Responsible Gaming
Gambling and sports betting should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems. If you choose to gamble, do so responsibly and within your means. Your well-being and that of your loved ones is the priority.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your province or territory) to participate in any gambling or betting activity. In Canada, the legal age varies by province: 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec; 19 in British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and the Atlantic provinces; 19 in the territories (except Nunavut where it is 19). Always verify your local regulations. We strongly encourage parents and guardians to use filtering software to prevent underage access.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you or someone you know recognizes any of the following signs, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses – trying to win back money you’ve lost
- Hiding gambling activity from family or friends
- Lying about time or money spent gambling
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop
- Borrowing money, selling possessions, or neglecting bills to gamble
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, or feelings of helplessness
- Jeopardizing relationships, work, or education due to gambling
- Being preoccupied with gambling and planning the next session
Self-Help Tools
Many regulated gambling websites offer tools to help you stay in control. These may include:
- Deposit limits – set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month
- Loss limits – cap the amount you can lose in a given period
- Reality checks – receive on-screen reminders of how long you’ve been playing
- Time-outs – take a short break from gambling (e.g., 24 hours to 6 weeks)
- Self-exclusion – block yourself from gambling on a specific site or across multiple sites for a set period (typically 6 months to 5 years)
- Account history – review your deposits, withdrawals, and betting activity to track your spending
You can also use self-exclusion programs available in your province, such as the self-exclusion programs offered by provincial gaming regulators.
Support Organizations
If you are in Canada and need confidential help or information about problem gambling, contact one of the following organizations:
- Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) – provides resources, research, and a directory of help services across Canada.
- ConnexOntario – free and confidential health services information for Ontario residents, including problem gambling support. Call 1-866-531-2600.
- Provincial helplines: British Columbia: 1-888-795-6111; Alberta: 1-866-332-2322; Saskatchewan: 1-800-306-6789; Manitoba: 1-800-463-1554; Quebec: 1-800-461-0140; New Brunswick: 1-800-461-1234; Nova Scotia: 1-888-347-8888; Prince Edward Island: 1-855-255-4255; Newfoundland and Labrador: 1-888-899-4357. (Helplines are typically available 24/7.)
For visitors from outside Canada, please use the appropriate organization for your region:
- United Kingdom: GamCare and GamStop (self-exclusion scheme)
- Australia: Gambling Help Online
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Check your play
- Other countries: Search for your national problem gambling helpline or visit Responsible Gambling Council for international resources.
Seek Help
If you feel that gambling is no longer a form of entertainment and is causing harm to you or someone you care about, please reach out for support. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. You are not alone, and recovery is possible. Take the first step today.