Responsible Gambling
Gambling is a form of entertainment for most people — but for some, it can become a problem. Here is what you should know, and where to get help if you need it.
The Basics
- •Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
- •Set a budget before you play and stick to it.
- •Treat gambling as entertainment, not as a way to make money.
- •Do not chase losses — walk away when you hit your limit.
- •Take regular breaks when gambling.
- •Do not gamble while under the influence of alcohol or substances.
- •Do not gamble to escape stress, depression, or other problems.
Signs of a Problem
Consider seeking help if you notice any of the following:
- •Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- •Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- •Neglecting work, family, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- •Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling
- •Gambling to try to win back losses
- •Hiding gambling from friends or family
Provincial Helplines
Connex Ontario
1-866-531-2600
Ontario — 24/7, connects to gambling support services
Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline
1-888-230-3505
Ontario — 24/7 confidential support
Jeu: aide et référence
1-800-461-0140
Quebec — 24/7, French and English
BC Problem Gambling Helpline
1-888-795-6111
British Columbia — 24/7
Alberta Problem Gambling Helpline
1-866-332-2322
Alberta — 24/7 confidential support
Gambling Support Network
1-800-665-9676
National — 24/7 support line
Self-Exclusion
All provincially regulated online gambling sites in Canada are required to offer self-exclusion tools. Self-exclusion allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from a platform for a set period. It is a powerful tool if you feel gambling is getting out of control.
In Ontario, the iGaming Ontario self-exclusion program (GameSense) links your exclusion across all registered operators. In BC and Alberta, BCLC and AGLC operate similar province-wide programs.
About Our Gambling Content
Like A Canadian provides informational content about gambling in Canada. We include responsible gambling notices on all gambling-related pages. We do not use aggressive bonus marketing language, and we do not encourage gambling beyond what you can afford.