Gambling Should Be Entertainment
For most adults, gambling is an occasional activity enjoyed responsibly within a set budget. For a smaller number of people, it can become a problem. Support is widely available across Canada — and it is free.
National Resources
The Gambling Support Network (1-800-665-9676) provides a national helpline. The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) operates responsiblegambling.org with educational resources and self-assessment tools.
Provincial Helplines
Ontario: ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600 / Problem Gambling Helpline 1-888-230-3505. Quebec: Jeu: aide et reference 1-800-461-0140. British Columbia: 1-888-795-6111. Alberta: 1-866-332-2322. Manitoba: 1-800-463-1554. Saskatchewan: 1-800-306-6789.
Self-Exclusion Programs
All provincially regulated gambling platforms in Canada offer self-exclusion options. In Ontario, iGaming Ontario-registered sites are required to provide voluntary self-exclusion. BCLC and AGLC run province-wide self-exclusion programs covering both in-person and online play.
When to Seek Help
Consider reaching out if you notice: spending more than intended, borrowing money to gamble, gambling to escape stress, feeling irritable when not gambling, hiding gambling from family, or chasing losses.