Responsible Gaming

Our Multi-Layered Approach to Player Health

Pickering Casino Resort adopts a comprehensive strategy to minimize gambling-related harm and promote positive play. Our commitment extends from the vibrant heart of our casino floor to the digital interfaces of our rewards programs. We follow the mandates set by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and collaborate with the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) to maintain the highest standards of player protection.

The PlaySmart Centre

Located conveniently near the gaming floor, the PlaySmart Centre is our dedicated hub for player education. Staffed by trained professionals from the RGC, the centre provides guests with unbiased information about how games work, the odds of winning, and the common myths surrounding gambling. Whether you want to understand the “house edge” or need to take a quiet break, our PlaySmart ambassadors are your allies.

Employee Training Excellence

Every team member at Pickering Casino Resort, from security personnel to executive management, undergoes rigorous Responsible Gaming Training. This ensures that our staff can recognize early signs of distress or risky behavior and provide appropriate assistance or referrals to professional support services.

2. Tools for Informed Choice and Control

We empower our guests with a suite of tools designed to help them manage their time and money. Understanding that gambling is a form of entertainment—not a way to make money—is key to a healthy gaming experience.

MyPlayBreak (Self-Exclusion)

For those who feel they need a break, the MyPlayBreak program (formerly known as Self-Exclusion) is a powerful tool. This voluntary program allows individuals to ban themselves from all OLG gaming sites and physical casinos in Ontario for a specified duration.

• Duration Options: 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or 5 years.
• Total Ban: While enrolled, you are prohibited from entering gaming areas and will not receive any marketing or promotional materials.

Age Verification and Access Control

Pickering Casino Resort strictly enforces a 19+ age policy. We use advanced ID scanning technology at all entry points. Guests who appear under the age of 30 are required to provide valid government-issued photo identification. We also monitor for unattended minors in our parking facilities to ensure community safety.

3. Recognizing the Signs: When to Seek Help

Problem gambling affects not only the individual but also their families, friends, and the community. It is crucial to recognize the warning signs early:

• Spending more money or time on gambling than intended.
• Borrowing money or selling assets to fund gambling.
• Neglecting personal responsibilities, work, or family to play.
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down.
• “Chasing” losses in hopes of winning back money.

Interactive Visual: Player Risk Assessment Distribution

Understanding the risk levels among players helps us tailor our outreach. This chart represents the statistical breakdown of gambling behaviors based on Canadian national study data.

4. Free and Confidential Support Resources

If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling, help is available. Ontario offers world-class support systems that are free, confidential, and available 24/7.

ConnexOntario

ConnexOntario provides health services information for people experiencing problems with gambling, drugs, or alcohol. They offer a direct line to specialized support and can connect you with local counseling services in the Durham Region and beyond.

CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)

As Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital, CAMH provides comprehensive resources and treatment programs. Their Problem Gambling program offers specialized clinical services for individuals and families.

5. Tips for Maintaining a Positive Play Experience

To ensure your visit to Pickering Casino Resort remains a fun and safe experience, we recommend following these simple “PlaySmart” tips:

1. Set a Budget: Decide how much you can afford to lose before you arrive and stick to it.
2. Set a Time Limit: Use your phone or watch to keep track of time. Gambling should not consume your day.
3. Avoid Chasing Losses: Accept that losing is part of the game. Trying to “win it back” often leads to greater losses.
4. Balance Your Life: Gambling should be one of many recreational activities, not your sole hobby.
5. Gamble Sober: Alcohol and drugs can impair your judgment and lead to risky betting.

Final Thoughts on Player Health

At Pickering Casino Resort, your well-being is our success. We are proud to hold the RG Check accreditation, which validates that our facility meets or exceeds all provincial and international responsible gaming standards. We are dedicated to ensuring that every guest can enjoy the excitement of our casino floor with the confidence that help and information are always just a few steps away.

Remember: Gambling is a form of entertainment. If it stops being fun, it’s time to stop.