Playing responsibly
Last updated · facts verified
A casino-hotel weekend should be a good time. When the gambling part stops being one, every province below offers free, confidential help, day or night.
| Province | Age | Regulator | Helpline | Self-exclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 19+ | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) | ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600 (24/7, or text CONNEX to 247247) | OLG My PlayBreak — 3 months to 5 years, covers every Ontario casino |
| Québec | 18+ | Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux (RACJ) | Gambling: Help and Referral 1-800-461-0140 (24/7, free and confidential) | Loto-Québec self-exclusion — 3 months to 5 years, irrevocable once signed |
| British Columbia | 19+ | Independent Gambling Control Office (IGCO) | Gambling Support BC 1-888-795-6111 (free, 24/7) | BCLC Game Break — 6 months to 3 years |
| Alberta | 18+ | Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) | Alberta Health Services Addiction Helpline 1-866-332-2322 (24/7) | AGLC Self-Exclusion — 6 months to 3 years, all Alberta casinos and PlayAlberta.ca |
| Manitoba | 18+ | Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba (LGCA) | Gambling Helpline 1-800-463-1554 (24/7) | Voluntary Self-Exclusion — Casinos of Winnipeg, Shark Club and/or PlayNow.com |
| New Brunswick | 19+ | Gaming Control Branch, Department of Justice and Public Safety | Gambling Information Line 1-800-461-1234 (free, confidential, TTY) | Voluntary Self-Exclusion through Great Canadian Entertainment |
A few rules of thumb
- Pick a budget at home, and leave the cards in the room safe.
- Watch the time — there are no clocks on a casino floor, on purpose.
- Losses stay lost; chasing them only makes them bigger.
- Take breaks: swim, book the spa, see the show.
Self-exclusion is available in every province — how it works is in our age and rules guide.