If gambling is causing problems in your life, help is available. You are not alone.
ConnexOntario - 24/7 Free Help
1-866-531-2600
Free, confidential support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Gambling should be entertainment, not a source of income.
Online gambling involves risk. Most players lose money over time. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose. If you cannot stop gambling, get help immediately.
Ontario Help Resources
Ontario provides free, confidential support services for problem gambling:
ConnexOntario
Free, confidential help 24/7 for anyone affected by gambling problems
Voluntary program to exclude yourself from all Ontario iGaming Ontario operators for chosen period
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone regardless of income, education, or background. Recognizing warning signs early is important:
Common Warning Signs
Financial Signs
•Spending more money gambling than you can afford
•Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling-related debts
•Selling possessions to fund gambling
•Using credit cards or loans for gambling
•Gambling with money needed for rent, bills, or food
Behavioral Signs
•Gambling more frequently or for longer periods than intended
•Chasing losses (gambling more to win back money)
•Lying to family, friends, or employers about gambling
•Hiding gambling activity or extent of losses
•Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop gambling
Emotional & Social Signs
•Gambling to escape problems, anxiety, or depression
•Feeling restless or irritable when not gambling
•Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities
•Relationship problems caused by gambling
•Loss of interest in hobbies or activities outside gambling
Self-Assessment
Answer these questions honestly to assess whether gambling might be a problem:
1.Have you often gambled longer than you had planned?
2.Have you often gambled until your last dollar was gone?
3.Have thoughts of gambling caused you to lose sleep?
4.Have you used your income or savings to gamble while letting bills go unpaid?
5.Have you made repeated unsuccessful attempts to stop or cut down gambling?
6.Have you broken the law or considered breaking the law to finance gambling?
7.Have you borrowed money to gamble or pay gambling debts?
8.Have you felt depressed or suicidal because of your gambling losses?
9.Have you been remorseful after gambling?
10.Have you gambled to get money to meet your financial obligations?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, consider reaching out for help:
ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600
Free, confidential assessment and support available 24/7
Casino Responsible Gambling Tools
All AGCO-regulated Ontario casinos are required to provide responsible gambling tools. Use these features to maintain control:
🚧 Deposit Limits
Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much you can deposit. Decreases take effect immediately; increases have waiting periods (cooling-off period).
💸 Loss Limits
Set maximum loss amounts per session, day, week, or month. System prevents further play once limit is reached.
⏱️ Time Limits
Set session duration limits and receive alerts about time spent gambling. Helps maintain awareness of time investment.
📊 Reality Checks
Periodic pop-up notifications showing time played and money spent during current session. Mandatory in Ontario casinos.
⏸️ Cool-Off Periods
Temporary account suspension (24 hours, 7 days, 30 days, etc.). Account automatically reopens after period expires.
🛑 Self-Exclusion
Voluntary permanent or long-term exclusion from casino (6 months, 1 year, 5 years, indefinite). Cannot be reversed during exclusion period.
How to Set Limits
1.Log into your casino account
2.Navigate to "Responsible Gambling" or "My Account" settings
3.Choose limit type (deposit, loss, time, etc.)
4.Set appropriate limits for your budget and time availability
5.Confirm limits (decreases are immediate, increases have waiting periods)
Tip: Set limits BEFORE you start playing, not after losses begin. It's easier to make rational decisions when emotions aren't involved.
Tips for Safer Gambling
Set a budget before playing: Decide how much you can afford to lose. Never gamble with money needed for bills, rent, food, or essentials.
Set time limits: Gambling should not replace other activities. Set time limits and stick to them.
Never chase losses: Gambling more to win back losses leads to bigger losses. Accept losses and walk away.
Don't gamble under influence: Alcohol and drugs impair judgment. Make gambling decisions while sober.
Take regular breaks: Step away from gambling regularly. Use reality check reminders.
Don't borrow to gamble: Never use credit cards, loans, or borrowed money for gambling.
Balance gambling with other activities: Maintain hobbies, social connections, work, and family time.
Understand the odds: Casino games have house edge. Long-term, the casino wins. Gambling is entertainment, not income.
For Family & Friends
If someone you care about has a gambling problem:
•Express concern without judgment: Use "I" statements ("I'm worried about...") rather than accusations
•Provide information about help resources: Share ConnexOntario number and website
•Set boundaries: Don't loan money or cover gambling debts
•Seek support for yourself: ConnexOntario provides resources for family members too
•Be patient: Recovery is a process. Support the person, not the gambling behavior
Crisis Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis related to gambling:
ConnexOntario (24/7)
1-866-531-2600
Immediate crisis support and referrals
Crisis Services Canada (24/7)
1-833-456-4566
Suicide prevention and mental health crisis support
Emergency Services
911
For immediate life-threatening emergencies
You Are Not Alone
Thousands of Ontarians struggle with problem gambling. Recovery is possible with support. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Free, confidential help is available 24/7: ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600