Responsible Gambling in Canada
Responsible gambling is an important public health priority in Canada. Online gambling should be conducted safely, responsibly, and in accordance with provincial regulations. This page provides clear information, support services, and official resources available to individuals who may require assistance related to gambling behaviours.
Understanding Responsible Gambling
Responsible gambling refers to the practice of making informed decisions about gambling activities while maintaining control over time spent and amounts wagered. In Canada, provincial and territorial governments oversee gambling services and offer protections designed to reduce harm, encourage safe behaviour, and provide assistance to individuals who may experience gambling-related difficulties.
Anyone who chooses to participate in gambling should do so legally, voluntarily, and with full awareness of the potential risks involved. Gambling should not interfere with financial stability, personal relationships, employment, or mental and physical well-being.
Signs of Gambling-Related Harm
Individuals may be experiencing gambling-related harm if they encounter any of the following:
- Spending more money or time on gambling than intended.
- Chasing losses or attempting to win back money previously lost.
- Borrowing money or selling personal items to gamble.
- Withdrawing from family, friends, or responsibilities.
- Feeling stress, anxiety, guilt, or depression related to gambling activities.
- Viewing gambling as a primary source of income.
If any of these signs are present, it’s important to seek assistance promptly through the official support services listed below.
National Gambling Support Services
The following services are available to all individuals in Canada and offer confidential, judgement-free support:
Canada Problem Gambling Helpline
Phone: 1-888-230-3505 (24/7)
GamTalk (Canada-Wide Online Support)
https://www.gamtalk.org/
Moderated online community offering free peer support for gambling-related concerns.
Gamblers Anonymous Canada
https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/locations
Self-help group meetings available across Canada.
Provincial and Territorial Support Services
Each province and territory provides local resources for gambling support, counselling, and treatment programs.
Ontario
ConnexOntario
Phone: 1-866-531-2600
Website: https://www.connexontario.ca/
British Columbia (BC)
BC Responsible & Problem Gambling Program
Phone: 1-888-795-6111
Website: https://www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca/
Alberta
Alberta Health Services – Addiction Helpline
Phone: 1-866-332-2322
Website: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/amh/
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline
Phone: 1-800-306-6789
Manitoba
Manitoba Addictions Helpline
Phone: 1-855-662-6605
Website: https://mbaddictions.ca/
Quebec
Jeu: Aide et Référence
Phone: 1-800-461-0140 (24/7)
Website: https://www.jeuaidereference.qc.ca/
Nova Scotia
Gambling Support Network
Phone: 1-888-347-8888
Website: https://gamblingsupportnetwork.ca/
New Brunswick
New Brunswick Addiction Services
Phone: 1-866-355-6548
Newfoundland & Labrador
NL HealthLine
Phone: 811
Website: https://www.mentalhealthandaddictionscare.ca/
Prince Edward Island (PEI)
PEI Addiction Services
Phone: 1-888-299-8399
Yukon
Yukon Mental Wellness & Addictions
Phone: 1-866-456-3838
Northwest Territories
NWT Health & Social Services
Phone: 1-800-661-0844
Nunavut
Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Helpline
Phone: 1-800-265-3333
Guidelines for Safe and Responsible Gambling
Set clear time and money limits before participating in any gambling activity.
Never gamble to recover previous financial losses.
Avoid gambling when feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed.
Do not view gambling as a source of income or financial solution.
Balance gambling with other hobbies, responsibilities, and social activities.
Ensure gambling is a voluntary choice, not influenced by pressure or external factors.
Protection of Minors
Gambling is strictly prohibited for individuals under the age required by provincial laws (typically 18 or 19 depending on the province). Parents, guardians, and caretakers should take steps to ensure minors do not have access to gambling websites, accounts, or financial tools used for gambling purposes.
Adults are encouraged to use parental control software, secure devices, and restrict access to any material related to online gambling.
Maintaining Control and Seeking Support
Anyone who believes their gambling behaviour is becoming harmful is strongly encouraged to seek professional assistance. Support services in Canada are confidential, free, and accessible 24 hours per day. These services provide guidance, counselling, and referrals to treatment programs where appropriate.
If you or someone you know may be at risk, contact one of the national or provincial support lines listed on this page for immediate help.
Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not intended to encourage participation in gambling. Individuals must ensure they comply with all applicable provincial and federal laws relating to online gambling in Canada. If you suspect gambling is causing harm, please contact a professional support service immediately.
