Terms & Conditions
Version: 1.0 | Last Updated: October 29, 2025
These Terms & Conditions govern your use of Best Online Casinos Canada, accessible at edmonton-signs.ca. Please read this document carefully before registering an account or using any service offered on this website.
1. Introduction & Acceptance
1.1. Welcome to Best Online Casinos Canada ("the Website," "we," "us," or "our"). By accessing, browsing, registering, or otherwise using any part of this Website, you ("User," "you," or "your") confirm that you have read, understood, and unconditionally agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions (the "Terms"), together with our Privacy Policy and our Responsible Gaming Policy, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
1.2. We reserve the right to amend, update, or replace these Terms at any time. When we make material changes, we will post the updated version on this page and revise the "Last Updated" date at the top. It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically. Your continued use of the Website following the publication of any changes constitutes your acceptance of those changes.
1.3. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must immediately discontinue your use of the Website. Access to certain features may be restricted to registered users who have accepted these Terms in full during the registration process.
1.4. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Best Online Casinos Canada. Nothing in these Terms is intended to, nor shall it, confer any rights or remedies upon any third party unless expressly stated otherwise.
2. Definitions
2.1. For the purposes of these Terms, the following terms shall have the meanings set out below:
- "Account" means the personal user account created by a registered User on the Website, through which all transactions, gameplay, and communications are conducted.
- "Balance" means the total of real-money funds held in a User's Account at any given time, excluding any Bonus Funds that remain subject to wagering requirements.
- "Bonus Funds" means any credits, free spins, cashback, or other promotional value credited to a User's Account under a specific promotion, subject to terms and conditions distinct from real-money funds.
- "Deposit" means any real-money transfer initiated by a User into their Account via an approved payment method.
- "Eligible User" means any individual who meets all requirements set out in Section 3 of these Terms and is therefore permitted to register and use the Website.
- "Games" means all casino games, table games, live dealer games, slots, video poker, and any other gambling products made available on or through the Website.
- "KYC" (Know Your Customer) means the identity and document verification process required before a User may withdraw funds or access certain features.
- "Prohibited User" means any individual who is ineligible to use the Website under Section 3, including minors and residents of Restricted Territories.
- "Restricted Territories" means all jurisdictions in which online gambling is prohibited or where the Website does not offer its services, as updated from time to time.
- "Wagering Requirement" means the number of times a User must play through Bonus Funds before any associated winnings can be converted to withdrawable real-money funds.
- "Withdrawal" means any transfer of real-money funds from a User's Account to an external payment method registered to the User.
- "Website Content" means all text, graphics, software, audio, video, data, and other materials published on or made available through the Website.
2.2. References to the singular include the plural and vice versa. Headings are for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation of these Terms.
3. Eligibility & Registration
3.1. Age Requirement
3.1.1. You must be at least 18 years of age to register an Account and use any gambling service on this Website. We are firmly committed to preventing underage gambling. By completing the registration process, you represent and warrant that you are 18 years of age or older.
3.1.2. We reserve the right to request proof of age at any stage of the registration or withdrawal process. Accounts found to be held by individuals under the age of 18 will be immediately suspended and permanently closed. Any funds deposited by a minor will be returned to the payment source after deduction of any winnings generated, and the matter may be referred to relevant authorities.
3.2. Geographic Eligibility
3.2.1. This Website is directed primarily at users located in Canada. Residents of Restricted Territories are not permitted to register or use the Website. It is your sole responsibility to determine whether accessing this Website is legal in your jurisdiction before registering.
3.2.2. We reserve the right to add or remove territories from the list of Restricted Territories at any time without prior notice. Users who become residents of a Restricted Territory after account creation must immediately cease using the Website and notify us at [email protected].
3.3. Registration Process
3.3.1. To open an Account, you must complete our online registration form accurately and truthfully. You agree to provide your full legal name, date of birth, residential address, valid email address, and any other information we reasonably request.
3.3.2. You must not provide false, misleading, or fraudulent information at any point during registration or subsequently. If we discover that any information provided is inaccurate, we reserve the right to suspend or terminate your Account and withhold any funds pending investigation.
