Responsible Gambling

Shikaka is dedicated to providing a safe and enjoyable online gaming environment. We understand that for most players, gambling is a form of entertainment. However, for a small percentage, it can become problematic. This Responsible Gaming policy outlines the measures we have implemented to prevent problem gambling, protect vulnerable individuals, and ensure all our players can engage with our platform responsibly.

Our commitment extends to providing tools and resources that empower you to manage your play effectively. We adhere to the highest regulatory standards set by our licensing authority, continuously reviewing and updating our practices to maintain a secure and responsible gaming space.

Problem gambling can manifest in various ways, often impacting an individual's financial stability, relationships, and mental well-being. It is important to be aware of the indicators that gambling may be becoming an issue. These signs are not exhaustive, but they can serve as a guide:

• Spending more money or time gambling than you can afford or intended.
• Feeling a need to be secretive about your gambling activities.
• Chasing losses, trying to win back money you have lost.
• Gambling affecting your work, studies, or personal relationships.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
• Feeling anxious, guilty, or depressed after gambling.
• Thinking about gambling constantly, even when not playing.
• Becoming irritable or restless when trying to cut down or stop gambling.

If you recognise several of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek support. Shikaka encourages open communication and provides resources to assist.

Maintaining control over your gambling habits is crucial for sustained enjoyment. Here are some practical tips to help you keep gambling as a form of entertainment:

• Set a budget: Decide how much money you can comfortably afford to lose before you start playing, and stick to it. Never gamble with money earmarked for essential expenses.
• Set a time limit: Determine how much time you will spend gambling and adhere to that limit.
• View gambling as entertainment, not income: Understand that gambling outcomes are based on chance, and there is no guarantee of winning.
• Avoid chasing losses: Accept that losses are part of gambling and do not try to win back lost money by increasing stakes or playing for longer.
• Balance gambling with other activities: Ensure gambling does not become your sole form of entertainment. Maintain a variety of hobbies and interests.
• Do not gamble when stressed or upset: Emotional states can impair judgment and lead to impulsive decisions.

Shikaka offers robust tools to help you manage your spending and playing habits. You can set personal limits on your account, which will restrict your activity once reached. These limits include:

• Deposit Limits: Control the maximum amount of money you can deposit into your Shikaka account over a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly).
• Loss Limits: Define the maximum amount of money you are willing to lose within a specific timeframe. Once this limit is reached, you will be prevented from placing further bets until the period resets.
• Wager Limits: Set a maximum total amount you can wager over a daily, weekly, or monthly period.

You can adjust these limits at any time. Any request to increase a limit will typically involve a waiting period before taking effect, allowing for reflection. Decreasing a limit, however, will usually take effect immediately.

If you feel you need a short break from gambling, Shikaka provides options for 'Time-Outs' or 'Cool-Off Periods'. This feature allows you to temporarily restrict access to your account for a defined period, such as 24 hours, 48 hours, one week, or one month. During a Time-Out, you will not be able to log in, deposit, or place bets. This is a useful tool for taking a short break to reassess your gambling habits without committing to a longer self-exclusion.

For players who feel their gambling is becoming a serious problem, Shikaka offers a comprehensive self-exclusion program. Self-exclusion allows you to voluntarily close your account and prevent yourself from accessing our services for a longer, predefined period. Options typically range from six months to five years, or even permanently.

During a self-exclusion period, you will not be able to log in, deposit funds, or place bets. We will also take reasonable steps to ensure you do not receive any marketing materials from Shikaka. It is important to note that self-exclusion is a serious commitment and cannot be reversed until the chosen period has fully elapsed. We recommend considering self-exclusion if you are struggling to control your gambling.

Preventing underage gambling is a top priority for Shikaka. Our services are strictly for individuals who are 18 years of age or older, or the legal age of majority in their jurisdiction, whichever is higher. We employ rigorous age verification procedures during the account registration process to ensure no minors can access our platform. This includes requesting identification documents and utilising third-party verification services.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to use parental control software to prevent minors from accessing gambling websites. We also advise against leaving your Shikaka account logged in or your device unattended where minors might have access.

To help you stay aware of the time you spend gambling, Shikaka offers "Reality Checks" or session reminders. This feature provides periodic notifications during your gaming session, informing you of how long you have been playing. You can set the frequency of these reminders, for example, every 30 minutes or every hour. The Reality Check will prompt you to consider your playing time and gives you the option to continue playing, log out, or review your account activity. This tool is designed to encourage breaks and conscious decision-making about your play duration.

If you are concerned about your gambling habits, taking a self-assessment can be a helpful first step. Many reputable organisations provide questionnaires designed to help you evaluate your relationship with gambling. These assessments typically ask a series of questions about your gambling behaviour, thoughts, and feelings. While not a clinical diagnosis, the results can offer insight into whether your gambling might be problematic and indicate if further professional help is advisable. Shikaka encourages you to utilise such tools as part of your responsible gaming practice.

If gambling stops being fun, free and confidential help is available. These organisations are independent of this site and of any operator:

National support: Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council
• ConnexOntario · Helpline: 1-866-531-2600
• Self-exclusion: BetGuard (iGaming Ontario)

International support (any country)

• Gambling Therapy (free global online support in 30+ languages)
• GamCare, National Gambling Helpline · Helpline: 0808 8020 133
• Gamblers Anonymous (international 12-step fellowship, find local meetings)