Responsible Gaming
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial difficulties. While most people gamble responsibly, it is important to recognize that gambling can become a problem for some individuals. Please read the information below to understand how to keep your gambling safe and enjoyable.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in most provinces of Canada. In some jurisdictions, the legal gambling age is 19 (for example, in British Columbia, Ontario, and Saskatchewan). It is illegal for anyone under the legal age to gamble. We strongly encourage parents and guardians to use filtering software to prevent underage access to gambling websites.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you care about, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses – gambling more to try to win back money you have lost.
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended.
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or colleagues.
- Lying about how much you gamble or how much you lose.
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities because of gambling.
- Borrowing money, selling possessions, or using bill money to gamble.
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
- Gambling to escape from stress, anxiety, depression, or other problems.
- Repeated unsuccessful attempts to control, cut back, or stop gambling.
- Continuing to gamble even after experiencing serious financial, relationship, or legal problems.
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable gambling sites offer practical tools to help you stay in control. We encourage you to use them proactively, even if you do not think you have a problem:
- Deposit Limits – set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month.
- Loss Limits – cap how much you can lose in a given period.
- Reality Checks – receive pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have wagered.
- Time-Outs / Cooling-Off Periods – temporarily block access to your account for a set period (e.g., 24 hours, 1 week, 1 month).
- Self-Exclusion – exclude yourself from gambling for a longer period (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, or permanently).
- Session Time Limits – set a maximum length for each gambling session.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out to a professional organization. Help is free, confidential, and available in many languages.
Canada (Primary Resources)
- Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) – www.responsiblegambling.org
Provides information, resources, and links to provincial problem gambling helplines across Canada. - Problem Gambling Helpline (Ontario) – 1-866-531-2600 (also available via online chat at ConnexOntario)
- Gambling Support BC – 1-888-795-6111 (British Columbia)
- Alberta Health Services – Problem Gambling Resources – 1-866-332-2322 (Alberta)
International Resources (for visitors from other jurisdictions)
- United Kingdom
GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk
GamStop – www.gamstop.co.uk - Australia
Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - United States
National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org - Germany
Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de - Other countries – please contact your local problem gambling helpline or national health service for the most relevant support organization.
Call to Action
Gambling should never feel like a burden or a source of distress. If you recognize any warning signs in yourself, or if gambling is causing problems in your life, please seek help today. Contact one of the organizations listed above, or speak with a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional. You are not alone, and help is available.