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, a pastime enjoyed responsibly. However, we also recognise that for a small minority, gambling can become problematic. Our Responsible Gaming policy outlines the measures we have implemented to prevent problem gambling, protect vulnerable individuals, and promote responsible behaviour among all our users.

We are fully committed to upholding the highest standards of player protection, adhering strictly to the guidelines set by our licensing authority. This commitment is integrated into every aspect of our operations, from game design to customer support. Shikaka believes in empowering our players with the tools and information necessary to manage their play effectively and maintain control.

Problem gambling can manifest in various ways, often leading to financial, emotional, and social difficulties. It is crucial to recognise the warning signs, both in oneself and in others. If you find yourself experiencing any of the following, it may be an indication that your gambling habits are becoming problematic:

• Spending more money or time on 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, relationships, or other responsibilities.
• Feeling anxious, guilty, or depressed because of your gambling.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble.
• Repeatedly trying to cut down or stop gambling without success.
• Thinking about gambling constantly, even when not playing.

If these signs resonate with you, we urge you to consider seeking assistance. Early recognition is key to addressing the issue effectively.

Maintaining control over your gambling activities ensures it remains a source of entertainment. Here are some practical tips to help you gamble responsibly:

• Gamble for entertainment, not to make money. View gambling as a leisure activity with a cost, similar to going to a concert or cinema.
• Set a budget and stick to it. Decide how much you can comfortably afford to lose before you start playing, and do not exceed this amount.
• Set time limits. Decide in advance how long you will play and adhere to that decision.
• Never chase losses. Accept that losses are part of gambling and do not try to win back money you have lost.
• Do not gamble when stressed, upset, or under the influence. Your judgment can be impaired, leading to poor decisions.
• Balance gambling with other activities. Ensure gambling does not become your sole form of entertainment.

Shikaka encourages all players to adopt these practices to ensure a positive and controlled gaming experience.

Shikaka provides various tools to help you manage your spending and betting. These self-imposed limits are designed to give you greater control over your gambling habits:

• Deposit Limits: You can set a maximum amount of money you can deposit into your Shikaka account over a specified period, such as daily, weekly, or monthly. Once this limit is reached, you will be unable to deposit further funds until the period resets.
• Loss Limits: This allows you to define the maximum amount of money you are willing to lose within a specific timeframe. If your net losses reach this threshold, you will be prevented from placing further wagers until the limit period concludes.
• Wager Limits: You can set a maximum amount you are willing to wager over a chosen period. This helps control the total sum of money you stake, regardless of wins or losses.

These limits can be adjusted at any time through your account settings. Any request to decrease a limit will be applied immediately. Requests to increase a limit will be subject to a cooling-off period before taking effect, allowing you time to reconsider your decision.

If you feel the need to take a short break from gambling, Shikaka offers Time-Out and Cool-Off options. These temporary breaks allow you to step away from your account for a defined period:

• Time-Out: You can set a time-out for periods ranging from 24 hours to six weeks. During a time-out, you will not be able to log in to your account, deposit funds, or place bets.
• Cool-Off: Similar to a time-out, a cool-off period allows for a short break. The duration and specific restrictions will be clearly communicated when you activate this feature.

Once a time-out or cool-off period is activated, it cannot be reversed until the specified duration has passed. This ensures that the break provides the intended relief from gambling activity.

For those who require a more extended break from gambling, Shikaka provides a comprehensive self-exclusion program. Self-exclusion is a formal request to prevent yourself from accessing our gaming services for a significant period. You can choose to self-exclude for periods ranging from six months to five years, or even permanently.

During a self-exclusion period:

• Your Shikaka account will be immediately closed, and you will be prevented from logging in.
• You will not receive any marketing or promotional materials from us.
• We will take all reasonable steps to prevent you from opening new accounts.
• Any remaining funds in your account will be returned to you in accordance with our terms and conditions.

Please note that once a self-exclusion is activated, it cannot be reversed until the chosen period has fully elapsed. We also advise you to consider self-excluding from any other gambling operators you may use.

Shikaka strictly prohibits individuals under the legal gambling age from accessing our services. We employ robust age verification procedures to prevent underage gambling. During the registration process, all players are required to confirm they are of legal age, and we conduct electronic age verification checks. In cases where age cannot be verified, we may request additional documentation.

We urge parents and guardians to take an active role in protecting minors from online gambling. Here are some recommendations:

• Keep your Shikaka login details confidential and secure.
• Use parental control software to block access to gambling websites.
• Educate your children about the risks associated with underage gambling.
• Monitor your bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar transactions.

If you suspect that an underage individual has accessed a Shikaka account, please contact our customer support team immediately. We will investigate the matter thoroughly and take appropriate action.

To help you monitor the time you spend gambling, Shikaka offers Reality Checks and Session Reminders. These features are designed to prompt you to consider your playing duration:

• Reality Checks: You can set a frequency for a pop-up message to appear on your screen, reminding you how long you have been playing. This message will also display your net winnings or losses during that session. You will then have the option to continue playing, view your account history, or log out.
• Session Reminders: Similar to reality checks, session reminders provide periodic notifications about the duration of your current gaming session, encouraging you to take a break if needed.

These tools are customisable through your account settings and serve as a useful aid in managing your playing time effectively.

If you are concerned about your gambling habits but are unsure whether they constitute a problem, taking a self-assessment can be a helpful first step. Shikaka provides access to a self-assessment questionnaire designed to help you evaluate your gambling behaviour objectively. This assessment typically asks a series of questions about your gambling patterns, feelings, and the impact gambling has on your life.

The results of a self-assessment are for your personal reflection and are not stored by Shikaka. They can provide valuable insights and help you decide if you need to implement stricter limits, take a break, or seek professional help. We encourage all players to periodically review their gambling habits using such tools to ensure their play remains responsible and enjoyable.

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)