Responsible Gaming

Provincial Support Resources

Each Canadian province and territory provides dedicated support services for problem gambling. Here are the key contacts and age requirements:

Warning Signs to Watch For

It’s important to recognize the early signs of problematic gambling behavior. Here are the key indicators Canadian players should monitor:

Behavioral Warning Signs

• Gambling longer than initially planned
• Increasing bet amounts to feel the same excitement
• Lying about time or money spent gambling
• Neglecting work, family, or personal responsibilities
• Using gambling to escape daily problems or stress
• Feeling irritable when unable to gamble
• Borrowing money specifically for gambling

Financial Warning Signs

• Using rent or grocery money for gambling
• Chasing losses with bigger bets
• Hiding gambling expenses from family
• Recurring financial problems
• Selling personal belongings to fund gambling
• Multiple credit cards or loans for gambling

Prevention and Control Tools

Discover essential tools to maintain healthy control over your gambling habits:

Time Management

Set daily, weekly, and monthly time limits for gambling activities.

• Use alarms and reminders on your devices
• Schedule other activities and hobbies
• Stick to your predetermined limits
• Take regular breaks during gaming sessions

Financial Boundaries

Establish a budget using only money you can afford to lose.

• Use only “entertainment” money, never bill money
• Set deposit limits on gambling sites
• Keep a detailed record of all gambling expenses
• Consider using separate bank accounts

Social Support

Share your concerns with trusted friends and family members.

• Be transparent with loved ones about your gambling
• Join support groups in your community
• Seek professional counseling when needed
• Maintain open communication with your support network

How Self-Exclusion Works in Canada

• Request exclusion from all licensed operators in your province
• Duration options: 24 hours, 7 days, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or longer
• Automatic blocking of access to gambling sites
• Cannot be reversed during the exclusion period
• Protection from promotional communications
• Access to counseling and support services

Where to Request Self-Exclusion

• Directly through licensed casino websites
• Provincial gaming authorities and commissions
• Customer service phone lines
• In-person at physical gaming locations
• Through third-party exclusion services

Canadian Help Resources

National Organizations

• Responsible Gambling Council: Leading Canadian organization for problem gambling prevention – responsiblegambling.org | 1-888-230-3505
• Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario: Research and treatment services – problemgambling.ca
• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): Comprehensive addiction services – camh.ca

Support Groups and Counseling

• Gamblers Anonymous Canada: Peer support groups nationwide – gacanada.org
• Gam-Anon: Support for families affected by problem gambling – gam-anon.org
• Local Community Health Centers: Contact your provincial health authority for specialized counselors

Online Resources

• BetterHelp Canada: Online counseling and therapy services
• Mindbeacon: Digital mental health platform available in several provinces
• Self-help apps: Bet Blocker, Gamban, and other blocking software

Canadian Gaming Laws and Operator Responsibilities

Under Canadian federal and provincial gaming legislation, all licensed operators must:

• Verify age and identity (18+ in AB/MB/QC, 19+ elsewhere)
• Provide self-exclusion and limit-setting tools
• Display prominent responsible gaming messages
• Train staff to recognize problem gambling behaviors
• Contribute to problem gambling research and treatment
• Comply with advertising restrictions protecting minors
• Offer customer service trained in addiction awareness
• Partner with responsible gaming organizations