3.4. One Account Policy
3.4.1. Each individual may hold only one (1) Account on the Website. Creating multiple accounts—whether using different email addresses, payment methods, IP addresses, devices, or any combination thereof—is strictly prohibited and constitutes a material breach of these Terms.
3.4.2. If duplicate accounts are detected, we reserve the right to close all related accounts, forfeit any Bonus Funds and associated winnings, and return deposits at our sole discretion. Repeated or intentional multi-accounting may result in a permanent ban.
3.5. Know Your Customer (KYC) Verification
3.5.1. In accordance with applicable anti-money-laundering obligations and responsible gaming commitments, we require all Users to complete identity verification before processing a Withdrawal. Required documents typically include, but are not limited to:
- A government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, driver's licence, or national ID card);
- Proof of residential address dated within the last three (3) months (e.g., utility bill or bank statement);
- Proof of ownership of any payment method used (e.g., a photo of a bank card showing only the first six and last four digits, or a screenshot of an e-wallet account);
- Any additional documentation we may request at our sole discretion.
3.5.2. We aim to complete KYC reviews within three (3) to five (5) business days of receiving all required documentation. We may request supplementary documents if the initial submission is unclear, expired, or insufficient. Failure to complete KYC verification within a reasonable period may result in Account suspension.
4. Account Management
4.1. Account Security
4.1.1. You are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your Account credentials, including your username and password. You must not share your login details with any third party. We strongly recommend enabling two-factor authentication where available and using a strong, unique password not used on other websites.
4.1.2. If you suspect that your Account has been accessed without your authorisation, you must notify us immediately at [email protected]. We will take reasonable steps to investigate and, if confirmed, suspend access to protect your funds. We are not liable for losses resulting from unauthorised access caused by your failure to safeguard your credentials.
4.2. Account Activity & Dormancy
4.2.1. An Account is considered dormant if there has been no login or financial transaction for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months. We reserve the right to charge a monthly dormancy administration fee of CAD 10.00 (or the equivalent of your Account Balance if lower) against any remaining Balance once the dormancy period is triggered.
4.2.2. You may reactivate a dormant Account at any time by logging in and completing any outstanding KYC obligations. Upon reactivation, dormancy fees will cease. If the Account Balance reaches zero as a result of dormancy fees, the Account will be closed.
4.3. Account Closure
4.3.1. You may request to close your Account at any time by contacting our support team at [email protected]. Pending any outstanding verification or investigation, we will process your request and withdraw any remaining real-money Balance to your last-used payment method within a reasonable timeframe.
4.3.2. We reserve the right to close or suspend any Account without prior notice if we reasonably suspect fraud, money laundering, violation of these Terms, or any activity that poses a risk to us, other users, or third parties. In such circumstances, any funds held may be frozen pending investigation.
5. Deposits & Withdrawals
5.1. Accepted Payment Methods
5.1.1. We currently accept the following payment methods for Deposits and Withdrawals by Canadian users:
| Payment Method | Type | Currencies Accepted |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | Credit / Debit Card | CAD, USD |
| Mastercard | Credit / Debit Card | CAD, USD |
| Interac e-Transfer | Bank Transfer | CAD |
| Interac Online | Online Banking | CAD |
| iDebit | Online Banking | CAD |
| ecoPayz | E-Wallet | CAD, USD |
| MuchBetter | E-Wallet | CAD |
| Paysafecard | Prepaid Voucher | CAD |
| Bitcoin (BTC) | Cryptocurrency | CAD equivalent |
| Ethereum (ETH) | Cryptocurrency | CAD equivalent |
5.1.2. Available payment methods may vary based on your location, device, or Account status. We reserve the right to add or remove payment methods at any time. Any such changes will be reflected on the Website's banking page.
5.2. Deposits
5.2.1. The minimum Deposit amount is CAD 10.00 per transaction. Maximum single-transaction deposit limits depend on the payment method selected and will be displayed at the point of transaction. Deposits are generally credited to your Account instantly or within a few minutes, though some bank transfer methods may take up to two (2) business days.
