Responsible Gaming
CheerOakNest is entertainment — but even free play can become a habit. Use these tools and resources to keep it that way.
Our commitment
CheerOakNest is a free social casino. We don't accept real money, we don't pay out prizes, and we don't offer gambling in any legal sense. We exist for entertainment. But we also take player wellbeing seriously, because problem gambling is a real issue in Canada — and a free game can still become a harmful habit if it spills over into other areas of life.
This page gives you practical tools, self-checks, and direct contact information for free, confidential Canadian support services. If anything on this page resonates with you or someone you know, please reach out.
Take a Break
Lock the game for a period of your choice. While you're on a break, the spin button is disabled and you can't access the slot.
You're on a break. Take care of yourself.
Signs to watch for
Even though no real money is involved, compulsive play can affect mood, sleep, work, and relationships. Answer honestly — these are common warning signs recommended by the Responsible Gambling Council (Canada):
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You play to escape or change your mood Spinning becomes a way to deal with stress, boredom, loneliness, or anxiety rather than a choice.
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You play longer than you intended You set a 10-minute limit and find yourself still at the reels an hour later, often without noticing.
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You hide play from friends or family You minimise, lie about, or refuse to discuss how much time you spend on the site.
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You neglect other activities Work, study, exercise, social plans, or hobbies suffer because of time spent playing.
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You feel restless when you can't play Irritability, anxiety, or low mood when you try to take a break or stop.
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You chase "almost-wins" or losses You feel the need to keep spinning to "make up" for a loss or to land a near-miss.
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It affects your finances or relationships Even with no real money, time spent playing creates conflict with partners, family, or colleagues.
If two or more of these resonate, please consider using the Take a Break tool above and reaching out to one of the free support services below.
Tips for healthy play
- Set a time limit before you start. Use a phone alarm. Stop when it goes off.
- Don't play when you're upset, tired, or drinking. Impaired mood leads to impaired choices.
- Keep it social. Talk to friends or family about how you spend your time online.
- Balance your week. Make sure play is one of many things you do, not the main one.
- Remember: it's not winning real money. If you find yourself treating Gold Coins like cash, take a step back.
Free, confidential help in Canada
All of these services are free, confidential, and available 24/7 (hours vary by service). They are run by trained counsellors, not by CheerOakNest.
National
Info, self-assessment, resources
By province
Self-exclusion
For self-exclusion from real-money gambling in your province, please contact your provincial gaming authority directly. We are a free social casino, so we don't participate in any self-exclusion registry — but if you're already on one, we strongly encourage you to take a break from CheerOakNest too, using the tool above.
Under 18?
If you are under 18, please leave this site. We confirm age on first visit, but it is your responsibility to be honest. If you are a parent and concerned about a young person's play, the RGC has resources at responsiblegambling.org.