Age and eligibility
The minimum gambling age is 19 in most provinces and 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec. Do not register if you are younger. Ontario residents should use sites regulated by iGaming Ontario; this site does not cover offers for Ontario.
Set limits before you start
- Decide a deposit limit you can lose without affecting rent, food or bills, and set it in the casino account.
- Set a session time limit and take breaks.
- Never chase losses and never deposit to complete wagering on a bonus.
- Do not gamble when stressed, intoxicated or to solve money problems.
- Use reality checks, cooling-off and self-exclusion tools. Self-exclusion should be respected, not bypassed.
Bonuses and pressure
Bonuses can push you to play longer than planned because of wagering and expiry. Treat the wagering requirement as a reason to say no if it would cause you to stake more than your budget. Our dollar table shows how much play a bonus demands.
Warning signs
- Spending more than planned or borrowing to gamble.
- Hiding gambling from family.
- Feeling irritable when trying to stop.
- Gambling to escape worries.
- Needing larger bets to feel excitement.
Where to get help in Canada
Canada has no single national gambling helpline. These are provincial services, confirmed against public directories at the time of writing; numbers can change, so check the service's own website.
- Ontario: ConnexOntario, 1-866-531-2600
- British Columbia: Gambling Support BC, 1-888-795-6111
- Alberta: 1-866-332-2322
- Quebec: Jeu : aide et référence, 1-800-461-0140
For other provinces, the Responsible Gambling Council lists services at responsiblegambling.org. If you are in crisis, call or text 988 in Canada.
Talking to someone
Talking is often the first useful step. A family doctor, a counsellor or a trusted friend can help; the helplines above provide free and confidential conversations. If your gambling is affecting your finances, contact a non-profit credit counsellor rather than a debt-solution company. For a sudden crisis, 988 is available across Canada at any hour.
Responsible gambling questions
How do I self-exclude?
Use the casino's account tools or contact support, and consider provincial self-exclusion programs where available.
Can I set limits retrospectively?
Limits can usually be tightened immediately. Loosening takes a cooling-off period at many casinos.
Is help confidential?
The helplines above are free and confidential.
What if a family member gambles?
Provincial helplines also support family members.
What is 988?
Canada's suicide crisis helpline, by call or text.