5.2.2. All Deposits must be made from payment accounts held in your own name. Deposits from third-party accounts, shared accounts, or accounts held in a business name are not permitted. If we detect a third-party deposit, we reserve the right to reverse the transaction, suspend your Account, and conduct a full KYC review before taking further action.
5.2.3. We do not charge fees for processing Deposits; however, your bank or payment provider may apply their own charges. We recommend checking with your provider before initiating a transaction.
5.3. Withdrawals
5.3.1. The minimum Withdrawal amount is CAD 20.00. Maximum withdrawal limits vary by payment method and may be subject to weekly or monthly caps as displayed in the cashier section of your Account. Where no specific cap is displayed, you may contact support for clarification.
5.3.2. Withdrawals can only be made to a payment method previously used to Deposit funds into your Account (the "source of funds" rule), or to an alternative method we specifically approve following a successful KYC review. This policy is in place to prevent fraud and comply with anti-money-laundering regulations.
5.3.3. Processing times are as follows:
- E-Wallets (ecoPayz, MuchBetter): up to 24 hours after approval;
- Interac e-Transfer / Interac Online / iDebit: 1–3 business days;
- Credit / Debit Cards (Visa, Mastercard): 3–5 business days;
- Cryptocurrency: up to 24 hours after on-chain confirmation;
- Paysafecard: not available for Withdrawals.
5.3.4. All Withdrawal requests are subject to a pending period of up to 24 hours during which the request may be cancelled by the User via the cashier. Once processed, Withdrawals cannot be reversed.
5.3.5. We reserve the right to request additional KYC documentation before processing any Withdrawal. We will never charge a fee to process a standard Withdrawal; however, your payment provider's fees may apply.
5.4. Currency
5.4.1. The primary currency of this Website is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Where a Deposit is made in a different currency, conversion will be applied at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the transaction, which may include a small conversion margin. The final credited amount will always be displayed before confirmation.
6. Bonuses & Promotions
6.1. General Bonus Terms
6.1.1. From time to time, we may offer bonuses, free spins, cashback, reload offers, loyalty rewards, and other promotions (collectively, "Promotions"). Each Promotion is subject to specific terms that will be published on the relevant promotional page. In the event of a conflict between promotion-specific terms and these General Terms, the promotion-specific terms shall prevail.
6.1.2. Bonuses are available only to Eligible Users who have completed account registration and, where required, KYC verification. Unless otherwise specified, each Promotion is available once per User, household, IP address, or shared device.
6.1.3. We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or withdraw any Promotion at any time without prior notice, provided this does not affect a Promotion that is already in progress for a User who has already opted in.
6.2. Wagering Requirements
6.2.1. Bonus Funds are subject to a Wagering Requirement before they can be converted into withdrawable real-money funds. Unless stated otherwise in the promotion-specific terms, the standard Wagering Requirement is 35x the Bonus Funds amount received.
6.2.2. Example: If you receive a CAD 100 bonus with a 35x wagering requirement, you must place a total of CAD 3,500 in qualifying bets before the bonus balance becomes withdrawable.
6.2.3. Wagering contributions by game type are as follows (subject to change per promotion):
- Video Slots: 100% contribution;
- Classic / 3-Reel Slots: 75% contribution;
- Live Casino Table Games (Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat): 10% contribution;
- Video Poker: 10% contribution;
- Table Games (RNG): 10% contribution;
- Progressive Jackpot Slots: 20% contribution;
- Scratch Cards / Instant Win: 50% contribution;
- Sports Betting (if available): 0% contribution unless stated.
6.2.4. Unless otherwise stated, Bonus Funds and free spin winnings are subject to a maximum win cap of CAD 500. Any winnings exceeding this cap generated from Bonus Funds will be removed from the Account balance at the time of withdrawal processing.
6.3. Bonus Expiry
6.3.1. Bonus Funds and associated wagering requirements must be completed within 30 calendar days of the bonus being credited, unless stated otherwise in the promotion-specific terms. Any unused or uncompleted Bonus Funds after expiry will be automatically forfeited from your Account without compensation.
