberta’s regulated market, Stake is dedicated to:
The prevention of underage gambling. Gambling under the age of 18 is prohibited.
Promoting gambling as a form of entertainment.
Empowering individuals to make informed decisions regarding the management of their gambling activities.
Connecting anyone who needs support with free and confidential help because player wellbeing comes first.
Protecting Minors from Underage Gambling
At Stake, protecting minors is one of our highest priorities. Gambling by anyone under the age of 18 is against the law, and we take this responsibility seriously.
All customer accounts are subject to age verification checks. If we identify that an account holder is under the age of 18, their account will be closed immediately and any winnings will be forfeited.
If you believe that someone under the age of 18 may be gambling with Stake, please don't hesitate to report this to our support team by emailing us on support-ab@stake.ca
Gambling Blocking Software
There are several software options parents or guardians can use to monitor or restrict access to gambling platforms, such as CYBERsitter , NetNanny , and BetBlocker .
Note: Stake is not responsible for the performance or quality of third-party software.
Understanding Gambling Harm
Online gambling can be an exciting and entertaining activity, but it also carries risks that should not be overlooked. While many people gamble responsibly, for some it can lead to addiction, financial difficulties, and emotional distress. Problem gambling and addiction can develop when individuals lose control over their gambling activities, chase losses, gamble beyond their means, or prioritize gambling over personal and professional responsibilities. The convenience of online platforms can make it easier to lose track of time and money spent, increasing the risk of harm.
It is essential to approach gambling with awareness and moderation. Setting limits, recognizing warning signs, and seeking help when necessary can prevent gambling from becoming a problem. Remember, gambling should always be a form of entertainment — not a way to make money or escape personal difficulties. By staying informed and practicing responsible gambling, individuals can enjoy a safe and balanced experience while minimizing the risks associated with online gambling.
Signs of Harmful Gambling Habits:
Significant monetary losses, sometimes causing debt, bankruptcy, or poverty.
Financial strain affecting families and dependents.
The uncertainty and losses can trigger mood swings, irritability, and emotional distress.
Prioritizing time spent on gambling instead with loved ones or social activities.
Difficulty stopping or reducing gambling, even when trying.
Gambling more money than originally planned.
Continuing to gamble to recover lost money.
Taking bigger risks after a losing streak.
Lying or hiding gambling behaviour.
Borrowing or relying on others to fund gambling.
Poor work or study performance due to gambling
Try our self-assessment tool to further understand your gambling habits here: https://ab.stake.ca/responsible-gambling/self-assessment
How Our Games Work
Before placing any bet, it is important that you understand what you are wagering on. The biggest risk in gambling is losing money, so being informed about how each game works helps you make better decisions about how you spend.
Sports Betting
Sports betting is about predicting what will happen in a sporting event — whether that is the final result or something that occurs during the game. The odds we offer reflect our assessment of how likely a particular outcome is.
There is no such thing as certainty in sport. Even the strongest favourite can lose, and unexpected results occur more often than people think. To win, your selection simply needs to be correct — whilst the outcome remains subject to the adherence of terms and conditions.
Understanding Odds
Odds tell you how likely we think an outcome is and how much you stand to win. Lower odds mean a higher likelihood of occurring, but a smaller return. Higher odds mean a less likely outcome, but a bigger potential payout.
A simple example of how a $1 bet plays out:
At odds of $2.50, a winning $1 bet returns $2.50 in total — your $1 stake plus $1.50 in winnings
Always remember — no outcome is ever guaranteed. Never wager more than you can comfortably afford to lose.
Slots
Online slots are the digital equivalent of the slot machines found in physical casinos. To play, simply select your stake and hit spin. Any winnings are determined by the combination of symbols displayed when the reels come to a stop.
Every result is produced entirely at random by a Random Number Generator (RNG). Nothing a player does can influence or change the outcome of a spin. Keep this in mind and always play within your means.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a card game that combines elements of chance with strategic decision-making. The aim is to build a hand that is as close to 21 as possible without going over, which is known as going "bust" — and to finish with a higher score than the dealer.
After placing your opening bet, you are dealt two cards. You then choose to either take another card ("hit") or stay with your current hand ("stand"), based on what the dealer is showing and your assessment of the odds.
While strategy plays a role in Blackjack, the cards you and the dealer receive are always determined by chance. No player can predict or control what comes next. Always keep this in mind and never bet more than you can afford.
Roulette
Roulette is a game of pure chance. The wheel contains 38 numbered slots — numbers 1 through 36, plus a zero and a double zero. Players bet on where they think the ball will land when the wheel stops spinning.
While you can choose lower-risk betting options, you cannot influence or predict the outcome of any spin. All results are determined by a Random Number Generator. Always gamble responsibly and within your financial means.
Common Gambling Myths
At Stake, we believe that an informed player is an empowered player. Whether you are new to gambling or have been playing for years, it is worth taking the time to challenge what you think you know. Let’s debunk some of the most widely held gambling myths and explain the truth behind them.
Myth: “I almost won; I must be due for a win.”
