Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

Bitcoin sports betting at Barkfest is designed to be an entertaining activity, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Please approach all betting with the understanding that you may lose money. Only bet what you can afford to lose, and never view gambling as an income source or investment strategy.

Age Verification

By using Barkfest.ca, you confirm that you are:

• At least 18 years of age, or
• At least the legal age for gambling in your province or territory of residence in Canada

We do not permit users under the legal gambling age to access our platform. If you are underage, please do not use this service.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem:

• Chasing losses by betting more money to recover what you've lost
• Hiding or lying about the amount of time or money you spend gambling
• Neglecting family, work, school, or personal responsibilities to gamble
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
• Needing to bet larger amounts to get the same level of excitement
• Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling activities
• Unable to cut back or control gambling despite wanting to
• Gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or depression
• Experiencing relationship conflicts due to gambling
• Experiencing financial problems related to gambling

If you recognize yourself in these signs, please seek help immediately.

Self-Help Tools & Safeguards

Barkfest offers several tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period.
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of losses you are willing to accept in a day, week, or month.
• Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you have been playing and how much you have wagered.
• Session Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to control how long you play continuously.
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close your account if you need a break from gambling.

To access these tools, log into your Barkfest account and navigate to your responsible gaming settings.

Support Organizations & Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organizations offer confidential support, counselling, and resources:

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council
  Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
  Provides education, research, and resources for responsible gambling in Canada.
• Gamblers Anonymous
  A peer-support fellowship offering free meetings across Canada to help individuals recovering from gambling addiction.

International Resources

• National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
  Website: www.ncpgambling.org
  Help line: 1-800-522-4700 (confidential, free, 24/7)
• GamCare (United Kingdom)
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  Free, confidential support and advice for problem gambling.
• GamStop (United Kingdom)
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
  National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling.
• Gambling Help Online (Australia)
  Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Free counselling and support services for problem gambling.

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

Problem gambling is a real condition that affects many people. It is treatable, and recovery is possible with proper support and intervention. If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling, please contact one of the organizations listed above. Speaking to a counselor or joining a support group is a positive first step toward recovery.

You do not have to face this alone. Help is available, and reaching out is a sign of strength.