Help, at any hour
Gambling: Help and Referral (Jeu : aide et référence): 1-800-461-0140, or 514-527-0140 in Montréal and the surrounding area. Free, confidential, anonymous and bilingual, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across Québec. Website: aidejeu.ca.
The age rule
Loto-Québec admits only adults aged 18 or over to the Casino de Charlevoix, including its bar and restaurant. Original photo ID is required; photocopies and photos of ID on a phone are refused, and anyone who looks under 25 may be asked to show it.
Signs that gambling is becoming a risk
The Quebec government lists behaviours that can signal a problem. In summary, they include:
- thinking about gambling all the time;
- needing to bet larger and larger amounts to feel the same excitement;
- finding it hard to stop, cut down or set limits despite really trying;
- feeling restless or irritable when trying to gamble less;
- gambling to escape problems or to relieve anxiety;
- gambling again to try to get back what has been lost;
- lying to family and friends about how much gambling matters;
- putting studies, work or relationships at risk, or relying on others to cover money problems caused by gambling.
The full list and advice are on the government page Québec.ca: alcohol, drugs and gambling. Besides the helpline, it suggests contacting your local health and social services establishment.
Self-exclusion
Loto-Québec offers voluntary self-exclusion from its casinos and gaming halls. It explains that its staff are trained to spot, support and offer care to anyone who may need help, by phone or on site — what it calls the "support chain". At the casino, facial recognition is used only for people who have self-excluded and agreed to it. Details: Loto-Québec, self-exclusion.
If someone close to you is struggling
The same helpline takes calls from relatives and friends. Loto-Québec's site has a page on warning signs to watch for in a loved one. Talking early helps more than waiting.
Our position
La Malbaie Stays is a guide to a hotel. We do not promote gambling, we do not publish gaming offers or game information, and we earn nothing from the casino. If you are staying at the Manoir and would rather not be near the casino at all, tell us when you send a request — the casino is a separate building, and there is a great deal to do in Charlevoix that has nothing to do with it.