What Is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible gambling means gambling within your means, for entertainment, with 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.
Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone. Common warning signs include:
- Spending more money or time gambling than intended
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression
- Lying to family or friends about gambling activity
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- Chasing losses (trying to win back money you've lost)
- Feeling irritable or anxious when not gambling
- Gambling interfering with work, school, or relationships
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
⚠️ If You Recognize These Signs
Recognizing the signs is the first step. Reach out to ConnexOntario (1-866-531-2600) or use Ontario's self-exclusion program to take a break from gambling.
Ontario's Self-Exclusion Programs
Ontario offers two self-exclusion programs that allow you to voluntarily ban yourself from gambling venues and platforms:
🏛 OLG PlaySmart (In-Person)
Excludes you from all OLG-operated venues (Casino Woodbine, Rama, Niagara, etc.) for 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, or permanently.
Learn More →💻 iGO Online Self-Exclusion
Excludes you from ALL iGO-registered online casino and sports betting platforms in Ontario. One application covers every registered operator.
Apply Online →Setting Healthy Gambling Habits
The following tips can help you keep gambling enjoyable:
Set a Budget
Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start — and treat it like entertainment spending, not investment. Never gamble with bill money, rent, or savings.
Set a Time Limit
Decide in advance how long you'll play. Use phone alarms, casino clocks, or the time-tracking tools available on iGO platforms.
Don't Chase Losses
If you've hit your budget, stop. Chasing losses is one of the most common ways gambling becomes a problem. Losses are the cost of entertainment.
Avoid Gambling While Impaired
Alcohol and drugs impair judgment. Avoid gambling decisions when your thinking is clouded — it always leads to worse outcomes.
Use Platform Tools
iGO-registered casinos all offer deposit limits, loss limits, session time reminders, and cool-off periods. Set these up when you register.
Keep It Social
Gambling is more fun as a social activity. If you find yourself gambling alone for hours regularly, that's a warning sign worth paying attention to.
Ontario Responsible Gambling Resources
| Resource | Contact | What They Offer |
|---|---|---|
| ConnexOntario | 1-866-531-2600 | Mental health & addictions referrals, 24/7 |
| Gamblers Anonymous Ontario | gamblersanonymous.org | Peer support meetings across Ontario |
| Problem Gambling Institute of Ontario | problemgambling.ca | Research, treatment, professional resources |
| OLG PlaySmart | olg.ca/responsible-gambling | Self-exclusion, budgeting tools, casino resources |
| iGO Self-Exclusion | igamingontario.ca | Online casino self-exclusion |