Gambling Commission Canada

Responsible Gambling Resources

Responsible gambling means gambling in a way that keeps the activity safe, affordable, and within your personal limits. For most people, gambling should remain entertainment - not a strategy for income, debt repayment, or “getting back to even.”

Practical Safer-Gambling Guidelines

These are simple habits that reduce risk and keep gambling in check:

• Set a budget
• Set a time limit
• Don’t chase losses
• Don’t borrow to gamble
• Take regular breaks
• Avoid gambling when stressed
• Track wins/losses honestly

Signs Gambling May Be Becoming a Problem

• Spending more time or money than you planned (and repeating the pattern)
• Hiding gambling, lying about it, or feeling shame afterwards
• Chasing losses, increasing bets, or gambling to escape stress
• Borrowing money, missing bills, or using credit to gamble
• Relationship conflict, work impacts, sleep loss, or mood changes linked to gambling

What to Do If You’re Concerned

1. Pause and limit access: take a break, set limits, or use self-exclusion tools where available.
2. Talk to someone: confidential support is available - use the helplines below.
3. Get practical help: ask about counseling, financial supports, and local treatment options.

Canada-Wide Resources

These services provide education, tools, and support options that can be used anywhere in Canada.

Provincial & Territorial Help Lines (Canada)

If you want to talk to someone today, start with the number in your province or territory. These lines can provide support and connect you to counselling or local services.

PROVINCIAL SUPPORT LINES

Alberta

Support Line:

Alberta Problem Gambling Resources Network - 1-866-461-1259

Province-wide support for problem gambling, counselling referrals, and resources.

British Columbia

Support Line:

Gambling Support BC (24/7) - 1-888-795-6111

Program:

GameSense (BCLC) - information, advice, and responsible gambling tools

Free education, support, and treatment resources across B.C.

Manitoba

Support Line:

Manitoba Problem Gambling Help Line - 1-800-463-1554

Support and referral services across the province.

New Brunswick

Support Line:

New Brunswick Gambling Information Line - 1-800-461-1234

Province-wide support and referral services.

Newfoundland & Labrador

Support Line:

Newfoundland Problem Gambling Help Line - 1-888-899-4357

Assistance, referrals, and support for gambling-related issues.

Nova Scotia

Support Line:

Nova Scotia Problem Gambling Support - 1-888-347-8888

Support and referral services for gambling problems.

Ontario

Support Line:

ConnexOntario (24/7) - 1-866-531-2600

Notes:

Gambling + mental health + addiction support; information and referrals

24/7 help with multilingual support and referral services.

Prince Edward Island

Support Line:

PEI Problem Gambling Help Line - 1-855-255-4255

Support and referral services for problem gambling.

Quebec

Support Line:

Jeu : Aide et référence - 1-800-461-0140

Helpline and referral service; access to counselling and information.

Saskatchewan

Support Line:

Saskatchewan Problem Gambling Helpline - 1-800-306-6789

Support and counselling options.

TERRITORIAL SUPPORT LINES

Northwest Territories

Support Line:

NWT General Help Line - 1-800-661-0844

Multi-issue support line that includes help for gambling concerns.

Nunavut

Support Line:

Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line (24/7) - 1-800-265-3333

24/7 support line including assistance for gambling-related issues.

Yukon

Support Line:

Yukon Mental Wellness & Substance Use Services - 1-866-456-3838

Mental health and addiction support, including gambling-related concerns.