Responsible gambling reality check features on Ontario-regulated platforms display pop-up notifications at set intervals during play showing the session duration, net win or loss and time spent. AGCO regulations require all licensed platforms to offer reality check tools. This article explains how reality checks work and how to configure them.
Reality Check Configuration
The reality check feature is configured in the account responsible gambling section. The player sets the interval at which the pop-up appears, typically 15, 30 or 60 minutes. A 15-minute interval provides more frequent awareness prompts, while a 60-minute interval provides less frequent interruptions. The chosen interval applies across all games and devices on the account.
Some Ontario platforms offer a custom interval option where the player can enter any number of minutes between 10 and 120.
Reality Check Display Content
When the reality check triggers, a pop-up window displays the current session duration, the net win or loss amount for the session in CAD and the total time spent playing across all sessions for the current day. The pop-up overlays the game screen and requires the player to acknowledge the information before continuing. The player can choose to end the session or continue playing after acknowledging.
Reality Check and Session Limits
The reality check feature works alongside session time limits rather than replacing them. The reality check provides awareness of the current session status, while the session time limit automatically ends the session when the limit is reached. Players who use both features receive regular awareness prompts and an automatic cutoff if they exceed their planned session duration.
Enabling and Disabling Reality Checks
Reality checks can be enabled or disabled through the account settings at any time. When enabled, the feature activates automatically at the start of each playing session. Some platforms set reality checks as permanently enabled for all accounts as a responsible gambling requirement, while others allow the player to disable the feature. The setting persists across sessions once configured.
Reality check guides that explain how to configure and use the awareness feature on Ontario-regulated platforms, such as the player protection tools overview on BetPrimeiro Kingdom, help players set appropriate reminder intervals and use the session information displayed to make informed decisions about continuing or ending their playing session.
| Reality check interval | Pop-ups per hour | Best for | Information displayed |
| 15 minutes | 4 | Frequent awareness | Duration, net win or loss |
| 30 minutes | 2 | Balanced awareness | Duration, net win or loss |
| 60 minutes | 1 | Minimal interruption | Duration, net win or loss |
- Set the reality check interval to 15 or 30 minutes for regular awareness prompts during play.
- Use the session information displayed to decide whether to continue or end the session.
- Combine reality checks with session time limits for comprehensive time management.
Responsible gambling reality check features on Ontario-regulated platforms display session duration and net win or loss at configurable intervals. Using reality checks alongside session time limits helps players maintain awareness of their playing time and financial position during each CAD wagering session.
