Responsible Gaming & Player Health Resources
Keystone Poker is committed to the well-being of every player in our community.
Effective Date: April 18, 2026
Contents
1. Our Commitment
2. Understanding Healthy Play
3. Recognizing Warning Signs
4. Setting Your Limits
5. Self-Exclusion Options
6. Support Resources — Manitoba
7. Support Resources — National (Canada)
8. Mental Health & Well-Being
9. Emergency Guidance
10. For Families and Friends
11. Our Staff Commitment
12. Policy Updates
1. Our Commitment
At Keystone Poker, we believe that poker should be an enjoyable, social, and rewarding form of entertainment — never a source of stress, financial hardship, or harm to your well-being. Our community, which spans the Winnipeg area including Brokenhead Ojibway Nation and St. Louis Centre, is built on respect, integrity, and genuine care for one another.
We are committed to fostering a gaming environment where every player feels supported, informed, and empowered to make healthy choices. This resource page is available to all players, their families, friends, and our staff and volunteers.
Keystone Poker operates in alignment with Manitoba gaming regulations and responsible gaming standards. We take our responsibility seriously and continually seek to improve the resources and support we offer.
2. Understanding Healthy Play
Responsible gaming is not a restriction — it is an approach. It means making informed, intentional choices about how you play so that poker remains a positive part of your life. Just as you might budget for a dinner out, a concert, or a sporting event, healthy play means treating poker as an entertainment expense, not a source of income.
We call this the entertainment mindset: the buy-in is the cost of an evening of fun, competition, and camaraderie. If you win, that is a bonus. If you lose, you have paid for an experience you enjoyed.
Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Relationship with Poker
● Set a budget before you play and stick to it. Decide what you can comfortably afford to spend — and never exceed that amount.
● Set time limits for your sessions. Decide in advance when you will stop, and honour that commitment.
● Never chase losses. Losing is a natural part of the game. Walking away is always the right call when you have reached your limit.
● Take regular breaks. Step away from the table periodically to clear your mind and check in with yourself.
● Play for entertainment, not to make money. Treat poker as a social activity, not a financial strategy.
● Avoid playing under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired judgment leads to impaired decisions.
● Don't gamble when upset, stressed, or emotionally vulnerable. Playing in a heightened emotional state can lead to choices you would not otherwise make.
● Keep poker balanced with other hobbies and social activities. A well-rounded life supports healthy play.
3. Recognizing Warning Signs
Problem gambling can develop gradually, and it can be difficult to recognize in yourself or in someone you care about. There is no single cause and no single profile — it can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or experience. The following warning signs may indicate that your relationship with gambling has become unhealthy:
● Spending more time or money on poker than you intended
● Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund play
● Neglecting work, school, family, or personal responsibilities
● Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when not playing
● Lying to others about how much you play or spend
● Playing to escape problems or relieve negative emotions
● Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop
● Relationship conflicts caused by gambling
● Financial difficulties directly related to gambling
A Note of Encouragement
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, support is available — and reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. You do not have to face this alone, and there is no shame in asking for help.
4. Setting Your Limits
One of the most effective ways to maintain a healthy relationship with poker is to set clear, personal limits before you play. Limits are not about restricting your fun — they are about protecting it.
Types of Limits to Consider
● Financial limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to spend per session, per week, or per month. Only play with money you can truly afford to lose.
● Time limits: Decide how long you will play before you sit down. Set an alarm on your phone if it helps.
● Loss limits: Decide in advance the point at which you will walk away. When you reach that threshold, stop — no exceptions.
● Win limits: It is perfectly okay to stop when you are ahead. Locking in a win is a smart and satisfying choice.
Helpful Tip
Consider discussing your limits with a trusted friend or family member. Sharing your plan with someone you trust adds a layer of accountability and support. Keystone Poker staff are also trained to support players who wish to set or discuss their limits — feel free to ask.
5. Self-Exclusion Options
Self-exclusion is a voluntary program that allows you to formally restrict yourself from participating in gambling activities for a set period of time. It is a courageous, proactive step that many people find helpful as part of their path to healthier play or recovery.
Keystone Poker Voluntary Self-Exclusion
● Any player may request voluntary self-exclusion from Keystone Poker events and venues at any time.
● To arrange self-exclusion, contact Keystone Poker directly at info@keystonepoker.ca.
● The duration of self-exclusion is flexible and will be determined in consultation with you.
● All requests are handled with complete confidentiality and respect. There is no judgment — only support.
Manitoba Voluntary Self-Exclusion (VSE) Program
The Province of Manitoba offers a formal Voluntary Self-Exclusion program administered by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries. This program covers:
● Club Regent Casino
● McPhillips Station Casino
● Shark Club Gaming Centre
Duration options: 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, or 3 years.
