Gambling should be treated as paid entertainment, not as a source of income or a way to recover previous losses. Set financial and time limits before playing and stop when either limit is reached.
Rules for safer play
Simple limits can reduce the risk of spending more time or money than planned:
- Choose a fixed budget before making a deposit.
- Use only money that is not required for housing, food, bills, debt or other essential expenses.
- Set a time limit for each session and stop when it ends.
- Do not increase stakes to recover a previous loss.
- Do not borrow money or use another person’s funds.
- Take regular breaks and review the amount spent.
- Do not gamble while affected by alcohol, drugs, stress or strong emotions.
- Keep gambling separate from work, relationships and daily responsibilities.
Warning signs
Gambling may be causing harm when it becomes difficult to stop or begins to affect finances, health or relationships. Warning signs include:
- spending more money or time than originally planned
- repeatedly trying to recover losses
- missing work, study or personal commitments
- hiding gambling activity or the amount spent
- borrowing money or selling possessions to continue
- feeling anxious, restless or irritable when not gambling
- continuing despite financial or personal consequences
- opening another account after requesting a restriction
If any of these signs apply, stop playing and speak with an independent support service. Early action can prevent further financial and personal harm.
Account control tools
Gaming platforms may provide controls that limit access, spending or session duration. The exact settings depend on the operator and the account location.
- Deposit limits restrict the amount that can be added during a selected period.
- Loss or wagering limits restrict qualifying account activity.
- Session limits end or interrupt play after a selected time.
- Reality checks display the duration of a session and account activity.
- Cooling-off periods temporarily block access for a selected period.
- Self-exclusion blocks account access for the duration confirmed with the operator.
Set controls before starting a session. Increasing or removing a limit may be subject to a delay under the operator’s procedure.
Self-exclusion
Self-exclusion is a voluntary restriction used when a person needs a longer break or wants to stop gambling. It can normally be requested through the responsible gambling section of the account or through the operator’s support service.
Before confirming the request, check its duration, the products it covers and how any remaining withdrawable balance will be handled. Do not create another account or use different personal details to bypass an active restriction.
During the exclusion period, avoid gambling advertising and ask the relevant operator to stop direct promotional messages. Device-level blocking software can provide an additional barrier.
Protecting minors
Access is limited to people who are aged 18 or older and are legally permitted to participate in gambling activities in their province or territory. Account credentials and payment methods must never be shared with a minor.
Adults who share a device with children should sign out after each session, avoid saving passwords and use parental controls or website-blocking software. Payment information should not be stored on a shared device.
Where to get help
Independent services provide confidential information, counselling and peer support in Canada and internationally.
- Responsible Gambling Council lists Canadian counsellors, treatment centres and provincial helplines.
- ConnexOntario provides free and confidential support in Ontario 24 hours a day. Call 1-866-531-2600 or text CONNEX to 247247.
- Gambling Therapy provides free multilingual online support for people affected by gambling.
- Gamblers Anonymous provides international peer meetings and recovery support for people who want to stop gambling.
- Gam-Anon International provides meetings and peer support for relatives and friends affected by another person’s gambling.
If gambling creates an immediate risk to your safety or another person’s safety, call 911. Website content cannot replace professional medical, psychological, financial or legal advice.
Important notice
This information is intended only for people aged 18 or older. Gambling can become addictive and should be used only as entertainment within a fixed personal budget.