Online gambling should be entertainment, not a source of stress or financial hardship. If gambling is causing problems in your life, or you are worried it might, the resources on this page can help.
If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling in Ontario, call ConnexOntario:
1-866-531-2600Free, confidential, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling does not always look the way people expect, and it is not only about losing large sums. Consider whether any of the following apply to you:
- Spending more money or time gambling than you planned
- Chasing losses by continuing to gamble to win back money you have lost
- Borrowing money or selling things to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, school or family responsibilities because of gambling
- Feeling restless or irritable when you try to stop or cut back
- Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble
- Gambling to escape problems, anxiety or low mood
- Needing to bet larger amounts to feel the same excitement
- Repeatedly trying to stop or cut back without success
If you recognise three or more of these signs in yourself, consider reaching out to one of the resources below.
Self-Exclusion Programs by Province
Every Canadian province offers a voluntary self-exclusion program that lets you ban yourself from gambling venues and online platforms. These programs are free and confidential.
- Ontario: ConnexOntario provides referrals to local treatment services for problem gambling, substance use and mental health.
Phone: 1-866-531-2600
connexontario.ca - Ontario (AGCO-regulated sites): iGaming Ontario's self-exclusion program covers all provincially regulated online casino sites.
igamingontario.ca - British Columbia: GameSense, operated by BCLC, provides responsible gambling education and a voluntary self-exclusion program.
gamesense.com - Alberta: Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) runs a voluntary self-exclusion program for Alberta gambling venues, and the AHS Addiction Helpline offers free 24/7 support.
aglc.ca · albertahealthservices.ca - Quebec: Loto-Quebec offers self-exclusion through its platforms, and free help is available from Jeu: aide et reference.
jeu-aidereference.qc.ca - Manitoba: The Addictions Foundation of Manitoba (AFM) provides counselling and a self-exclusion program.
Phone: 1-855-662-6605
afm.mb.ca - Saskatchewan: The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) operates a voluntary self-exclusion program.
slga.com - Atlantic Provinces (NB, NS, NL, PEI): Atlantic Lottery offers a self-exclusion program covering its regional gambling products.
alc.ca
National Resources
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH): Canada's largest mental health and addiction hospital, based in Toronto, with problem gambling treatment programs.
camh.ca - Gamblers Anonymous Canada: Peer support meetings, in person and online, following the 12-step recovery model.
gamblersanonymous.org - 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: If gambling-related distress has led to thoughts of self-harm, free confidential support is available 24/7.
Call or text 9-8-8
988.ca
Tools to Stay in Control
Most reputable online casinos offer built-in tools to help you manage your play. We recommend using them proactively, before any problem develops:
- Deposit limits cap how much you can deposit each day, week or month. Once you reach the limit you cannot deposit again until the next period.
- Loss limits cap the total you can lose within a set period, after which the casino blocks further play.
- Session time limits alert you or log you out after a set time at the tables.
- Reality checks are pop-ups that show how long you have been playing and your net win or loss for the session.
- Cool-off periods block you from gambling for 24 hours, 7 days or 30 days, a useful break short of full self-exclusion.
- Self-exclusion closes your account for a fixed term or permanently, with 6-month, 1-year and permanent options at most casinos.
If a casino on our list does not offer these tools, we treat it as a significant negative in our review.
Our Commitment
We take responsible gambling seriously. Every review on the site assesses the operator's responsible gambling tools, and casinos that lack adequate player protection are ranked lower or excluded. We also:
- Display a 19+ notice on every page
- Link to problem gambling resources in the site footer
- Never encourage anyone to gamble beyond their means
- Avoid any language that portrays gambling as a guaranteed way to make money