Responsible Gambling and Player Protection

Participation in gambling is restricted to adults who have reached the legal age in their province or territory: 18+ (19+ in most provinces). In Ontario, the legal age for gambling is 19, in line with provincial regulations governing casino and gaming activity.

Gambling carries inherent risk, and outcomes cannot be predicted or controlled. Gambling involves risk and should be entertainment, not a way to make money. Play responsibly and only with money that can be afforded to lose, meaning funds that can be set aside for leisure without affecting essential expenses such as housing, food or other financial obligations. This mindset helps maintain a healthy relationship with gaming and reduces the likelihood of financial strain.

Entertainment-based gambling means realistic expectations about outcomes. Wins are a pleasant bonus rather than an anticipated result, and losses are accepted as part of the experience rather than a reason to continue playing in pursuit of recovery.

A range of tools is commonly available on regulated gaming platforms to support responsible play. These typically include deposit limits, time limits and scheduled breaks. A deposit limit caps the amount that can be added to an account over a given period, while a time limit helps manage the length of gaming sessions.

Breaks in play, whether short pauses or longer intervals, help maintain perspective and prevent extended sessions that can lead to fatigue or impulsive decisions. The tools available at a given platform, and the way to activate them, are shown in the account section. Reviewing these options periodically helps keep gambling within personal and financial boundaries.

Recognizing early indicators of problematic gambling behaviour is part of staying in control. Common warning signs include:

• Chasing losses by increasing bets or continuing to play in an attempt to recover money already lost
• Hiding the extent of gambling from family members, friends or partners
• Borrowing money, using credit or depleting savings to fund gambling
• Neglecting personal, professional or family obligations in favour of continued play
• Experiencing anxiety, irritability or distress when unable to gamble
• Spending increasing amounts of time or money on gambling compared with initial intentions

Any of these patterns, in personal behaviour or in that of someone close, may indicate that gambling has moved beyond entertainment and calls for additional support.

Support services exist for anyone seeking assistance with gambling-related concerns. If gambling stops being fun, help is available. In Ontario, ConnexOntario provides a free helpline, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-866-531-2600. The service connects callers with information about local resources, counselling options and treatment programs.

ConnexOntario operates within Ontario only. Other provinces and territories have their own regional services for gambling-related support, and these provide guidance tailored to local resources.

Gambling is strictly intended for individuals who meet the legal age requirement in their jurisdiction, and minors must not participate under any circumstances. Keeping devices that can reach gambling platforms, including smartphones, tablets and computers, away from minors is an important step in preventing underage access.

Parents, guardians and other adults responsible for minors play a key role in maintaining this separation. Parental control software, device passcodes and account privacy settings further help prevent access by anyone below the legal gambling age.