Responsible Gaming
Responsible gaming at nova-scotia-casino, operated exclusively via novascotia-ca.com, is grounded in the principle that gambling should remain a conscious and enjoyable entertainment activity, never leading to harm or financial distress. Our goal is to support all players in making informed decisions and maintaining control over their gambling experience. nova-scotia-casino pledges to provide ongoing assistance, clear information, and access to protective tools, in strict compliance with the regulatory framework set by the Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco (AGFT) Division of Service Nova Scotia pursuant to the Gaming Control Act (Nova Scotia).
Risk Awareness
OBSERVE: Problem gambling can develop subtly, often without immediate recognition. EXPAND: The following are potential signs of problematic gambling behavior:
- Gambling more frequently or with higher amounts than originally intended
- Preoccupation with gambling, even when not actively playing
- Chasing losses or attempting to recover losses with further gambling
- Neglecting personal, family, or work obligations due to gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or distressed when not gambling
Self-Assessment Test: Reflect on your recent gambling behavior with the following questions. If you answer "yes" to several, consider seeking support:
- Do you find it difficult to stop gambling once you start?
- Have you lied to friends or family about your gambling activities?
- Do you gamble to escape from problems or relieve negative moods?
- Have you missed work, school, or important social events because of gambling?
- Are you using money allocated for other expenses to gamble?
REFLECT: Early recognition and honest self-assessment are essential in preventing gambling-related harm. nova-scotia-casino encourages all players to regularly evaluate their behaviors and reach out for support if needed.
Limits & Tools
OBSERVE: Setting personal limits is a proven method to maintain responsible gaming. EXPAND: nova-scotia-casino, via novascotia-ca.com, provides robust tools to help you stay in control:
Deposit Limits
- Where to Set: Log in to your personal account on novascotia-ca.com. Navigate to Account Settings > Responsible Gaming > Deposit Limits.
- Types of Limits: Choose your preferred limit period-daily, weekly, or monthly. Enter the maximum amount you wish to deposit for each period.
- How to Apply: Save your settings. The system will automatically prevent deposits that exceed your specified limit.
Time Limits & Session Controls
- Session Timers: Enable session reminders in the Responsible Gaming section. You will receive notifications after your chosen play duration (e.g., 30, 60, or 120 minutes).
- Time-Out (Short Breaks): If you wish to pause gambling, activate a 'Time-Out' for 24, 48, or 72 hours. During this period, account access will be temporarily suspended.
- How to Activate: Go to Account Settings > Responsible Gaming > Time-Out. Select your desired duration and confirm your choice.
REFLECT: These protective tools are designed according to CA regulatory standards and are strictly enforced. All limit adjustments take effect immediately or as specified by law, with certain increases subject to a cooling-off period for your safety.
Self-Exclusion
OBSERVE: Self-exclusion is a formal process allowing players to voluntarily block access to their nova-scotia-casino account on novascotia-ca.com for a specified period, in accordance with Nova Scotia's Gaming Control Act.
- Locate the Function: Log in and go to Account Settings > Responsible Gaming > Self-Exclusion.
- Select Exclusion Period: Choose a duration between 6 months and lifetime. Detailed options are provided on the page, in compliance with CA regulatory requirements.
- Confirm the Decision: Carefully review the terms, then confirm your request. You may be required to acknowledge understanding of the consequences.
- Support Contacts: For assistance, contact our Responsible Gaming Department at support@novascotia-ca.com or call (902) 425-7777 (Halifax office).
- Consequences:
- You will be immediately logged out and access to your account will be suspended for the full exclusion period.
- All funds will be handled in accordance with provincial regulations. Withdrawals of any remaining balance must be requested before exclusion is activated; otherwise, terms for refund will follow regulatory guidelines.
- During the exclusion period, you cannot log in, play, or receive marketing communications from nova-scotia-casino.
- Self-exclusion is binding and cannot be revoked until the agreed period elapses, subject to review in accordance with CA law.
REFLECT: Self-exclusion is a confidential, legally binding tool designed to protect your wellbeing. Our support team is available to guide you through every step of the process.
