Responsible Gambling

Reviewed August 23, 2026

Gambling should be entertainment, not a way to make money. If it stops being fun, it is time to stop. This page lists resources for Canadian players who need help, or who want to set limits before problems start.

Warning signs

Spending more than you planned or can afford
Chasing losses by betting more to win back what you lost
Borrowing money to gamble
Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling
Feeling anxious, irritable or restless when not gambling
Neglecting work, family or other responsibilities
Gambling to escape problems or relieve stress

If any of these apply to you or someone you know, the resources below can help.

Help resources in Canada

ConnexOntario

Ontario problem gambling helpline

Call 1-866-531-2600 or text CONNEX to 247247

Ontario residents can get information and referrals for gambling, mental health and substance-use services. Visit ConnexOntario.ca.

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline

Immediate crisis support across Canada

Call or text 9-8-8

If you are thinking about suicide or worried about someone else, support is available 24/7. Visit 988.ca. Call 9-1-1 if there is an immediate danger.

Self-exclusion programs

Ontario market-wide self-exclusion: BetGuard launched on May 14, 2026 for people age 19 and older. It covers every Ontario-regulated online gambling site, including OLG.ca. Enroll directly through BetGuard.ca; closing an account or using one operator's self-exclusion tool does not create a BetGuard enrollment. You can choose a term of 6 months, 1 year, 5 years or a custom length.

Operator-specific self-exclusion: A block you set directly with one casino or sportsbook is separate from BetGuard. It does not enroll you in BetGuard and does not automatically carry over to other Ontario sites. Use BetGuard.ca when you want one exclusion that applies across the regulated Ontario market.

How the Ontario market is regulated: The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulates the market and registers operators and gaming-related suppliers. iGaming Ontario conducts and manages the regulated private online market and publishes the directory of operators and gaming websites. iGaming Ontario became a standalone provincial agency on May 12, 2025. Casinos are not “licensed by iGaming Ontario”; private operators are registered by the AGCO and enter operating agreements with iGaming Ontario.

Other provinces: Programs and enrollment rules differ by province. Check the official lottery or gaming authority for the province where you play.

Tips for staying in control

Set a budget before you start and stick to it
Set a time limit for each session
Never chase losses
Do not gamble with money you cannot afford to lose
Take regular breaks
Do not gamble when you are stressed, angry or depressed
Check your account's responsible gambling settings for deposit limits, time-outs and other tools available from that operator

Age restrictions

You must be 19 or older to gamble at Ontario online casinos and sportsbooks. Rules differ elsewhere in Canada, so check the official age requirement in your province or territory. We do not recommend or condone underage gambling under any circumstances.

Our commitment

Canada New Casinos links to responsible-gambling support from the site shell and reviews current Ontario resources separately from operator-specific tools. We do not present gambling as a financial strategy. For the current editorial contact-channel status, see the Contact page. Do not send personal information to an unverified address.