Strategy Guide
Responsible Gambling Tools and Helplines for Canadians
Self-exclusion pathways, ConnexOntario and provincial helplines, deposit-limit tools, and how to spot problem-gambling warning signs.
If you or someone you know is experiencing problems with gambling, help is available across Canada. This page lists provincial helplines, self-exclusion programs, deposit-limit tools, and the warning signs that indicate gambling is becoming a problem.
Provincial Helplines
| Province | Service | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | ConnexOntario | 1-866-531-2600 |
| British Columbia | BC Problem Gambling Help Line | 1-888-795-6111 |
| Alberta | AHS Addiction Helpline | 1-866-332-2322 |
| Saskatchewan | Problem Gambling Help Line | 1-800-306-6789 |
| Manitoba | Addictions Foundation of Manitoba | 1-855-662-6605 |
| Quebec | Jeu: aide et référence | 1-800-461-0140 |
| New Brunswick | Addiction Services | 1-866-841-1241 |
| Nova Scotia | Mental Health and Addictions | 1-855-225-7225 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Doorways | 1-888-737-4668 |
| PEI | Mental Health and Addictions | 1-833-553-6983 |
Self-exclusion Programs
Self-exclusion is a voluntary commitment to be barred from gambling for a defined period. Two pathways in Canada:
- Provincial-regulator self-exclusion — applies to all provincial-licensed onshore casinos. Ontario uses iGaming Ontario; BC uses GameSense; Quebec uses Loto-Québec; etc. Cross-references with land-based casinos and provincial-lottery operators.
- Per-operator self-exclusion — applies only at that specific casino. Offshore casinos in our top 15 support per-operator self-exclusion at 24h, 7d, 30d, 6mo, 12mo, and permanent durations.
Offshore operators do NOT cross-reference with provincial registries. If you self-exclude through ConnexOntario or a provincial program, you must also self-exclude at each offshore operator individually.
Deposit and Time Limits
Every operator in our top 15 supports:
- Daily, weekly, monthly deposit caps
- Session-time alerts (push notifications after X minutes)
- Cooling-off periods (lock account for 24-72 hours)
- Reality checks (periodic pop-ups during play)
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
- Spending more time or money than originally planned
- Chasing losses (increasing bets to recover deficits)
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Concealing gambling activity from family or partners
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve negative emotions
- Restlessness or irritability when trying to cut back
- Unsuccessful attempts to stop or reduce
If you recognize three or more of these patterns, contact one of the helplines above. Gambling-related harm is treatable, and effective intervention is available across Canada.
Additional Resources
- Responsible Gambling Council — Canada-wide non-profit
- ConnexOntario — 24/7 support, Ontario and beyond
- Gamblers Anonymous — peer-support meetings across Canada
- Loyalist responsible-gambling resources