Truth: “Almost” winning in no way means that a real win is just around the corner. Future gambling outcomes are in no way influenced by previous outcomes.
Myth: “The way to make money on the big game is to bet on every outcome.”
Truth: All bets involve risk, so there’s no such thing as a sure bet. Gambling shouldn’t be used as a way to make money, but as a way to have fun.
Myth: “I have a feeling today is my lucky day. I just know I’m going to win.”
Truth: Hoping, wishing or even needing to win money has absolutely no influence on the outcome of a game of chance.
Myth: “Online betting apps and sports betting sites are all the same.”
Truth: In Alberta, there is an important distinction between licensed and unlicensed online betting platforms. Licensed operators, like Stake, are held to strict regulatory standards by the AGLC, ensuring your money, personal information, and overall experience are fully protected — something unlicensed offshore sites cannot guarantee.
Positive Play – A Guide for Stake Customers
At Stake, we want every customer to have a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some simple but important guidelines to help you stay in control:
Treat gambling as a form of entertainment, not income. Gambling should be fun — it is not a reliable way to make money or solve financial difficulties.
Only gamble what you can afford to lose. Set a budget before you play and stick to it. Use our Deposit Limits tool to help manage how much you spend.
Never chase your losses. Trying to win back money you have lost by continuing to gamble can quickly lead to bigger problems. If you are on a losing run, step away.
Keep track of your time. It is easy to lose track of how long you have been playing. Use our Session Limits tool to set a maximum amount of time you spend logged into your account.
Balance gambling with other activities. If gambling starts to become your only source of entertainment, take a step back and ask yourself whether it is still something you are enjoying.
Take regular breaks. Continuous gambling can cloud your judgement and cause you to lose perspective. Stepping away regularly helps you stay in control.
Never gamble under the influence. Avoid gambling when you are drunk, upset, stressed, or emotionally vulnerable. These states can seriously impair your decision-making.
Review your activity regularly. Monitor how much time and money you are spending. Staying informed is one of the best ways to stay in control.
Understand how our games work. Knowing the odds and how each game operates helps you make better, more informed decisions.
Want a better understanding of your gambling activity?
For a small number of people gambling can have a harmful impact. If you have concerns about your gambling activity, answer our short Self-Assessment here: https://ab.stake.ca/responsible-gambling/self-assessment
Deposit Limits
As a customer, you have the ability to set a daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limit on your account. A deposit limit allows you to decide the maximum amount of money you are comfortable depositing into your account within a chosen time period, giving you full control over your spending before you even place a bet.
You can choose to set your limit across any of the following periods:
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
If you choose to set or reduce your deposit limit, your new limit will take effect immediately. However, if you wish to increase your deposit limit, a 24-hour cooling-off period will apply before the change comes into effect — giving you the time and space to make sure the decision is the right one for you and your current financial position.
How to Set Your Deposit Limits:
From your player account, navigate to the "Responsible Gambling" tab under the menu option.
Under the “Deposit Limits” section, you can choose the type, amount, and time period of your limit.
After completing all steps, click "Save" to confirm your selections.
You can request to modify your deposit limits at any time through the account menu.
If you are unable to change your deposit limits due to technical or other issues, please contact our Customer Support team via chat or email support-ab@stake.ca
Loss Limits
At Stake, you are able to limit the amount of money you can lose by setting a loss limit. A loss limit allows a player to set a maximum amount of money they are comfortable to lose within a specific period:
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Setting or reducing a loss limit is applied immediately. If you wish to increase your loss limit, the increase is subject to a 24-hour cooling-off period.
Wager Limits
At Stake, you are able to limit the amount of money you can wager by setting a wager limit. A wager limit allows a player to set a maximum amount of money they are willing to wager within a specific period:
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Setting or reducing a wager limit is applied immediately. If you wish to increase your wager limit, the increase is subject to a 24-hour cooling-off period.
How to Set Your Loss or Wager Limits:
From your player account, navigate to the "Responsible Gambling" tab in the menu.
Under the “Gambling Limits” section, you can choose the type, amount, and time period of your limit.
After completing all steps, click "Save" to confirm your selections.
You can request to modify your limits at any time through the account menu. Increases require a 24-hour cooling off period, while decreases are applied immediately.
If you are unable to change your limits due to technical or other issues, please contact our Customer Support team for assistance.
Session Limits
A session limit allows you to control the maximum amount of time you spend on the platform within a defined period. Pre-determined session limit options are available to choose from and is applied across the following timeframes:
Daily
Weekly
Monthly
Setting an initial session limit or reducing an existing session time limit takes effect immediately. If you wish to increase your session limit, please carefully and thoughtfully consider your decision. Increasing your session limit is subject to a 24-hour cooling off period, giving you time to reflect before taking any action.
How to Set Your Session Limits:
From your player account, proceed by selecting the "Responsible Gaming" tab in the menu option.
Under the "Session Limits" tab, you can choose the duration of your limit.
Once all steps have been completed, confirm your selection to process it.
