Responsible Gambling

Responsible gaming means setting limits and respecting them. These strategies can help you keep control of your time and money.

• Set a fixed budget before you start and stick to it.
• Use deposit, loss, and wagering limits in your casino account.
• Decide in advance how long you will play and use time reminders.
• Keep gambling money separate from rent, bills, and savings.
• Avoid chasing losses. Money lost is part of the cost of playing.
• Do not gamble when you feel stressed, upset, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Treat winnings as a bonus, not as regular income.
• Take regular breaks to check in on how you feel and how much you spent.
• Turn off autoplay features to make more deliberate decisions.
• Review your account history often to see patterns in your gambling.

Problems can develop gradually. Recognizing early signs helps you respond before gambling harms your life.

• Spending more money on gambling than you can afford.
• Hiding gambling activity or lying about the time or money spent.
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to cut back.
• Needing to bet larger amounts to feel the same level of excitement.
• Chasing losses and trying to win back money from previous sessions.
• Borrowing money, using credit, or selling belongings to fund gambling.
• Falling behind on bills, debts, or financial commitments due to gambling.
• Neglecting work, school, family, or social activities to gamble.
• Thinking about gambling most of the day or planning the next session.
• Gambling to escape loneliness, stress, depression, or other personal difficulties.
• Feeling guilt, shame, or regret after gambling, yet continuing to play.

Online casinos game Chicken Road and slot sites in Canada are reserved for adults who have reached the legal age of majority in their province or territory. The legal gambling age is usually 18 or 19, depending on where you live.

Operators must verify age during registration and before withdrawals. This protects minors from exposure to gambling and financial risks.

If you share devices with minors, use strong passwords and log out after each gambling session. Avoid saving login details in browsers or apps to reduce the chance of underage access.

Self-exclusion is a voluntary step that lets you block access to online gambling for a set period. It can be helpful if you find it hard to stick to limits or if gambling feels out of control.

Most licensed online casinos in Canada offer account tools such as:

• Temporary cool-off periods, lasting from a few hours to several months.
• Long-term self-exclusion that suspends your account for a defined period.
• Permanent closure of your account if you decide to stop gambling altogether.

During self-exclusion, you cannot log in, deposit, or place bets. Marketing communications are usually paused as well.

Some provinces also provide centralized self-exclusion programs that cover multiple gambling sites and land-based venues. You can contact your provincial gaming authority or support service to learn about options in your area.

Choosing self-exclusion is a protective measure, not a failure. It is a structured way to create distance from gambling so you can focus on your health, finances, and daily life.

Help is available across Canada for anyone affected by gambling, including family members and friends. Services are confidential and usually free.

Key resources include:

Canada-wide crisis lines and services

• 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8 for immediate mental health and crisis support.
• Wellness Together Canada: Online mental health resources, peer support, and counsellors: https://www.wellnesstogether.ca

National information and support

• ConnexOntario (Ontario-based, open to anyone for information): 24/7 information for mental health, addiction, and problem gambling services: https://www.connexontario.ca, Phone: 1-866-531-2600.

Provincial problem gambling helplines

• Alberta Health Services Addiction Helpline: 1-866-332-2322, support for gambling and other addictions.
• BC Gambling Support Line: 1-888-795-6111, chat and text support at https://www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca.
• Manitoba Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-463-1554.
• Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline: Access through ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600.
• Québec Gambling: Help and Referral: 1-800-461-0140, bilingual support: https://www.jeu-aidereference.qc.ca.
• Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-306-6789.
• Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador): 1-800-461-1234.

Local counselling and community services

• Many provincial health authorities provide in-person and virtual counselling for gambling problems. Contact your family doctor, community health centre, or one of the helplines above for referrals.

Reaching out for information or support can reduce harm for you and those close to you. You can start with a phone call, online chat, or by speaking to a health professional you trust.