6.3.2. Free spins, where offered, must be used within 7 calendar days of being credited. Winnings from expired free spins will not be credited.
6.4. Bonus Abuse
6.4.1. We operate a strict policy against Bonus Abuse, which includes but is not limited to: creating multiple accounts to claim the same bonus; using promotional funds to place low-risk, balanced, or arbitrage bets; exploiting technical errors or software glitches to gain undue promotional advantage; or systematically exploiting bonus structures in a manner inconsistent with recreational play.
6.4.2. If we determine, in our sole and reasonable discretion, that a User has engaged in Bonus Abuse, we reserve the right to void the bonus, cancel associated winnings, suspend the Account, and conduct a full investigation before taking further action.
7. Games & Fair Play
7.1. Random Number Generation
7.1.1. All casino Games featured on this Website that use random outcomes are powered by certified Random Number Generator (RNG) technology. The RNG software undergoes regular independent testing and certification by recognised third-party testing laboratories to ensure that game outcomes are genuinely random, unbiased, and cannot be predicted or manipulated.
7.1.2. Return-to-Player (RTP) percentages for each game are calculated over statistically significant sample sizes and represent the theoretical long-term payout rate. Actual results for any individual session may differ materially from the published RTP. We recommend that Users view our Games as entertainment rather than a reliable source of income.
7.2. Game Malfunctions
7.2.1. In the event of a technical malfunction, disconnection, software error, or any other system failure that affects the outcome of a game round, the affected round may be declared void. We will attempt to restore the game to its last confirmed state where technically feasible. However, no liability is accepted for losses resulting from system failures beyond our direct control.
7.2.2. If a malfunction results in an erroneous display of a win, that win will be voided and the stake returned to the User's Account. In no event will a malfunction give rise to a claim for an amount that was not legitimately won under the correct game operation. "Malfunction voids all pays and plays" is the governing principle.
7.2.3. We maintain comprehensive logs of all gameplay. In any dispute relating to a game outcome, our server records shall be considered the authoritative record.
7.3. Prohibited Conduct in Games
7.3.1. The following activities are strictly prohibited when using any Game on this Website:
- Using automated software, bots, scripts, or artificial intelligence tools to play Games or gain any advantage over other players or the house;
- Colluding with other players to manipulate game outcomes, pool funds, or share information in real-time during multiplayer or live dealer Games;
- Exploiting known software bugs, glitches, or loopholes for financial gain;
- Engaging in any form of cheating, including but not limited to card counting in live games where specifically prohibited by the relevant game rules;
- Reverse engineering, disassembling, or otherwise attempting to derive the source code of any Game software.
7.3.2. Any User found engaging in prohibited conduct will have their Account suspended immediately, all winnings generated through prohibited means forfeited, and may be reported to relevant authorities where appropriate.
7.4. Game Rules
7.4.1. Each Game has its own set of rules accessible directly from the game interface. By launching a Game, you confirm that you have read and understood the applicable rules. In the event of any inconsistency between the in-game rules and these Terms, the in-game rules shall govern gameplay mechanics, while these Terms shall govern all account-related matters.
8. Tournaments & Lotteries
8.1. We may from time to time offer slot tournaments, leaderboard competitions, prize draws, and other competitive events (collectively, "Events"). Participation in any Event is subject to specific event rules that will be published on the Event promotion page and are incorporated into these Terms.
8.2. Eligibility: Unless stated otherwise, all registered Users who have passed KYC verification and are in good standing (no active suspension or investigation) are eligible to participate in Events. We reserve the right to exclude specific Users from Events at our sole discretion.
8.3. Prize Allocation: Prizes will be distributed to eligible winners within 72 hours of the Event conclusion, unless the event terms specify a different timeline. Cash prizes are credited directly to the Account Balance. Bonus prizes are subject to the Wagering Requirements described in Section 6.
8.4. Tie-Breaking: In the event of a tie between two or more participants, the prize will be split equally unless the event rules specify an alternative tie-breaking mechanism (such as earliest achievement of the qualifying score).
