Responsible gambling

Gambling should fit within money and time you can afford to lose. Set a spending limit before starting, keep essential expenses separate and take regular breaks. Do not borrow to gamble or chase losses.

You must be of legal gambling age where you live and meet the casino’s eligibility rules. Age requirements vary; for example, commercial gambling in British Columbia is restricted to people aged 19 or older.

When to stop and ask for help

Consider a break if you spend more than planned, hide your gambling, borrow money to keep playing or feel pressure to recover losses. You do not have to wait for a crisis before speaking with someone.

Use the casino’s responsible-gaming and support controls to ask about account limits, breaks or self-exclusion. Ask support to explain which accounts and products a restriction covers and when it takes effect. Do not open another account to get around a restriction.

On the casino website, open Responsible Gaming or Live Chat for account controls.

Independent help in Canada

ConnexOntario provides free, confidential support for gambling concerns in Ontario, 24 hours a day. Call 1-866-531-2600 or visit ConnexOntario for available contact options.

For support in other provinces and territories, use the regional resources listed by Canada’s Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines.

If you are concerned about someone else

Talk when neither of you is gambling. Describe what you have noticed without making promises to cover losses. Independent support services can help you consider boundaries and next steps for yourself as well as the person gambling.