Gambling can affect money, time, relationships and wellbeing. You can choose not to play, take a break or seek support without first proving that a problem is severe. Information on onlinebingocanada.org is not a substitute for a support service.
Keep the decision within your control
If you choose paid play, decide beforehand what time and money you are prepared to use. Keep essential spending separate, avoid borrowing to gamble and stop at the point you planned. A previous loss does not create a need to buy another entry or recover the money through further play.
If you repeatedly exceed your plan, conceal gambling or find it difficult to stop, a conversation with a support service can help you consider next steps. People affected by someone else’s gambling can also ask for help.
Use a service for your location
Across Canada
The Responsible Gambling Council’s local-help directory links to provincial and territorial support. It is a directory, rather than one national helpline.
Ontario
ConnexOntario provides free, confidential information and referral, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-866-531-2600 for services in Ontario.
Quebec
Gambling: Help and Referral offers free, confidential support 24/7 throughout Quebec. Call 1-800-461-0140.
Check the service’s own page for its coverage and contact options. The two provincial numbers above are not presented as Canada-wide services.
Check age and eligibility for the actual product
There is no single age statement that describes every Canadian gambling product. For example, iGaming Ontario states that its internet gaming products require players to be 19 or older. Loto-Quebec’s online account conditions require age 18 or older and Quebec residency, alongside other eligibility conditions.
Those are specific examples, not permission to play elsewhere. Check the jurisdiction, location and product requirements of the service involved. Adults should keep account credentials and payment access away from children.
Understand breaks and self-exclusion
Where available, limits, time-outs and self-exclusion can help restrict access. Read the programme’s coverage, duration and procedures. One provider’s exclusion should not be assumed to cover every other website or gambling venue.
Ontario’s official player guidance also links to BetGuard for exclusion across its regulated online market. Use the official guidance to understand that coverage rather than assuming a nationwide arrangement.
Contact the publication about its information
For a broken support link or factual correction, contact [email protected]. Editor Robyn Van Zyl handles publishing enquiries. Use the support services above for confidential gambling help; see Contact and the privacy policy for site correspondence.