8.5. We reserve the right to modify, postpone, or cancel any Event in the event of technical issues, insufficient participation, or circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, we will make reasonable efforts to notify participants promptly and provide alternative rewards where feasible.
9. Intellectual Property
9.1. All Website Content, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, button icons, images, audio clips, data compilations, software, and the overall design and layout of the Website, is the exclusive property of Best Online Casinos Canada or its content suppliers and is protected by applicable Canadian and international intellectual property laws, including copyright and trademark legislation.
9.2. You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable licence to access and use the Website and its Content for your personal, non-commercial recreational use only. This licence does not include the right to: copy, reproduce, distribute, publish, or transmit any Website Content; create derivative works based on the Website Content; commercially exploit or sell any Website Content; or use any data mining, scraping, or similar data-gathering tools in connection with the Website.
9.3. All game software and related intellectual property made available through the Website remain the property of their respective third-party game providers and are subject to those providers' own licence terms. Your use of any Game constitutes acceptance of the applicable provider's terms.
9.4. Any unauthorised use of Website Content or game software may result in immediate Account termination and may expose you to civil or criminal liability. If you believe that any Content on the Website infringes your intellectual property rights, please contact us at [email protected].
10. Limitation of Liability
10.1. Scope of Limitation
10.1.1. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Canadian law, Best Online Casinos Canada, its affiliates, directors, employees, agents, and content providers shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of, or inability to use, the Website or its services. This includes, without limitation, any loss of funds, loss of profits, loss of data, or loss of business opportunity.
10.2. Service Availability
10.2.1. We do not guarantee that the Website will be available at all times. The Website may be temporarily unavailable due to scheduled maintenance, unplanned outages, server failures, or other events outside our control. We will make reasonable efforts to restore service promptly but accept no liability for interruptions.
10.2.2. We are not responsible for any losses you incur as a result of internet connectivity issues, your device's hardware or software failures, or actions taken by your internet service provider that affect your ability to access the Website.
10.3. Third-Party Liability
10.3.1. The Website may contain links to third-party websites, including payment processors, game providers, and affiliate partners. We do not endorse, control, or accept responsibility for the content, privacy practices, or conduct of any third-party website. Visiting third-party sites is entirely at your own risk.
10.4. Indemnification
10.4.1. You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Best Online Casinos Canada and its affiliates from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including legal fees) arising out of or in connection with: your violation of these Terms; your use of the Website in a manner inconsistent with applicable law; your submission of false or misleading information; or any third-party claim arising from your actions on the Website.
11. Dispute Resolution
11.1. Contacting Support First
11.1.1. If you have a complaint, concern, or dispute regarding any aspect of your Account, a transaction, a game outcome, or our services, we strongly encourage you to contact our customer support team in the first instance. Our support team is available via email at [email protected] and aims to acknowledge all enquiries within 24 hours and resolve them within 5 business days.
11.1.2. When submitting a complaint, please provide the following information to help us investigate efficiently:
- Your registered email address and Account username;
- A clear description of the issue, including any relevant dates and transaction IDs;
- Any screenshots or supporting documentation;
- The resolution you are seeking.
11.2. Escalation Procedure
11.2.1. If you are not satisfied with the initial response from our support team, you may escalate your complaint to our compliance team by emailing [email protected] with the subject line "Formal Complaint – [Your Username]." The compliance team will conduct a full review and provide a final written response within 10 business days of receiving the escalated complaint.
11.2.2. Our final decision on any complaint will be communicated in writing. If you remain dissatisfied following our final decision, you may seek independent advice or pursue remedies available under applicable Canadian consumer protection legislation.
11.3. Governing Law
11.3.1. These Terms and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Alberta, Canada, without regard to its conflict-of-law principles. You agree that the courts of Alberta shall have non-exclusive jurisdiction over any such dispute, subject to any mandatory consumer protection rights you hold under applicable provincial law.
