1. Purpose and Scope
This document sets out the responsible gaming framework applied at Elements Casino Flamboro. It defines venue obligations, player rights and responsibilities, available tools to support informed and controlled participation in gaming activities, and support resources accessible to individuals in Canada who require assistance.
Gambling carries inherent risks, and a portion of individuals who participate in gaming activities may develop problematic patterns of behaviour. This policy is intended to minimize gambling-related harm, support compliance with applicable provincial standards, and provide players with information and tools to make informed decisions.
2. Definition of Responsible Gaming
For the purposes of this policy, responsible gaming is defined as participation in gambling activities in a manner that is safe, affordable, and within a player’s personal limits. In the Canadian context, this is commonly expressed as knowing your limits and gambling within your means.
Gambling at Elements Casino Flamboro is to be treated as a form of entertainment. It is not a method of generating income, resolving financial obligations, or recovering previous losses. Players are expected to approach gaming with this understanding.
3. Age Requirements and Access Restrictions
3.1 Minimum Age
Access to gaming areas at Elements Casino Flamboro is restricted to individuals who meet the minimum legal age requirement applicable in Ontario. The minimum age to participate in gambling in Ontario is 19 years.
Individuals who appear to be under the age of 30 may be required to present valid government-issued photo identification before being permitted access to gaming areas or before any gaming transaction is processed.
3.2 Prohibition on Underage Access
Individuals who do not meet the minimum age requirement are prohibited from entering gaming areas, participating in any gaming activity, or redeeming gaming-related transactions. Elements Casino Flamboro enforces this requirement in accordance with standards set by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
4. Player Responsibilities
Players who participate in gaming activities at Elements Casino Flamboro are expected to:
- Determine a fixed budget for gaming activity before play begins and adhere to that budget regardless of outcomes.
- Set a time limit for each gaming session and observe that limit.
- Refrain from attempting to recover losses through continued or increased play.
- Refrain from participating in gaming activities while under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or while in a state of emotional distress.
- Refrain from borrowing funds for the purpose of gambling.
- Seek assistance if gaming behaviour begins to interfere with personal, financial, or professional obligations.
5. Responsible Gaming Tools
Elements Casino Flamboro provides access to responsible gaming tools in accordance with provincial requirements. These tools are available to players who wish to manage or limit their participation in gaming activities.
5.1 Self-Exclusion
Players may voluntarily exclude themselves from gaming areas and activities for a defined period. Self-exclusion is a formal process through which a player requests to be prohibited from accessing gaming facilities. Once a self-exclusion request is submitted and processed, the player is not permitted to enter gaming areas for the duration of the exclusion period.
In Ontario, the self-exclusion program associated with regulated gaming is administered through the relevant provincial framework. Players seeking to initiate self-exclusion should contact venue staff or refer to the resources listed in Section 7 of this document.
5.2 Limit-Setting
Players are encouraged to establish personal limits on the amount of time and money allocated to gaming activity. Where applicable tools are available through the venue or associated platforms, players may set deposit limits, loss limits, or session time limits. These limits are intended to support player control and do not replace personal responsibility.
5.3 Time-Out Periods
Players who require a temporary suspension of gaming access may request a time-out period. This allows a player to pause participation for a defined interval without initiating a full self-exclusion.
6. Operator Obligations
Under this policy, Elements Casino Flamboro maintains the following obligations:
- Display responsible gaming information, help line numbers, and support resources in gaming areas and at relevant points of access.
- Train staff to identify indicators of problematic gambling behaviour and to respond appropriately, including by directing individuals to available support resources.
- Enforce age verification requirements consistently and without exception.
- Maintain a PlaySmart Centre or equivalent responsible gaming information resource on premises, in accordance with Ontario standards applicable to land-based gaming venues.
- Comply with all responsible gaming requirements established by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and any other applicable regulatory authority.
7. Support Resources
The following organizations provide confidential support, information, and referral services for individuals in Ontario and across Canada who are experiencing difficulties related to gambling. These services are provided at no cost to the individual.
Ontario
- ConnexOntario Help Line: 1-866-531-2600
- PlaySmart (Ontario responsible gaming information): playsmart.ca
- MyPlayBreak (Ontario self-exclusion for online gaming): available through iGaming Ontario
- iGaming Ontario Responsible Gambling resources: igamingontario.ca
- Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario: agco.ca
National and Cross-Provincial
- Responsible Gambling Council (RGC): responsiblegambling.org
- Telephone: +1 (416) 499-9800
- Address: 411 Richmond Street East, Suite 205, Toronto, ON, Canada M5A 3S5
- Gamblers Anonymous Canada: 1-855-222-5542 / [email protected]
- GamTalk (online peer support): available through responsiblegambling.org
8. Regulatory Framework
Elements Casino Flamboro operates within the regulatory framework established for land-based gaming in Ontario. Responsible gaming requirements applicable to this venue are governed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The AGCO sets mandatory standards for responsible gaming practices, including staff training, display of support information, age verification, and self-exclusion program administration.
Players are advised to verify that any additional gaming platforms they use are licensed and regulated by a recognized Canadian authority, such as the AGCO or iGaming Ontario, to ensure that equivalent responsible gaming protections are in place.
9. Indicators of Problem Gambling
The following behaviours may indicate that gambling has moved beyond recreational activity and requires attention:
- Spending more time or money on gambling than originally intended.
- Continuing to gamble despite negative financial, personal, or professional consequences.
- Attempting to recover losses through additional gambling.
- Concealing gambling activity from family members or associates.
- Experiencing distress, anxiety, or preoccupation related to gambling outcomes.
- Using gambling as a response to stress, depression, or other emotional difficulties.
Individuals who recognize these patterns in themselves or others are encouraged to contact the support resources listed in Section 7 of this document.
10. Policy Review
This responsible gaming policy is subject to periodic review to maintain alignment with applicable provincial regulations, AGCO standards, and evolving responsible gaming practices in Canada. Updates to this policy will be reflected in the version made available at the venue and through any associated official communications.