Online gambling should be entertainment and a fun way to spend your time. However, there are times when it becomes more than that. Then it is time to take a break or consider quitting altogether.
We at BonusFinder Canada promote responsible gambling. All the casinos and sports betting sites we partner with have the option to set deposit limits or self exclude for a certain time period or permanently.
We are not medical professionals, but we've gathered information about responsible gambling and gambling problems below. Have a look, reflect, and seek further help if you think you need it.
Gambling harms assessment
This brief screening tool can help you reflect on your gambling habits. Your answers are completely private and are not stored or transmitted anywhere.
How to Gamble Safely
The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) of Canada is Canada's national organization dedicated to problem gambling prevention. Their guidance on safer gambling includes the following key principles:
- Don't think of gambling as a way to make money
- Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
- Set a money limit in advance
- Set a time limit in advance
- Never chase your losses
- Don't gamble when you're depressed or upset
- Balance gambling with other activities
- Take frequent breaks
- Don't drink or use drugs when gambling
- Use deposit limits and time limits at your online casino
We strongly recommend utilizing the deposit limits and session time limits available at all iGaming Ontario regulated casinos and other licensed Canadian platforms.
Signs of a Gambling Problem
The definition of gambling problem, addiction or disorder varies in different countries and sources. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) calls it gambling disorder and defines it as follows: "gambling disorder involves repeated gambling behavior that causes significant problems or distress."
According to the APA, a diagnosis of gambling disorder requires at least four of the following during the past year:
- Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the desired excitement
- Restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
- Repeated unsuccessful efforts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
- Frequent thoughts about gambling (such as reliving past gambling experiences, planning the next gambling venture, thinking of ways to get money to gamble)
- Often gambling when feeling distressed
- After losing money gambling, often returning to get even (referred to as "chasing one's losses")
- Lying to conceal gambling activity
- Jeopardizing or losing a significant relationship, job, or educational/career opportunity because of gambling
- Relying on others to help with problems caused by gambling
If you have felt or done any of the above, you might need to take control of your gambling. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) offers an anonymous self check tool to help you assess your gambling habits.
Canadian Gambling Statistics
Gambling is a common activity in Canada, but problem gambling causes significant harm to individuals, families, and communities. Canadian research organizations track gambling prevalence and harm on an ongoing basis.
| Statistic | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Canadians who gamble in some form each year | ~70% | Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) |
| Canadian adults experiencing gambling problems | 1–3% | CCSA Canadian Drug Summary: Gambling |
| Canadians experiencing some level of gambling-related harm | 5–10% | Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) |
| Ontario adults with moderate-to-severe gambling problems | ~1.1% | CAMH Ontario gambling prevalence data |
| Annual economic cost of problem gambling in Canada | ~$3.1 billion | CCSA |
Whatever the actual prevalence, you are not alone. Millions of Canadians are affected by gambling related harm, and dedicated support resources exist in every province and territory.
Responsible Gambling Tools at Canadian Online Casinos
If you play at a casino licensed under iGaming Ontario, you have access to the most comprehensive set of mandated player protection tools in Canada. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) requires all registered iGaming Ontario operators to provide the following tools to every player:
| Tool | What It Does | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Limits | Cap the total amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly. Decreases take effect immediately; increases have a waiting period. | Account Settings → Responsible Gambling |
| Spend Limits | Limit total net losses over a set period, giving you control beyond just deposit amounts. | Account Settings → Responsible Gambling |
| Session Time Limits | Set a maximum session length. You will receive a reminder when your time is up. | Account Settings → Responsible Gambling |
| Reality Checks | On screen pop ups at set intervals showing how long you have been playing and your net position. | Account Settings → Notifications |
| Cool-Off Period | Temporarily suspend your account for 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days. Takes effect immediately. | Account Settings → Self Exclusion |
| Self-Exclusion | Permanently or temporarily exclude yourself from all iGaming Ontario registered platforms. Coordinated by AGCO across all licensed operators. | iGaming Ontario self exclusion portal |
Players outside Ontario should check with their provincial regulator BCLC in British Columbia and AGLC in Alberta offer equivalent responsible gambling programs through their licensed platforms.
Where to Find Help
National Resources
| Organisation | Contact | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) of Canada | responsiblegambling.org/get-help | National helpline directory, self-help tools, find a counsellor |
| Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) | 416-535-8501 / camh.ca | Gambling addiction treatment, research, self check tools |
| Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario (CAMH) | kmb.camh.ca/ggtu | Gambling, Gaming and Technology Use program clinician resources and self help |
| Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction | ccsa.ca | Research, policy, national strategy on gambling harm |
Province and Territory Helplines
All numbers below are free, confidential, and available 24/7 unless otherwise noted.
| Province / Territory | Helpline | Additional Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | 1-866-332-2322 | AGLC Responsible Gambling |
| British Columbia | 1-888-795-6111 | bcresponsiblegambling.ca |
| Manitoba | 1-800-463-1554 | Manitoba Gambling Helpline |
| New Brunswick | 1-800-461-1234 | Addictions and Mental Health Services NB |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | 1-888-899-4357 | Mental Health and Addictions NL |
| Northwest Territories | 1-800-661-0844 | NWT Help Line |
| Nova Scotia | 1-888-347-8888 | Nova Scotia Problem Gambling Helpline |
| Nunavut | 1-800-265-3333 | Kamatsiaqtut Help Line |
| Ontario | 1-888-230-3505 | ConnexOntario |
| Prince Edward Island | 1-888-299-8399 | PEI Addiction Services |
| Québec | 1-800-461-0140 | Jeu : Aide et Référence (24h/24) |
| Saskatchewan | 1-800-306-6789 | Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline |
| Yukon | 1-800-661-0408 | Yukon Alcohol and Drug Services |
If you need emergency help, please visit your local emergency department or call 911.
Recent Canadian Responsible Gambling Initiatives
Canada's online gambling regulatory landscape has evolved significantly since 2019. The table below tracks the major milestones affecting player protection in the Canadian market.
| Date | Initiative | Impact for Players |
|---|---|---|
| April 2022 | iGaming Ontario launches Canadas first regulated online casino and sports betting market | Ontario players gain access to licensed platforms with mandatory AGCO player protection standards for the first time |
| 2023 | AGCO strengthens Registrars Standards for Internet Gaming updated responsible gambling requirements for all iGaming Ontario operators | All licensed Ontario platforms now required to offer spend limits, enhanced self-exclusion, and standardised RG tool placement |
| 2023 | BCLC updates PlayNow responsible gambling program in British Columbia | BC players gain improved deposit limit controls and updated self exclusion pathways through PlayNow.com |
| 2022 | CAMH releases updated Ontario Problem Gambling Research and Treatment Strategy | New clinical guidelines for problem gambling treatment across Ontario, informing operator RG program requirements |
| 2019 | Ontario passes Enabling Safer and Fairer Gaming Act groundwork for iGaming Ontario framework | Legislative foundation for competitive, regulated online gambling market in Ontario with consumer protection at its core |
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