Support Resources
OBSERVE: nova-scotia-casino is committed to supporting all players with access to specialized assistance. EXPAND: The following resources are available for Canadian and international users:
Local Support for Canada
- Nova Scotia Gambling Helpline: 1-888-347-8888 (24/7, confidential, English & French)
- Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction: 1-833-235-4048 (Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00, English & French)
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): 1-866-531-2600 (24/7, English & French)
International Support Organizations
| 🏢 Organization | 📞 Contact | 🌐 Website | ⏰ Hours | 🗣️ Languages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GamCare (UK) | +44 0808 8020 133 | gamcare.org.uk | 24/7 | English |
| Gambling Therapy | Online chat | gamblingtherapy.org | 24/7 | Multilingual |
| Gamblers Anonymous | Local meetings | gamblersanonymous.org | Varies | Multiple |
Self-Exclusion Schemes by Country
- UK: GamStop
- Spain: RGIAJ
- Canada: Provincial self-exclusion programs are available through the relevant gaming authority (e.g., Nova Scotia's Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program).
Blocking Tools & Family Support
- Blocking Apps: Gamban, BetBlocker
- Family Support: Gam-Anon (support for affected family members), CAMH Family Resources
Confidentiality Notice: All support services are confidential and staffed by trained professionals. nova-scotia-casino never shares your personal data with third-party organizations without your explicit consent, as required by CA privacy law.
REFLECT: Seeking help is a sign of strength. Players, and their loved ones, are encouraged to utilize these resources at any stage of their gaming experience.
Help for Family
OBSERVE: Gambling addiction affects not only players but also their families. EXPAND: If you are concerned about a loved one, consider these steps:
- Approach the topic with empathy and without judgment. Express your concern calmly, focusing on specific behaviors and their impacts.
- Encourage your loved one to speak openly and to seek support from professionals or peer groups.
- Suggest participation in support networks such as Gam-Anon or online forums moderated by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
- Consider seeking guidance from a licensed psychotherapist or addiction counselor specializing in gambling-related issues.
- Utilize national and provincial hotlines for immediate advice and crisis intervention.
REFLECT: Early intervention and ongoing support are critical. nova-scotia-casino encourages families to take proactive steps and access all available resources for guidance and assistance.
Operator's Commitment
OBSERVE: nova-scotia-casino is deeply committed to responsible gaming practices and adheres to all CA legal and ethical standards. EXPAND: Our internal procedures include:
- Behavioral Analysis: Continuous monitoring of player activity to detect risk indicators, such as rapid increases in deposits, erratic play patterns, or persistent losses.
- Proactive Alerts: Automated warning messages are sent if risky behavior is detected, reminding players of available self-protection tools and support resources.
- Support Intervention: If a player's activity signals a high risk of gambling-related harm, our Responsible Gaming team may reach out directly via email or phone to offer assistance and discuss further protective measures.
- Regulatory Reporting: All procedures are documented and, where required, reported to the Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco (AGFT) Division of Service Nova Scotia under the Gaming Control Act.
REFLECT: These protocols are in place to safeguard player wellbeing, uphold legal obligations, and foster a safe, responsible gaming environment at novascotia-ca.com.
Updates
OBSERVE: Responsible gaming policies and protective measures are subject to regular review to comply with evolving legal and regulatory standards in Canada. EXPAND: All material changes to these policies will be communicated via:
- Email notifications to all registered players
- Prominent banners and updates within your account dashboard on novascotia-ca.com
REFLECT: We encourage you to review this page regularly and ensure your contact information is up to date in your account settings.
Last updated: 2025-11-06
Contact & Feedback
OBSERVE: nova-scotia-casino's Responsible Gaming Department is available for all player inquiries and self-control support requests. EXPAND: For direct assistance or feedback:
- Email: support@novascotia-ca.com (Responsible Gaming Department)
- Phone: (902) 425-7777 (Halifax main office)
- Branch Phone: (902) 563-7777 (Sydney office)
- Online Form: Contact & Feedback Form
REFLECT: All communications are confidential and handled by trained responsible gaming specialists. We welcome your feedback to continually improve our responsible gaming initiatives and ensure full compliance with CA regulations.