Responsible Gambling Policy

At Velmorithotelspa, we believe that gambling should always be an enjoyable and entertaining experience. We are deeply committed to fostering a safe, responsible, and supportive environment for every guest who chooses to participate in gaming activities at our property. This policy has been established and is maintained by Velmorithotelspa Inc., located at 721 Main Street, Canmore, AB T1W 2B2, Canada, in accordance with applicable Canadian provincial and federal regulations governing responsible gambling.

We understand that for a small number of individuals, gambling can become a serious concern. You are not alone, and help is always available. Please read this policy carefully and reach out to our team or any of the support services listed below if you or someone you care about needs assistance.

Our Commitment to Responsible Gambling

Velmorithotelspa is fully dedicated to promoting responsible gambling practices across all areas of our casino floor and gaming operations. Our commitment includes:

  • Training all casino staff to recognize the signs of problem gambling and to respond with compassion and professionalism.
  • Providing clear, accessible information about responsible gambling tools and support services to all guests.
  • Ensuring that gambling remains a form of entertainment and never a means to generate income or escape personal difficulties.
  • Offering practical self-exclusion and limit-setting tools to empower guests to stay in control of their gaming activity.
  • Partnering with recognized national and international organizations dedicated to gambling harm prevention and treatment.
  • Regularly reviewing and improving our responsible gambling measures to reflect the latest research and best practices.
  • Never encouraging guests to chase losses or to gamble beyond their personal means.

We ask that all guests approach gambling as a leisure activity — one with a budget set in advance, clear time limits, and a healthy perspective on winning and losing. We are here to support you every step of the way.

18+ Age Policy — No Minors Permitted

Gambling at Velmorithotelspa is strictly reserved for individuals who are 18 years of age or older. This is a firm and non-negotiable policy enforced in compliance with the requirements of the Alberta gaming regulator (AGLC) and all applicable laws of the Province of Alberta and Canada.

We take underage gambling extremely seriously and have implemented robust age verification procedures, including:

  • Mandatory government-issued photo identification checks at casino entry points and at gaming tables or machines upon request.
  • Accepted forms of ID include a valid Canadian driver's licence, passport, provincial photo ID card, or other government-issued identification showing date of birth and photograph.
  • The right of our staff to refuse entry or access to gaming areas to any individual who cannot provide satisfactory proof of age.
  • Zero tolerance for the use of false or borrowed identification — such actions may result in removal from the premises and referral to appropriate authorities.

We respectfully ask parents and guardians to be mindful that casino gaming areas are adult-only spaces. If you have concerns about a minor attempting to access our gaming facilities, please notify a member of our staff immediately.

Recognizing the Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or financial situation. It often develops gradually, and many people may not recognize the warning signs in themselves until the impact has become significant. We encourage all guests to be aware of the following signs, both in themselves and in those around them:

Behavioural Signs

  • Spending more time or money gambling than originally intended.
  • Feeling unable to stop or cut back on gambling, even when you want to.
  • Continuing to gamble despite experiencing financial difficulties as a result.
  • Chasing losses — returning to gamble in an attempt to win back money that has been lost.
  • Lying to family members, friends, or colleagues about the extent of gambling activity.
  • Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities due to time spent gambling.
  • Borrowing money, selling possessions, or engaging in dishonest behaviour to fund gambling.

Emotional and Psychological Signs

  • Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling or when attempting to stop.
  • Using gambling as a way to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional difficulties.
  • Experiencing feelings of guilt or shame related to gambling behaviour.
  • Preoccupation with gambling — constantly thinking about past sessions or planning the next one.
  • Feeling a need to gamble with increasing amounts of money in order to achieve the same level of excitement.

Financial Signs

  • Unexplained loss of money or financial difficulties that cannot be accounted for.
  • Withdrawal of large sums of cash on a frequent or irregular basis.
  • Falling behind on bills, rent, or other financial obligations.
  • Taking out loans or credit advances specifically to gamble.

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or in someone you care about, please do not hesitate to seek help. Acknowledging the issue is the first and most important step toward recovery. You are not alone, and compassionate, confidential support is available.

Self-Exclusion and Responsible Gambling Tools

We empower our guests with a range of practical tools designed to help them stay in control of their gambling activity. These tools are available voluntarily and confidentially, and our team is always happy to assist you in accessing them without judgment.

Self-Exclusion Program

Self-exclusion is a voluntary program that allows individuals to formally request to be banned from entering the casino gaming areas at Velmorithotelspa for a set period of time. This is a powerful tool for those who feel they need external support to distance themselves from gambling.

