Responsible Gambling

Gambling is Entertainment, Not Income

Gambling should be viewed as a form of entertainment with a cost, similar to going to a movie or concert. It's important to understand that gambling is not a reliable way to make money or solve financial problems.

Remember that casino games are designed with a house edge, meaning that over time, the casino will always have a mathematical advantage. Play for fun, not for profit.

Recognizing Problem Gambling

Problem gambling occurs when gambling activity begins to have a negative impact on any area of a person's life. This can include financial problems, relationship issues, emotional distress, or interference with work or daily activities.

Anyone can develop gambling problems regardless of age, gender, or background. Recognizing the early warning signs is crucial for maintaining control.

Setting Limits & Self-Restriction

One of the most effective ways to gamble responsibly is to set clear limits before you start playing. This includes time limits, deposit limits, loss limits, and wager limits.

All licensed Ontario online casinos provide tools that allow you to set these limits on your account. Take advantage of these features to stay in control of your gambling experience.

Seeking Help When Needed

If you're concerned about your gambling habits or those of someone you know, it's important to seek help. There are many resources available in Ontario for those dealing with gambling problems.

Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Professional support can provide the guidance needed to regain control and develop healthier habits.

Tools for Responsible Gambling

Deposit Limits

Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much money you can deposit into your casino account. This helps prevent impulsive spending and keeps your gambling budget under control.

Time Limits

Set limits on how long you can play in a single session. Most casinos offer session timers that will notify you when you've reached your predetermined time limit.

Loss Limits

Establish maximum amounts you're willing to lose in a day, week, or month. Once you reach these limits, you won't be able to place more bets until the time period resets.

Reality Checks

Enable notifications that appear periodically during play to remind you how long you've been playing and how much you've won or lost, helping you make informed decisions.

Self-Exclusion

Temporarily or permanently block access to your casino account if you feel you need a break or want to stop gambling completely. All Ontario-licensed casinos offer this option.

Play History

Review your gambling history, including time spent, amounts wagered, won, and lost. This transparency helps you understand your gambling patterns and habits.

Recognize the Warning Signs

Take this quick self-assessment to help identify potential gambling issues. This is not a clinical diagnostic tool but can help raise awareness about problematic gambling behaviors.

Have you experienced any of the following in the past 12 months?

Gambling with more money than you can afford to lose Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to get the same excitement Returning another day to try to win back money you lost (chasing losses) Borrowing money or selling possessions to finance gambling Lying to family members or others to hide gambling activities Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down on gambling Gambling has caused relationship, financial, or professional problems

Note: If you checked one or more boxes, it may be beneficial to speak with a counselor who specializes in gambling addiction.

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Support Resources

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