Keeping you safe - CasinoGuides.ca’s pledge

When you gamble purely for entertainment and stay within your means, we consider it a safe and enjoyable pastime. That is exactly why CasinoGuides.ca works hard to protect you online - from shady operators as well as from risky betting habits.

So that you remain in control of your play, every casino featured on our site goes through our 25-step reviews process. On top of that, we’ve put together a range of help guides covering different game types to keep you well informed. The more you know, the sounder your choices become - and the safer your gambling is.

That said, we recognize that even with safeguards in place, addiction and problem gambling can still take hold and lead to a range of serious consequences. If you suspect you could be at risk of a gaming or betting problem, everything outlined below will point you toward the information and support you need to get help.

What does responsible gambling mean?

Responsible gambling, put simply, is a way of playing for fun while putting safeguards in place so that a problem with gambling addiction is less likely to develop.

It keeps your play under control because you set limits for yourself and stick to them. That, in turn, helps you steer clear of money troubles and mental strain caused by your play. And since you’re playing for fun within a budget, you’re able to absorb the loss of whatever you’ve wagered when things don’t go your way.

If your play stops being fun, however - if you feel you’ve lost control, if you’re dealing with depression, if your finances are stretched, if you’re dishonest about the amount you play, if you chase losses, or if your gaming sessions generally leave you feeling bad - those are signs of gambling addiction, and you should seek help right away.

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7 responsible gambling tips for Canada

No matter how you prefer to play - online, on your mobile device, face to face at a casino or bingo hall, or anywhere else you place a bet - the advice below can help reduce your chances of running into a gambling problem.

If following the advice above feels difficult, that may be an early warning sign of gambling addiction. We suggest completing a free self-assessment from a responsible gambling service to review your behaviour and your risk of developing a problem.

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9 signs of problem gambling in yourself or a loved one

In reality, gambling addiction can take hold in anyone’s life. That risk grows when someone doesn’t gamble in a responsible way. If you enjoy gambling yourself, or a friend or relative does, and you’re concerned that something may be going wrong, the list below can help you recognize the possible warning signs:

1. 1Preoccupation with gambling. The individual might discuss gambling all the time or devote hours to thinking about it. They could also organize their whole day around betting, or invent reasons to go and gamble.
2. 2Needing to wager larger sums of money to feel the same excitement. This is what’s called tolerance. At first the person may bet small amounts, yet gradually they need to stake more, often much more, to experience the same rush.
3. 3Attempting to control, reduce, or stop gambling without managing it. They may try to quit, but find it extremely difficult. Promises made to themselves or to other people often end up broken.
4. 4Restlessness or irritability when cutting back on gambling. This points to withdrawal. Once betting stops, physical and emotional symptoms can appear, with anxiety, depression and irritability among them.
5. 5Gambling as an escape from problems, or to ease helplessness, guilt, anxiety or depression. Wagering may become a way of coping with difficult emotions or circumstances, and it can start to feel like the only escape available.
6. 6Chasing losses. Here the person stakes more money hoping to recover what has already been lost. The cycle is highly destructive and typically produces even bigger losses.
7. 7Lying to family members or others about how much they gamble. They may be untruthful about the amounts wagered, the money lost, or where they have been. Hiding the behaviour by gambling online or at casinos far from home is also common.
8. 8Putting important relationships, a job, or school and work chances at risk because of gambling. Work, studies and personal relationships may begin to suffer. The person might skip work or class, or let relationships slide, in order to gamble.
9. 9Asking others to rescue them from financial trouble after gambling money away. They may borrow from friends, relatives or even strangers to cover losses, run up credit card balances, or take out loans to keep gambling.

What to do if you suspect someone has a gambling problem

If the list above makes you worry that a friend or relative is developing, or already has, a problem with gambling, talking to them about it matters.

Try to keep the conversation non-confrontational where you can. Raise the subject from a place of understanding, offer your support, and help them find the resources and services that can give them the care they need.

Should you spot these signs in yourself, getting help right away is important. Depending on your location and what suits you personally, some of the resources you can turn to include:

• Gambling addiction treatment programs: These can give you the support and treatment required to move past your addiction.
• Gambling hotlines: Through these lines you can get information and support about problem gambling.
• Gambling counseling services: They help you make sense of your gambling behaviour and build strategies to keep it in check.
• Gambling support groups: Here you’ll find support from people who know exactly what you’re going through.

Getting professional help for gambling addiction in Canada

When it comes to managing and overcoming gambling addiction, self-exclusion and blocking tools play an essential role. That said, reaching out to professionals for help and support is just as important a piece of responsible gambling - these are specialists trained to spot problem gambling and recommend treatment suited to your situation.

To make that first step easier, we worked with addiction specialists Aaron Sternlicht, LMHC, CASAC and Lin Anderson, LMHC, M.A., Ed.M., to put together an expert guide to gambling addiction. It won’t take the place of a conversation in person or by phone, but it can help guide you toward the face-to-face professional support and advice you’re looking for.