How to enrol: In person at Club Regent Casino or McPhillips Station Casino, or by calling 204-957-2500 ext. 8468.
Returning to play: Completion of the "Pause and Plan" information course is required before your self-exclusion period can end.
6. Support Resources — Manitoba
If you or someone you know needs support, the following Manitoba-based organizations offer free, confidential services:
Resource
Description & Contact
Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM)
Free professional counselling for gambling concerns. afm.mb.ca
Community Financial Counseling Services (CFCS)
Free financial counselling for gambling-related financial difficulties. cfcs.mb.ca
Manitoba Gambling Helpline
1-800-463-1554 Available 24/7 — free and confidential.
Gamblers Anonymous Manitoba
Peer support and 12-step recovery program. gamblersanonymous.org
Gam-Anon
Support for family and friends of those affected by gambling. gam-anon.org
7. Support Resources — National (Canada)
Canada-wide resources are also available to provide support, information, and connection:
Resource
Description & Contact
Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)
Research, education, and prevention programs. responsiblegambling.org
ConnexOntario Helpline
1-866-531-2600 (24/7) Service available in 170+ languages.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Canada's largest mental health teaching hospital. camh.ca — 1-800-463-2338
GamTalk
Free online peer support community. gamtalk.org
Gambling Therapy
Free global online support and resources. gamblingtherapy.org
RecoverMe App
Free cognitive behavioural therapy app for managing gambling urges. Available on Apple App Store & Google Play.
8. Mental Health & Well-Being
Gambling and mental health are closely connected. Stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and other mental health challenges can increase vulnerability to problem gambling — and problem gambling can, in turn, worsen mental health. Understanding this connection is an important part of taking care of yourself.
It is okay to not be okay. If poker has stopped being fun, or if you find yourself struggling in other areas of your life, please know that seeking help is a sign of strength — not a sign of failure.
Tips for Maintaining Mental Health While Playing
● Practice self-awareness. Check in with yourself before and after each session. How are you feeling? Why are you playing today?
● Maintain connections outside of poker. Nurture your relationships, friendships, and interests beyond the game.
● Prioritize sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Your physical health has a direct impact on your mental resilience.
● Talk to someone you trust if poker stops being fun or starts causing stress.
General Mental Health Resources
Resource
Contact
Crisis Services Canada
1-833-456-4566 (24/7) or text 45645
Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line
1-877-435-7170
211 Manitoba
Dial 2-1-1 for community and social services information.
9. Emergency Guidance
⚠ If You or Someone You Know Is in Immediate Danger or Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis
• Call 911 — for immediate emergencies
• Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 (24/7)
• Manitoba Gambling Helpline: 1-800-463-1554
• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
You are not alone. Help is available right now.
10. For Families and Friends
Problem gambling does not only affect the person who gambles — it can have a profound impact on families, friendships, and relationships. If someone you care about is struggling, your support can make a meaningful difference.
How You Can Help
● Express concern without judgment. Choose a calm, private moment to share what you have observed. Use "I" statements — for example, "I've noticed..." or "I'm worried about..."
● Encourage professional help. Let them know that confidential support is available and that asking for help is a sign of strength.
● Set healthy boundaries. You can be supportive without enabling harmful behaviour. It is okay to protect your own financial and emotional well-being.
● Take care of yourself. Supporting someone through a difficult time can be emotionally draining. You deserve support, too.
Resources for Families and Friends
Gam-Anon (gam-anon.org) offers peer support specifically for family members and friends of those affected by gambling. Community Financial Counseling Services (cfcs.mb.ca) provides free financial counselling that can help the whole family navigate gambling-related financial challenges.
11. Our Staff Commitment
Keystone Poker staff and volunteers are trained in responsible gaming awareness. While our team members are not professional counsellors or clinicians, they are equipped to:
● Provide information about responsible gaming resources and support services
● Listen with empathy, discretion, and without judgment
● Assist players who wish to set personal limits or explore self-exclusion
● Make referrals to professional support organizations
You can approach any Keystone Poker team member in confidence. Every conversation will be treated with respect and privacy.
For full details on our team's standards and responsibilities, please refer to the Keystone Poker Staff Code of Conduct.
12. Policy Updates
Keystone Poker reserves the right to update this Responsible Gaming & Player Health resource at any time as new information, support programs, or regulatory requirements become available. We are committed to keeping this page current and comprehensive.
Players and community members will be notified of significant changes through our standard communication channels.
Last updated: April 18, 2026
Keystone Poker — Play with Purpose. Play with Care.
Contact: inquiry@keystonepoker.ca
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