1. Purpose and Scope
This document sets out the responsible gaming framework applied by Deerfoot Inn & Casino. It defines the obligations of the venue, the rights and responsibilities of players, and the procedures available to individuals who require assistance managing their gambling activity. This policy applies to all persons who access gaming services at Deerfoot Inn & Casino and is consistent with responsible gambling standards applicable to casino and betting operations in Canada.
Deerfoot Inn & Casino recognises that gambling carries inherent risk and that a portion of players may experience difficulty maintaining control over their gambling behaviour. This policy is intended to reduce the likelihood of gambling-related harm and to provide structured support when harm occurs or is at risk of occurring.
2. Definition of Responsible Gaming
Responsible gaming refers to participation in gambling activity in a manner that is safe, affordable, and within the individual’s personal limits. In the Canadian context, this is commonly defined as knowing your limits and gambling within your means. Responsible gaming encompasses three distinct areas of obligation:
- The individual player’s responsibility to set and observe personal limits on time and money spent gambling.
- The operator’s responsibility to implement tools, procedures, and information that support player control and reduce harm.
- The regulatory responsibility of provincial authorities to establish and enforce standards that protect the public.
Deerfoot Inn & Casino operates within this shared framework and acknowledges its obligations under each dimension.
3. Player Obligations and Recommended Conduct
Players are expected to approach gambling as a form of entertainment and not as a means of generating income or resolving financial difficulties. The following conduct is expected of all players:
- Establish a fixed budget for gambling activity before commencing play and do not exceed that amount.
- Set a time limit for each gambling session and adhere to it.
- Avoid gambling with borrowed funds or credit.
- Do not attempt to recover losses by continuing to gamble beyond established limits.
- Review personal account history and financial records regularly to monitor gambling expenditure.
- Withdraw winnings rather than continuing to gamble with accumulated funds.
- Refrain from gambling when under the influence of alcohol, medication, or emotional distress.
Gambling activity that departs from these principles may indicate the development of problematic behaviour. Players who recognise these patterns in their own conduct are encouraged to use the tools and support services described in this policy.
4. Operator Obligations
Deerfoot Inn & Casino maintains the following obligations in relation to responsible gaming.
4.1 Information and Transparency
Responsible gaming information is made available to all players at the venue. This includes information about the risks associated with gambling, the nature of odds and house advantage, and the availability of support services. Promotional materials are not to mislead players into treating gambling as a reliable financial activity.
4.2 Age Verification and Access Controls
Access to gaming services at Deerfoot Inn & Casino is restricted to individuals who meet the legal gambling age requirement applicable in Alberta. Under Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) regulations, the minimum legal age for gambling is 18 years. Identity verification procedures are applied to confirm age and eligibility prior to access. Individuals who cannot provide satisfactory proof of age will be refused entry to gaming areas.
4.3 Staff Training and Conduct
Staff members are trained to recognise behavioural indicators of gambling-related distress. Where a staff member identifies a player who may be experiencing difficulty, the staff member is authorised to provide information about available support services and to refer the individual to appropriate resources. Staff are not authorised to provide counselling but are required to respond appropriately and without judgment.
4.4 Self-Exclusion Programme
Deerfoot Inn & Casino maintains a self-exclusion procedure that allows players to formally request exclusion from gaming areas for a defined period. Self-exclusion requests are processed in accordance with AGLC requirements. Players who wish to initiate self-exclusion should contact venue management directly.
Upon confirmation of a self-exclusion request, the player’s access to gaming areas will be restricted for the duration of the exclusion period. Players are advised to request written confirmation of their exclusion and to consider applying for exclusion across all venues they attend.
4.5 Responsible Marketing
Promotional communications issued by Deerfoot Inn & Casino do not target individuals who have registered for self-exclusion or who have indicated a wish to limit their gambling activity. Promotional materials do not represent gambling as a guaranteed method of financial gain or imply that participation in promotions reduces the risk of loss.
5. Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
The following behaviours may indicate that gambling has become harmful:
- Gambling with money required for essential expenses such as rent, food, or bills.
- Concealing gambling activity from family members or close associates.
- Using gambling as a means of managing stress, anxiety, or emotional difficulties.
- Continuing to gamble after reaching a predetermined spending or time limit.
- Borrowing money or selling assets to fund gambling.
- Experiencing persistent preoccupation with gambling outcomes.
Players who identify with one or more of these indicators are encouraged to seek assistance promptly. Early intervention is associated with more effective outcomes.
6. Support Resources
The following reference information is provided for players seeking assistance with gambling-related concerns.
GameSense Info Line (Alberta, operated by AGLC)
Phone: 1-833-447-7523
Alberta Problem Gambling Resources Network
Phone: 1-866-461-1259
Gamblers Anonymous Canada
Phone: 1-855-222-5542
Email: [email protected]
Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
Website: responsiblegambling.org
Address: 411 Richmond Street East, Suite 205, Toronto, ON, Canada M5A 3S5
Phone: +1 (416) 499-9800
These services are independent of Deerfoot Inn & Casino. Contact information is provided for reference purposes and is subject to change. Players are advised to verify current contact details directly with the relevant organisation.
7. Limitations of This Policy
This policy does not constitute a guarantee that gambling-related harm will not occur. The tools and procedures described in this document are designed to reduce risk and support player control but are not a substitute for professional counselling or treatment where such intervention is required. Players who are experiencing significant gambling-related harm are advised to seek professional support in addition to using the tools available at the venue.
8. Policy Review
This policy is reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with applicable provincial regulations and current responsible gambling standards. Players with questions regarding this policy or the procedures described in it may direct enquiries to venue management at Deerfoot Inn & Casino.