Once you feel ready to talk to someone in person and get advice shaped around your own situation, you’ll find that most countries with regulated gambling markets offer plenty of help and support. Canada is no exception - helplines and professional counselling services are available at both the national and provincial level.

To point you toward the right support, here are some of the most useful resources we know of:

The Responsible Gambling Council Canada (RGC) is a non-profit that aims to lower gambling risks through innovation, awareness and stronger safeguards. It provides a range of resources for players and their families - including information on responsible gambling, assistance for problem gamblers, and training for those working in the gambling industry. The organization doesn’t provide therapy or services directly, but it connects you with those who do.

• Website: https://www.responsiblegambling.org/

• Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn

• Phone: +1 (416) 499-9800

• ConnexOntario

• Website: https://www.connexontario.ca/en-ca/

• Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn

• Phone: 1-866-531-2600

• Other options: Live chat, Email

• Gambling Therapy at Gordon Moody

Gambling Therapy, run by Gordon Moody, is an online resource available worldwide in multiple languages for anyone struggling with gambling problems. It offers a range of tools and resources, such as self-assessments, therapy materials and a forum where members can connect with others facing similar struggles.

• Website: https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/

• Social media: Twitter

• Email: [email protected]

• Other options: Support groups, Forum, Contact form

• Gamtalk

Gamtalk is an online, community-driven resource for those dealing with gambling problems. It features information on responsible gambling, expert interviews and stories from people who have moved past gambling problems, along with community features and chat.

• Website: https://www.gamtalk.org/

• Chat: https://www.gamtalk.org/online-chat/

• Other options: Community support wall

• Gambling Support Network

The Gambling Support Network is a national, bilingual organization offering support to people dealing with gambling problems. Its services include one-on-one and group counselling, financial assistance and referrals to other resources.

• Website: https://gamblingsupportnetwork.ca/

• Phone: 1-888-347-8888

• Text: Send ‘GSN‘ to 1-902-700-7702

• Other options: Chat, Self-assessment tool, Additional support

• Gam-Anon

Gam-Anon is a support group aimed at the family and friends of problem gamblers. It provides a confidential, safe space where members can share their experiences and receive support from others who understand their situation.

• Website: https://www.gam-anon.org/index.php

• Email: [email protected]

• Phone: 718-352-1671

• Other options: Canada meeting directory

• Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous has been helping people who struggle with gambling addiction since its first meeting in Los Angeles, California, back in 1957. Its internationally recognized program provides a range of resources, from meetings and phone support to virtual support.

• Website: https://gamblersanonymous.org/ga/

• Support options: Virtual meetings, Phone meetings, International meetings, Self-assessment

Protecting kids from gambling in Canada

Even though gambling is not legal for minors in Canada, it still matters to educate children about it and about staying safe while they are young. That way, they will be able to gamble responsibly later on if they choose to once they reach the legal gambling age. If you don’t know how to bring the subject up, or what steps you can take to protect them in general, we’ve put together a list of ideas for you to look through below:

• Talk to your children about gambling. Tell them what gambling actually is, and why it can be an enjoyable pastime while also carrying real risks. Discuss those risks with them, including losing money, falling into debt, and developing a gambling addiction.
• Set a good example. If you gamble yourself, do it responsibly. Never wager more than you can afford to lose, and don’t let gambling get in the way of your job, your studies, or your relationships. Your child’s needs should always come before any gambling related activity.
• Monitor your children’s online activity. Keep track of the sites your children visit and the games they play. A lot of online games now contain gambling elements, so it’s important to know about them and to talk them through with your children.
• Talk to your children about the dangers of loot boxes. This ties into monitoring online activity, and it’s important to cover loot boxes in video games. They are a form of in-game purchase that gives the player a random chance at a prize. Loot boxes have been connected to gambling addiction, so talk to your children about the risks before they begin buying them.
• Teach your children about financial responsibility. Help them grasp the value of money and how to make sound financial decisions. That will help them steer clear of debt and make better choices when it comes to gambling.
• Use blocking tools to add a layer of protection. Tools like NetNanny (where available) can block potentially harmful sites so children can’t reach them, which is a great way to shield kids from problem gambling. The industry is regulated and most markets set legal minimum age requirements, but unregulated and unsafe sites still exist. Installing blocking tools stops your child from getting to those sites at all.
• Be supportive. If you worry that your child may be at risk of developing a gambling problem, or already has one, be supportive and offer your help. Plenty of resources exist for children and families dealing with gambling problems, and they can make a real difference.
• Stay informed. Always make it your business to know where gambling stands in your province. Some provinces set higher legal minimum ages than others, for instance, and certain types of games may be legal in one province but not in another. Staying up to date on what’s legal where you live lets you pass accurate information on to your child and keep them safe.

Need extra protection? Try self-exclusion and blocking tools

Unfortunately, once an addiction has taken hold, there is no genuine “cure” - the problem can only be managed.

