Responsible Gambling in Ontario
Gambling should always be entertaining. Here's how to keep it that way — and where to get free, confidential help.
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ConnexOntario provides free, confidential mental health and addictions support — including problem gambling — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What Is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling means gambling within your means, for entertainment, with full awareness of the risks. For most people, gambling is a fun leisure activity. Problems develop when it stops being fun or starts affecting finances, relationships, or mental health.
Ontario has one of the strongest responsible gambling frameworks in the world, including mandatory tools at all licensed operators and a free self-exclusion program.
Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of income, age, or background. Common warning signs include:
- Spending more money or time gambling than intended
- Chasing losses — trying to win back money you've lost
- Gambling with money you need for bills, rent, or food
- Lying to friends or family about gambling habits
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Gambling as a way to escape stress, anxiety, or depression
If you recognise three or more of these signs in yourself or someone close to you, support is available.
Setting Limits — Before You Play
The most effective responsible gambling strategy is to set clear limits before you start, not during play. All iGO-licensed online casinos in Ontario are required to offer the following tools:
Deposit Limits
Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits directly in your account. Once set, limits can only be decreased immediately — increases require a cooling-off period.
Loss Limits
Cap how much you can lose in a given period. The casino will stop accepting bets once your loss limit is reached.
Session Time Limits & Reality Checks
Set a maximum session duration and receive on-screen reminders showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.
Cooling-Off Periods
Take a break from gambling for 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days. Your account is suspended during this period.
Self-Exclusion (GameSense)
Permanently or temporarily exclude yourself from all iGO-licensed platforms with a single registration. See below for how to enrol.
How to Self-Exclude in Ontario (GameSense)
GameSense is iGaming Ontario's responsible gambling program and self-exclusion tool. Enrolling in self-exclusion will block your access to all regulated Ontario online casinos and OLG venues.
📋 How to Enrol in GameSense Self-Exclusion
1. Visit gamesense.ca or any OLG casino in person.
2. Complete the self-exclusion form with your details.
3. Exclusion applies to all iGO-regulated platforms within 24–72 hours.
4. Exclusion periods: 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, or permanent.
Free Support Resources in Ontario
| Resource | How to Access | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| ConnexOntario | 1-866-531-2600 | connexontario.ca | 24/7, free, confidential |
| OLG GameSense | gamesense.ca | Online self-exclusion portal |
| Gamblers Anonymous Canada | gamblersanonymous.org | Peer support meetings |
| Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario | problemgambling.ca | Clinician resources & support |
| Responsible Gambling Council | responsiblegambling.org | Education & tools |
⚠️ Remember
Gambling is not a way to make money. The house always has a mathematical edge over the long term. Every session should be treated as the cost of entertainment — not an investment. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.