11.4. Limitation Period
11.4.1. Any claim or legal action arising from your use of the Website must be brought within one (1) year of the date on which you became aware of, or reasonably should have become aware of, the facts giving rise to the claim. Claims brought after this period shall be time-barred to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.
12. Health & Safety
12.1. We are committed to the health and wellbeing of our users. Online gambling should be an enjoyable leisure activity, and we recognise that it can become harmful for some individuals. We therefore encourage all users to be aware of the time and money they spend on gambling activities and to take regular breaks.
12.2. If you or someone you know exhibits signs of problem gambling—such as spending beyond one's means, neglecting personal or professional responsibilities, or experiencing emotional distress related to gambling losses—we urge you to seek professional help immediately. The following organisations provide free, confidential support to Canadians affected by problem gambling:
- ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 | connexontario.ca
- Gambling Support BC: 1-888-795-6111 | bcresponsiblegambling.ca
- Alberta Gambling Help Line: 1-800-522-4700 | Available 24/7
- Gamblers Anonymous Canada: gamblersanonymous.org
- Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario (CAMH): problemgambling.ca
- Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA): ccsa.ca
12.3. Using this Website under the influence of alcohol, medication, or any other substance that may impair your judgment is strongly discouraged. Decisions made while impaired may lead to financial harm for which we cannot be held responsible.
13. Responsible Gaming
13.1. Best Online Casinos Canada is firmly committed to promoting responsible gambling. We provide a range of tools and resources to help you maintain control of your gambling activity, including deposit limits, loss limits, session time limits, cool-off periods, and self-exclusion options. All of these tools are accessible directly from your Account settings or by contacting our support team.
13.2. Self-Exclusion: If you wish to take an extended break from gambling, you may request a temporary suspension or permanent self-exclusion of your Account. Self-exclusion requests are processed within 24 hours. During a self-exclusion period, you will not be able to access your Account, receive marketing communications, or create a new Account. We take self-exclusion requests very seriously and will take all reasonable steps to honour them promptly.
13.3. For comprehensive guidance on responsible gambling best practices, available tools, warning signs of problem gambling, and links to external support resources, please visit our dedicated Responsible Gaming page. The information on that page forms part of our overall commitment to player welfare and should be read alongside these Terms and our Privacy Policy.
13.4. Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, never a way to resolve financial difficulties. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose. If you feel that gambling is affecting your life negatively, please use our self-exclusion tool or contact one of the organisations listed in Section 12.2 immediately.
14. Miscellaneous
14.1. Entire Agreement
14.1.1. These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and the Responsible Gaming Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Best Online Casinos Canada with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements, representations, and understandings of any kind.
14.2. Severability
14.2.1. If any provision of these Terms is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, that provision shall be severed from these Terms. The remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect as if the severed provision had never existed.
14.3. Waiver
14.3.1. Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms at any time shall not constitute a waiver of our right to enforce that provision in the future. No waiver shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by an authorised representative of Best Online Casinos Canada.
14.4. Assignment
14.4.1. You may not assign, transfer, or sub-licence any of your rights or obligations under these Terms to any third party without our prior written consent. We reserve the right to assign or transfer our rights and obligations under these Terms to a successor entity in the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, provided that such assignment does not materially affect your rights as a User.
14.5. Force Majeure
14.5.1. We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in the performance of our obligations under these Terms where such failure or delay is caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, cyberattacks, government actions, telecommunications failures, or power outages. We will use reasonable efforts to mitigate the effects of any such event and resume normal operations as quickly as practicable.
14.6. Communications & Notices
14.6.1. All official communications from us to you will be sent to the email address registered on your Account. You are responsible for ensuring your email address is current and accurate. Important notices, including changes to these Terms, will be communicated by email and/or by posting a notice on the Website. Notices sent to your registered email address are deemed received within 24 hours of dispatch. For all enquiries, you may contact us at [email protected] (general support) or [email protected] (privacy and compliance matters).
14.7. Language
14.7.1. These Terms are provided in English. In the event that these Terms are translated into any other language for convenience, the English version shall prevail in the event of any inconsistency or conflict.