  • Self-exclusion periods are available for a minimum of six months and can extend up to a lifetime ban, depending on your preference and needs.
  • During the exclusion period, you will not be permitted to enter the gaming floor, and any winnings obtained in violation of the exclusion may be forfeited in accordance with applicable regulations.
  • To apply for self-exclusion, please speak privately and confidentially with our Responsible Gambling Manager or any member of our senior casino staff.
  • Alberta residents may also register for province-wide self-exclusion through the AGLC GameSense Self-Exclusion Program, which applies across all provincially regulated gaming facilities.

Personal Deposit and Spending Limits

  • Set daily, weekly, or monthly spending limits on your gaming activity.
  • Request voluntary restrictions on cash advances or ATM access on the gaming floor.
  • Ask staff to assist you in establishing a personal gambling budget before you begin playing.

Time Limit Reminders

  • Request that our staff provide you with periodic reminders of how long you have been on the gaming floor.
  • Set personal time limits for your gaming sessions and commit to honouring them.
  • Take regular breaks to reassess how you are feeling and whether you wish to continue playing.

Reality Checks and Cooling-Off Periods

  • Request a voluntary cooling-off period, during which you take a temporary break from visiting the casino.
  • Speak with our team at any time if you feel you need additional support or a change to your current restrictions.

All requests for self-exclusion and voluntary restrictions are handled with the utmost sensitivity and complete confidentiality. Our staff members are trained to assist you in a respectful, non-judgmental manner. Please do not hesitate to reach out — taking this step is a sign of strength and self-awareness.

Support Helplines and Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling-related issues, please reach out for help. The following organizations provide free, confidential, and professional support — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in most cases:

Canadian Resources

  • Alberta Gambling Helpline
    Phone: 1-800-332-2322 (toll-free within Alberta)
    Available 24/7 — provides crisis counselling, referrals, and ongoing support for individuals and families affected by problem gambling in Alberta.
  • ConnexOntario Gambling Support Line
    Phone: 1-866-531-2600
    Free mental health, addiction, and problem gambling information and referrals for Ontario residents.
  • Gamblers Anonymous Canada
    Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org
    A peer support fellowship for individuals who wish to stop gambling, with meetings available across Canada.
  • AGLC GameSense
    Website: www.gamesense.ca
    The Alberta gaming regulator’s responsible gambling initiative offering tools, tips, and resources to help you make informed decisions about gambling.

International Resources

  • GamCare (United Kingdom)
    Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free from the UK)
    Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
    Provides information, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms, including a live chat service and counselling referrals.
  • BeGambleAware (United Kingdom)
    Phone: 0808 8020 133 (free from the UK)
    Website: www.begambleaware.org
    An independent charity dedicated to minimizing gambling-related harm through education, prevention, and treatment services.
  • National Council on Problem Gambling — NCPG (United States)
    National Helpline: 1-800-522-4700 (toll-free, 24/7)
    Text: 1-800-522-4700
    Chat: Available at www.ncpgambling.org
    The leading US advocacy organization for problem gambling awareness, treatment access, and responsible gambling research.
  • Gamblers Anonymous International
    Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org
    A worldwide fellowship offering peer support and recovery meetings in numerous countries and languages.
  • Gordon Moody Association (United Kingdom)
    Phone: +44 (0)1384 241292
    Website: www.gordonmoody.org.uk
    Provides residential treatment, online therapy, and recovery programmes for those most seriously affected by gambling addiction.

If you are in immediate crisis or are concerned about your personal safety or the safety of someone else, please contact emergency services by calling 911 or your local emergency number without delay.

Our Promise to You

Velmorithotelspa is a place of relaxation, entertainment, and hospitality. We want every guest who walks through our doors to feel welcome, valued, and safe. Our gaming facilities are intended to provide fun and enjoyment — nothing more.

We promise to always put the wellbeing of our guests first. We will never pressure you to gamble more than you are comfortable with, and we will always provide access to the tools and support you need to make responsible choices. Our team is here for you — not just as hospitality professionals, but as compassionate human beings who genuinely care about your welfare.

If you have any questions about this Responsible Gambling Policy, would like to access any of the tools described above, or simply wish to speak with someone about your gambling experience, please do not hesitate to contact our team directly at the property or in writing at:

Velmorithotelspa Inc.
721 Main Street, Canmore, AB T1W 2B2, Canada

Thank you for trusting us with your visit. Please gamble responsibly, and remember — it's just a game.