Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be optional entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial pressure. This page provides practical safer-play guidance and links to support resources for people in Canada.

Last updated: August 6, 2026

1. Legal age and local rules

You must meet the legal gambling age where you are located. In Canada, the minimum age depends on the province or territory and the gambling product, and is generally 18 or 19.

Do not attempt to bypass age, identity or location checks. Rules and authorized operators vary by province and territory. Ontario online casino players must be 19 or older and should use an operator registered with the AGCO and authorized for Ontario.

2. Safer-play principles

  • Decide your spending limit before you start and treat it as the full cost of entertainment.
  • Set a time limit and take regular breaks.
  • Never chase losses or increase stakes to recover money.
  • Do not gamble with borrowed money or money needed for rent, food, bills, savings or debt payments.
  • Avoid gambling when upset, under pressure, intoxicated or trying to escape a problem.
  • Understand that RTP is a long-term statistical measure, not a prediction for one session.
  • Keep other hobbies, relationships and routines active.

3. Account tools

Locally authorized operators should offer tools that help players control access and spending. Depending on the operator and province, these may include:

  • deposit, loss, wager or session limits;
  • reality checks and time reminders;
  • cooling-off or temporary time-out periods;
  • self-exclusion from one or more gambling channels;
  • transaction and gameplay history;
  • blocking or opting out of promotional messages.

Use limits before gambling becomes difficult to control. A limit is more effective when it cannot be increased immediately.

4. Warning signs of gambling harm

Consider stopping and seeking support if any of these patterns apply:

  • spending more time or money than planned;
  • chasing losses, hiding activity or lying about spending;
  • borrowing, selling possessions or missing payments to gamble;
  • feeling restless, irritable or distressed when trying to stop;
  • gambling during work, school or important family time;
  • using gambling to cope with anxiety, loneliness, anger or depression;
  • relationships, sleep, health or job performance being affected.

5. Steps to stop or regain control

  1. Log out and request a time-out or self-exclusion.
  2. Remove gambling apps, saved cards and promotional notifications.
  3. Ask your bank about gambling transaction blocks if available.
  4. Tell a trusted person what is happening and ask for practical support.
  5. Contact a provincial gambling support service or a qualified counsellor.
  6. Use device-level or third-party blocking software as an additional barrier.
Urgent safety: if you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911. For suicide crisis support in Canada, call or text 988.

6. Supporting someone else

Talk at a calm time, describe the changes you have noticed and avoid shaming language. Protect shared finances, do not lend money for gambling, and encourage professional support. You cannot control another adult’s choices, but you can set boundaries and get help for yourself.

7. Canadian support and verification resources

Responsible Gambling Council — safer play information and support pathways AGCO — Ontario player support and online gambling information AGCO — verify registered and authorized Ontario sites Government of Canada — mental health support information 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline — call or text 988 in Canada

Support services vary by province and territory. Use the Responsible Gambling Council or your provincial gaming authority to find the current local helpline, counselling and self-exclusion options.