Play safely
Responsible gambling
Practical limits, the warning signs to watch for, and free help in Canada, the UK and worldwide.
Online casinos are entertainment. They’re built so the house wins over time, so treat any money you deposit as the price of a night out, never as a way to earn income.
Age limits
You must be of legal gambling age where you live. In Canada that’s 19 in most provinces and 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec. In many other countries it’s 18 or 21. Licensed casinos verify your age and identity, usually before your first withdrawal.
Simple rules that help
- Set a deposit limit in your casino account before you play, not after a bad session.
- Decide how long you’ll play and set a reminder.
- Never chase losses by depositing again to “win it back”.
- Don’t gamble when you’re stressed, upset or have been drinking.
- Don’t use money meant for rent, bills or savings.
Warning signs
It may be time to stop or get help if you:
- spend more time or money than you planned, again and again
- hide your gambling from people close to you
- borrow money or sell things to gamble
- feel anxious or irritable when you can’t play
- gamble to escape problems
Tools at every licensed casino
- Deposit limits: daily, weekly or monthly caps.
- Reality checks: pop-ups showing how long you’ve been playing.
- Time-out: a break of 24 hours up to several weeks.
- Self-exclusion: close your account for months or permanently.
Free blocking software such as BetBlocker or Gamban can block gambling sites on all your devices.
Where to get help
These services are free and confidential:
If you’re worried about someone else’s gambling, these services can help you too.