You may request to modify your session limit at any time through the responsible gambling menu by following the steps above. To increase your limits, you will need to wait for a 24-hour period. To decrease your limits, the change takes effect immediately.
Once your session limit has been reached, all wagering and deposit activity will be suspended for the remainder of that period. Your ability to bet or deposit will resume automatically when your next period begins.
If you are unable to change the limits on your account, whether for technical reasons or any other, please contact our customer support team for assistance.
Account Closure
Stake provides all customers with the option to close their account at any time. We understand that individual circumstances and preferences change, and we respect the decision to stop using the platform.
You may wish to close your account for a number of reasons, including but not limited to:
Loss of interest — gambling no longer serves as an enjoyable or entertaining activity
Personal circumstances — changes in lifestyle, financial situation, or personal priorities
Alternative preferences — a preference to pursue other leisure activities
Any other personal reason unrelated to problem gambling
How to Close Your Account
Log in to your account and navigate to the “Responsible Gambling” menu.
Select the “Close Account” option and follow the on-screen prompts.
Confirm your request to initiate the account closure process.
Reopening a Closed Account
Should you change your mind and wish to reopen your account, you may submit a request to our Customer Support team at any time.
Please be aware that the following conditions apply:
All account reopening requests are subject to a mandatory 24-hour cooling-off period from the time the account was closed.
Your account will remain closed and inaccessible during this period. Access will only be restored once the cooling-off period has elapsed and your request has been processed.
Stake reserves the right to conduct internal checks prior to making a decision to reopen an account.
Stake reserves the right to close your account(s) at any point in time, at our sole discretion.
Self-Assessment
Not sure if your gambling is becoming a problem? A self-assessment is a quick, private, and judgment-free way to check in on your habits. These tools are not intended to be used for diagnosis, treatment, or referral services — individuals should contact their personal physician or local addiction or mental health agency for further information. Take the self-assessment here: https://ab.stake.ca/responsible-gambling/self-assessment
Break in Play
Stake provides a Break in Play feature, which allows you to temporarily suspend your account for a defined period. This option is available to all customers at any time and is designed to support those who wish to step away from gambling activity.
A Break in Play may be appropriate if you wish to:
Re-evaluate your personal goals and reflect on your gambling habits
Manage your finances by pausing deposits and wagering activity
Dedicate time to other activities, priorities, or responsibilities
During a Break in Play, access to wagering and deposit functions will be suspended for the duration of the selected period. This feature is made available with the following duration offering:
1 day
1 week
1 month
2 months
3 months
How to Activate Your Break in Play
Log in to your account and navigate to the “Responsible Gambling” tab in the account menu.
Under the self-exclusion menu, select the “Break in Play” option and choose your preferred duration.
Confirm your selection to activate the break immediately.
Alberta Centralized Self-Exclusion Programme
Alberta's centralized Self-Exclusion Program is administered by Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC). SelfExclusion.ca is a centralized self-exclusion tool where you set the length of time you want to opt out of gambling in Alberta.
By completing a self-exclusion agreement, you can choose to exclude yourself from Alberta’s regulated iGaming platforms.
How Does It Work?
Registration for the Self-Exclusion program is available anytime, from anywhere, by completing the self-exclusion agreement here: https://www.selfexclusion.ca/s/login/SelfRegister
To complete your registration, you will need to enter your full name exactly as it appears on your government-issued identification.
Duration offering:
6 months
1 year
2 years
3 years
During your self-exclusion, the following conditions applies:
You are prohibited from creating new accounts in your name
Any attempt to circumvent your self-exclusion, when detected, will result in a self-exclusion
Your account will be prohibited from all marketing communications
If you enroll in a self-exclusion prior to the commencement of an event or series, your bet will be voided
If you enroll in a self-exclusion after the commencement of an event or series, your bet will be honoured
For more information, visit the official SelfExclusion.ca website directly at https://www.selfexclusion.ca/s/how-it-works .
Gambling Helplines
If gambling stops being fun, or is causing stress, financial difficulty, or relationship problems, free and confidential help is available. You are not alone.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) Addiction Helpline
You don't need to be in crisis to reach out, and you don't need to have already decided to stop gambling. The Alberta Health Services Addiction Helpline is staffed by trained counsellors who can talk through what you're experiencing and connect you with support that fits your situation, including options for family members who are worried about a loved one's gambling.
Alberta Health Services Addiction Helpline: 1-866-332-2322 (24/7, free)
For more information, visit Alberta Health Services Addiction Helpline here: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca
Alberta Gamblers Anonymous
A nonprofit, Alberta Gamblers Anonymous welcomes visitors to their website.
Alberta Gamblers Anonymous operate local telephone hotlines, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help anyone with a gambling problem or anyone interested in helping someone else with a gambling problem.
For more information, visit Alberta Gamblers Anonymous here: https://albertaga.ca/
GameSense
For additional information on responsible gambling and community resources, visit Gamesense
https://gamesenseab.ca/responsible-gambling-support/community-resources
GameSense Info Line
1-833-447-7523