To help you stay in control, a variety of self-exclusion tools and blocking-software choices can be installed on your laptop, desktop, and mobile devices, forming a crucial element of responsible gambling.

Such tools can prevent you from signing up with a new casino or a sports betting site, and block access to accounts you already hold. Blocking software ought to stop your device from reaching gambling sites altogether.

The strongest tools and software can additionally offer help to anyone dealing with gambling addiction. Certain options provide access to resources like counselling and financial aid. That support can help individuals beat their addiction and rebuild their lives.

If you or a loved one is struggling with gambling addiction, plenty of reputable resources are available to assist. You can speak with a therapist, a doctor, or a support organization for gambling addiction to obtain the help you need.

If you need assistance, please review the list below, which covers some of the top-rated self-exclusion and blocking tools, along with general support options.

Keep in mind: finding the service that suits you best is essential:

Gambling website blocking tools in Canada

A UK-based app offered free to everyone, everywhere, BetBlocker blocks your access to gambling websites entirely. You can use it anonymously, it installs in just a couple of minutes, runs silently in the background, and blocks access to more than 85,400 gambling websites.

Also UK-based, Gamban offers international coverage and automatically adds new gambling sites and apps to its block list. Although it isn’t free, the pricing is reasonable, with monthly and annual subscription options to suit your needs. Note that Gamban cannot block gambling commercials, adult content, sports statistics platforms, financial investment sites, or loot boxes, though it works on Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac devices.

GamBlock is a costly but powerful choice for blocking gambling sites in Canada. VPNs or Tor won’t get around it, and it blocks both apps and websites on mobile devices - even surviving factory resets. If the price is manageable and you want a permanent solution, GamBlock is worth considering.

Gambling self-exclusion options in Canada

• Alberta: Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) runs the province’s self-exclusion program, which blocks you from every Alberta casino, racing entertainment centre and PlayAlberta.ca. A 24-hour, toll-free Addiction Helpline from Alberta Health Services is also available at 1-866-332-2322.
• British Columbia: GameSense delivers Game Break, British Columbia‘s self-exclusion program, and it can cut off your access to gambling venues and websites for periods of six months, twelve months, two years or three years. Gambling Support BC answers confidentially around the clock, toll free, at 1-888-795-6111.
• Manitoba: Manitoba‘s voluntary self-exclusion service comes from PlayNow.com working together with GameSense. You must first open an account at PlayNow.com, then activate the opt-out option to join their ‘Game Break’ program.
• Ontario: Ontarians can turn to My PlayBreak, which the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) operates. The OLG Support Centre is also there for questions and help at 1-800-387-0098.
• New Brunswick: New Brunswickers who want to step away from gambling can do it through the Responsible Gambling Information Centre (RGIC), funded by the New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation (NBLGC). The centre is located inside Casino New Brunswick and keeps its doors open 7 days a week, from 2pm until midnight, or you can phone 506-861-4699.
• Nova Scotia: A dedicated self-exclusion program in Nova Scotia is aimed at keeping people away from the Casino Nova Scotia sites in Halifax and Sydney. Reach the service through the Responsible Gambling Resource Centre (call 902-424-8663 in Halifax or 902-563-3797 in Sydney) or through the Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division of Service Nova Scotia. Lottery players may also block their play via the Atlantic Lottery.
• Prince Edward Island: Islanders who want limits on their play can file self-exclusion requests through PlayWise at Red Shores. Once you are enrolled, being spotted in a Red Shores casino gets you escorted out, and extra time is added to your original period - a strong option for anyone struggling with in-person gambling. Call 1-855-255-4255 if you need more details.
• Québec: Loto-Québec’s self-exclusion program covers land-based and online gambling alike, with bilingual support on hand. You can sign up in person by booking an appointment at any of its dedicated problem gambling centres, or go through customer services. Gambling: Help and Referral (GHR) may also get in touch with extra support and resources if you want them.
• Saskatchewan: The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) provides a voluntary self-exclusion program for anyone who feels they need time away from gambling. Enrolment must be requested at one of their locations, and no one else can sign you up. You may also register at SIGA’s central office in Saskatoon - 103 Aspen Place - by appointment only.
• Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon: Sadly, no dedicated self-exclusion program exists in these regions right now. Toll-free gambling helplines are still there for residents, though: Northwest Territories can call the General Help Line on 1-800-661-0844, Nunavut residents can dial 1-800-265-3333, and Yukon residents can use the Mental Wellness and Substance Use Services number 1-866-456-3838.

Finding financial help for responsible gambling in Canada

Because gambling is only partially legalized across Canada, banks here offer considerably less help and support for problem gambling than what you would find in other markets.

National and provincial resources do exist for general gambling addiction support, but when it comes to financial help straight from your bank, options are thin in most places.

If your aim is to stop gambling by blocking transactions on your bank accounts, the smartest move is to ask your own bank directly about where it stands and what policies it keeps on responsible gambling.

You can also turn to the Responsible Gambling Council, which offers help with a wide range of gambling addiction issues at both the national and provincial level, including how to manage your finances.

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