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.
Ontario19+
- Dial
- 1-866-531-2600
- Answered by
- ConnexOntario — 24 h; SMS option: CONNEX to 247247
- Watchdog
- AGCO
- Opt-out
- My PlayBreak by OLG: from 3 months up to 5 years, valid at every casino in the province
Québec18+
- Dial
- 1-800-461-0140
- Answered by
- Gambling: Help and Referral — open 24 hours, confidential, no charge
- Watchdog
- RACJ
- Opt-out
- Loto-Québec programme: 3 months to 5 years, cannot be cancelled once signed
British Columbia19+
- Dial
- 1-888-795-6111
- Answered by
- Gambling Support BC — no charge, any hour
- Watchdog
- IGCO
- Opt-out
- Game Break by BCLC: 6 months up to 3 years
Alberta18+
- Dial
- 1-866-332-2322
- Answered by
- AHS Addiction Helpline — any hour
- Watchdog
- AGLC
- Opt-out
- AGLC programme: 6 months up to 3 years, covering Alberta's casinos and PlayAlberta.ca
Manitoba18+
- Dial
- 1-800-463-1554
- Answered by
- Manitoba Gambling Helpline — any hour
- Watchdog
- LGCA
- Opt-out
- Voluntary; pick PlayNow.com, Shark Club, the Casinos of Winnipeg — or any combination
New Brunswick19+
- Dial
- 1-800-461-1234
- Answered by
- Gambling Information Line — no charge, confidential, TTY available
- Watchdog
- Gaming Control Branch, NB Justice and Public Safety department
- Opt-out
- Voluntary programme run 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.