Gambling should be entertainment you can afford — never a way to make money or escape problems. If it stops being fun, help is free, confidential and available 24/7 across Canada.
19+ only (18+ in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec). Never bet money you can’t afford to lose, and never chase losses.
Play in control
- Set a deposit and time limit before you start — and stick to it.
- Treat losses as the cost of entertainment, not something to win back.
- Never gamble with money meant for rent, bills or essentials.
- Don’t play to cope with stress, low mood or boredom.
- Take regular breaks and balance gambling with other activities.
- Use the deposit limits, reality checks, cool-off and self-exclusion tools your casino provides.
Signs it may be a problem
Consider reaching out for support if you (or someone close to you) are spending more than intended, chasing losses, borrowing or lying to gamble, neglecting work, family or sleep, or feeling anxious and irritable when not playing.
Get help — by province
These services are free and confidential. If you are in immediate crisis, call 988 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) or 911.
- National — Responsible Gambling Council (responsiblegambling.org) and BCLC’s GameSense offer tools and guidance for all Canadians.
- Ontario — ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 (24/7, 170+ languages).
- Quebec — Jeu : aide et référence: 1-800-461-0140.
- British Columbia — Gambling Support BC: 1-888-795-6111 (24/7).
- Alberta — Alberta Problem Gambling Resources Network: 1-866-461-1259.
- Manitoba — Manitoba Addictions Helpline: 1-800-463-1554.
- Saskatchewan — Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-306-6789.
- New Brunswick — Gambling Information Line: 1-800-461-1234.
- Nova Scotia — Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line: 1-888-429-8167.
- Newfoundland & Labrador — Problem Gambling Help Line: 1-888-899-4357.
Self-exclusion
Every regulated Canadian operator must offer self-exclusion, which blocks your access for a period you choose. Provincial programs (for example iGaming Ontario’s self-exclusion and BCLC’s GameSense) can cover regulated sites in your province. Ask your casino’s support team how to enrol, or contact the helpline above.
Protecting minors
Online gambling is strictly for adults. Keep your account details private and use parental controls or filtering software to prevent access by anyone under the legal age.
Frequently asked questions
Is gambling help in Canada free and confidential?
Yes. Provincial helplines such as ConnexOntario (1-866-531-2600) and Quebec’s Jeu : aide et référence (1-800-461-0140) are free, confidential and available 24/7. You do not need to share your name to get support, and there is no cost at any point.
How does casino self-exclusion work?
Self-exclusion blocks your access to a casino for a period you choose, often from six months to several years. Every regulated Canadian operator must offer it, and provincial programs such as iGaming Ontario and BCLC GameSense can cover regulated sites across your province.
What is the legal gambling age in Canada?
It is 19+ in most provinces and 18+ in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec. Online gambling is strictly for adults; keep your account details private and use parental controls so no one under the legal age in your province can access it.
What are the warning signs of a gambling problem?
Common signs include spending more than intended, chasing losses, borrowing or lying to gamble, neglecting work, family or sleep, and feeling anxious when not playing. If you recognise two or more, contact a helpline above — confidential support is available 24/7.