Responsible Gambling Resources

Set limits before opening an account

Choose a spending amount that does not affect rent, bills, debt payments, savings or other priorities. Decide on a time limit as well as a money limit, and do not increase either in response to a result.

An entertainment budget is a maximum cost, not an investment. Winnings should not be expected or included in financial plans.

Use account controls

Operators may provide deposit, loss, wager and session limits, cooling-off periods, reality checks and self-exclusion. The available controls and the time needed for changes can differ.

Set limits during a calm period. A request to increase a limit should not take effect instantly, and support should be able to explain the process.

Recognize warning signs

• Spending more time or money than planned
• Chasing losses or increasing stakes to recover
• Borrowing or using money needed elsewhere
• Hiding gambling activity or account statements
• Feeling anxious, irritable or unable to stop
• Using gambling to escape financial or personal problems

Take a break early

A cooling-off period can create distance before the situation escalates. Self-exclusion is a stronger account restriction and may be appropriate when shorter breaks or personal limits are not enough.

Do not open another account to bypass a limit or exclusion. Contact an official support service for confidential guidance when gambling is causing concern.

Official resource placeholders

The delivered project intentionally uses placeholders rather than inventing or freezing support information. Before launch, add current official national and provincial or territorial resources, including crisis support where appropriate.

Resource links must remain easy to find in the footer, review pages and this guide, and must not be hidden behind affiliate buttons.

• [OFFICIAL NATIONAL SUPPORT RESOURCE]
• [PROVINCIAL OR TERRITORIAL SUPPORT DIRECTORY]
• [SELF-EXCLUSION INFORMATION]
• [FINANCIAL COUNSELLING RESOURCE]
• [IMMEDIATE CRISIS SUPPORT INFORMATION]

For friends and family

Choose a calm time, describe specific behaviour without blame and encourage professional support. Do not lend money for gambling or take control of another adult's finances without appropriate consent and advice.

Support services can also guide family members who are affected, even when the person gambling is not ready to seek help.

Responsible Gambling Resources FAQ