Responsible Gambling Resources

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

1-866-531-2600

connexontario.ca →

Services: crisis support, counseling referrals, treatment options, financial counseling, family support

Gamblers Anonymous

Free peer support meetings across Ontario

gamblersanonymous.org →

12-step recovery program, in-person and online meetings, anonymous support from people with shared experiences

AGCO Self-Exclusion

Province-wide exclusion from all Ontario casinos

agco.ca/self-exclusion →

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