Gambling Responsibly in Canada
Play should be a pastime. It should never cause money trouble or personal harm. Every contact and tool listed here is free, private and run separately from casino operators.
Safeguards you can use at most casinos
Deposit limits
Pick a daily, weekly or monthly limit in your account settings ahead of time. Do it before a bad session, not after.
Time-outs
Need a breather? A brief time-out, typically from 24 hours up to a few weeks, locks you out of your account for a while.
Self-exclusion
A longer lockout, either for a set term or with no end date. In some provinces one request can cover several operators through a provincial scheme.
Reality checks
Pop-up messages that tell you how long you have played and where your balance stands, at regular intervals.
Help lines across the provinces and the country (Canada)
| Region | Service | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | ConnexOntario | 1-866-531-2600, 24/7, no charge and private |
| British Columbia | GameSense | 1-800-759-5084 |
| Quebec | Jeu: aide et référence | 1-800-461-0140 |
| Alberta | AHS Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-866-332-2322 (other AHS resources also exist) |
| Canada-wide | Nationwide problem gambling helpline | 1-866-461-0140 |
Phone numbers get changed. If a line won't connect, look up "[your province] problem gambling help line" to find the current one.
Warning signs to watch for
- Placing larger bets to win back what you have already lost
- Using rent, bill or other must-pay money to gamble
- Keeping quiet with family or friends about how much you spend or how long you play
- Getting anxious, irritable or unsettled when you try to play less
This list is no diagnosis. Treat it as a place to begin. Trained, private support workers answer the lines above. Neither this guide nor any casino is behind them.
Common questions
No. Provinces or the federal level operate them on their own. They cost nothing, stay private and have no tie to any operator.
Sometimes. Certain provinces run a joint scheme. Call your provincial line to learn what applies where you live.
The answer varies by province or territory, usually 18 or 19. Check the local age before you sign up anywhere.
