On this page
Online gambling is for adults only: 19+ in most provinces, 18+ in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec. Even for adults, it carries a real risk of losing more than you planned. The tools and organizations on this page can help you stay in control or get support.
Warning signs
- Spending more money or time than you intended, or chasing losses.
- Borrowing money, using credit or missing bills to gamble.
- Hiding gambling from family or friends.
- Feeling anxious, irritable or low when not gambling.
- Treating gambling as a way to solve money problems.
Tools to stay in control
- Deposit limits: set a daily, weekly or monthly maximum in your casino account before you start. See our limits guide.
- Loss and session limits, reality checks: reminders of how long you have played and how much you have spent.
- Time-outs and self-exclusion: block your access for a set period or permanently. Regulated operators in Ontario and provincial sites offer these tools.
- Banking blocks: some Canadian banks and card issuers let you block gambling transactions; ask yours.
- Choosing deposit methods deliberately: prepaid vouchers can help cap spending; avoid gambling on credit.
Where to get help in Canada
These organizations offer information and support. Help is confidential.
- Responsible Gambling Council, a Canadian non-profit focused on preventing gambling problems: responsiblegambling.org
- ConnexOntario, free and confidential information about gambling, mental health and addiction services in Ontario: connexontario.ca
- Gamblers Anonymous, peer support meetings for people who want to stop gambling: gamblersanonymous.org
Helplines by province and territory
Each province and territory runs a free, confidential help line for gambling problems. The numbers below are as listed by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction's Lower-Risk Gambling Guidelines (checked November 2026). Nova Scotia is not listed in that source; residents can call 811, the provincial health line, for a referral to local addiction services.
| Province / territory | Service | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | Problem Gambling Help Line (Gambling Support BC) | 1-888-795-6111 |
| Alberta | Addiction and Mental Health Helpline | 1-866-332-2322 |
| Saskatchewan | Problem Gambling Helpline | 1-800-306-6789 |
| Manitoba | Addictions Help Line – Problem Gambling | 1-800-463-1554 |
| Ontario | ConnexOntario | 1-866-531-2600 |
| Quebec | Jeu : aide et référence (Gambling: Help and Referral) | 1-800-461-0140 |
| New Brunswick | Gambling Information Line | 1-800-461-1234 |
| Prince Edward Island | Problem Gambling Help Line | 1-855-255-4255 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Problem Gambling Help Line | 1-888-899-4357 |
| Yukon | Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services | 1-866-456-3838 |
| Northwest Territories | NWT Help Line | 1-800-661-0844 |
| Nunavut | Kamatsiaqtut Help Line | 1-800-265-3333 |
Free tools and online support
- Gambling Therapy, free online chat, forums and self-help in several languages: gamblingtherapy.org
- BetBlocker, free software that blocks gambling sites on your phone and computer: betblocker.org
If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact emergency services right away.
Helping someone else
If someone close to you is struggling, the organizations above also support family members and friends. Talk openly, without blame, and encourage them to reach out for help.