Responsible Gaming
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment — never a way to earn money, pay debts, or solve financial problems. If the fun stops, it is important to step back and seek support.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age or the legal gambling age in your province or territory to participate in sports betting or casino gaming in Canada. In most Canadian provinces and territories, the legal age is 19. It is your responsibility to know and follow the law where you live.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Ask yourself honestly if any of the following apply to you:
- Chasing losses by betting more to try to win back money
- Hiding your gambling activity from family or friends
- Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Gambling with money you cannot afford to lose
- Neglecting work, school, family, or personal responsibilities
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- Feeling anxious, guilty, or irritable when not gambling
- Being unable to stop or cut back despite wanting to
Self-Help Tools
Licensed Canadian gambling operators provide tools to help you stay in control. These may include:
- Deposit limits — cap how much you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly
- Loss limits — set a maximum amount you are willing to lose
- Reality checks — receive reminders of how long you have been playing
- Session time limits — restrict the length of your gambling sessions
- Time-out or cooling-off periods — take a short break from your account
- Self-exclusion — block yourself from gambling for a longer period
- Account closure — permanently close your gambling account
Support Organizations
If you or someone you care about needs help, these organizations offer free and confidential support:
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council — www.responsiblegambling.org
- United Kingdom: GamCare — www.gamcare.org.uk | GamStop — www.gamstop.co.uk
- Australia: Gambling Help Online — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling — www.ncpgambling.org
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) —