Responsible Gambling in Canada β Guide for Canadian Players
Online and land-based gambling in Canada can be an entertaining activity. However, as a player, you also need to be aware of the risks games of chance carry so you can protect yourself from developing negative gambling habits. Responsible gambling in Canada is the main topic we will explore in this guide, so read on to get all the needed information to prevent or address signs of gambling addiction.
What is Considered Responsible Online Gambling in Canada?
Responsible online gambling in Canada involves setting limits on time and money spent, avoiding chasing losses, seeking help when needed, and following other best practices. The safety of players is always put first by Canadian licensing organizations, which is why there are strict regulations when it comes to gambling promotions, as well as who is allowed to access gambling products both online and offline.
All Canadian casinos must comply with the rules set by the Canadian responsible gambling association active in their province. Furthermore, to obtain licensing and be allowed to operate, they need to commit to encouraging responsible gambling. As a result, Canadian players can enjoy a safe gaming environment and access to responsible gambling tools.
Who Is Allowed to Gamble Online from Canada?
Some Canadian players could be more prone to developing negative gambling behaviours than others. Therefore, there are groups of people in Canada that are either legally not allowed to gamble or strongly discouraged from doing so. Below we’ve outlined who should not be allowed to gamble in Canada and why.
- Minors – People under the legal gambling age in Canada are not allowed to gamble due to various risks and negative effects.
- Individuals with a History of Problem Gambling – People who have or are at risk of developing a gambling addiction should not be allowed to gamble in Canada.
- Individuals with a History of Mental Health Issues – People with mental health issues might be more prone to the negative effects of gambling.
- Individuals with Financial Struggles – financially vulnerable Canadians should be cautious about gambling since it could exacerbate their financial difficulties.
- Individuals who are Legally Prohibited from Gambling – People with a legal obligation to not gamble, like employees of gambling companies or athletes, should restrain from the activity.
If you don’t fall within any of these groups, then you are most probably allowed to gamble in Canada. However, even then, you should always gamble safely and only at trusted licensed operators. The risks of online gambling are numerous and can affect anyone, no matter your current psychological disposition.
Canadian Responsible Online Gambling: Best Practices
No matter what position the local authorities and casinos take on the subject, there are some responsible gambling best practices that every Canadian player should follow. There are numerous guidelines that you can follow to maintain healthy gambling habits and decrease the chance of developing a gambling addiction.
From responsibly managing your financial resources to limiting the time you spend gambling, there are many measures Canadians can take to protect themselves. The most important ones have been explained in more detail below, so keep reading to gain some useful information and become more prepared for the next time you gamble online from Canada.
Set a Responsible Budget Limit for Online Gambling in Canada
When gambling online, we can easily lose track of the amount of money we have spent. Therefore, instead of topping up your account whenever you feel like it, try to stick to a predetermined budget. This way, you will not spend more than you can afford or submit to irresponsible urges.
Canadian players can set up monthly, weekly, or even daily budgets, which can help minimize the risk of developing financial problems. However, sticking to the established budget is still up to the individual, as long as you don’t put on a budgetary limit on your online casino account. Many operators offer this as a tool, so feel free to use it in case you are not able to resist your urges.
Set a Time Limit for Engaging in Gambling Activities
Furthermore, players can easily lose track of how much time they spend gambling. Whether it is in one sitting or spread over the week, the time you spend engaging in gambling activities can quickly reach an unhealthy level. Therefore, Canadian players should be aware of this and set a limit for themselves.
In addition, many reputable software providers dedicated to responsible gambling provide a built-in-clock in the games they offer. This is a great way to remind gamblers how long it’s been since they started playing, yet it can be ignored. Therefore, if you truly want to limit your access to online gambling products, you can find a casino that offers a ‘time-out’ option.
Set up a Self-Exclusion Option
If you feel like you’re becoming addicted to online gambling or have noticed some negative habits, setting up a self-exclusion option is highly recommended. Self-exclusions can serve as a great barrier and can be triggered in several ways, allowing you to choose the option you feel most comfortable with. Below we’ve highlighted the different ways this can be done in Canada:
- Set a Mental Barrier on Gambling Urges – If you are self-aware and capable to address the signs of problematic gambling behaviour, you can try to resist the urge to gamble by setting up a personal mental barrier.
- Seek Self-Exclusion Help from a Responsible Gambling Entity – If you need help controlling negative gambling urges, you can seek out a government agency or non-profit organization that can assist you. They can help you set up responsible practices or enrol you in self-exclusion programs.
- Refer to Gambling Site for Self-Exclusion Options – Many online gambling operators offer self-exclusion options, such as limiting your access to their services for a certain time, cooling-off periods and deposit limits. So, you can use these tools to limit your negative gambling behaviour.
No matter which one of these options you choose, you will be one step closer to practising responsible gambling in Canada. Just remember that you need to remain self-aware and pick an option that corresponds to the severity of your problem. In any case, just learning about your options makes you better prepared to address the topic.
Furthermore, even if you don’t experience these issues yourself, it can’t hurt to understand the responsible gambling definition and what you can do if the need arises. You can also familiarize yourself with the topic in case you have friends or family members who also gamble and may need your help in dealing with any negative urges.
Create a List of Self-Limiting Options and Follow It
When dealing with gambling addiction, you should always remind yourself that this is a journey that requires the implementation of various factors to maintain a responsible gambling route. As we mentioned, there are many things you can do to limit yourself internally. However, in practice, there are even more options offered by Canadian gambling sites. The following list will exemplify some of them:
- Set up Responsible Deposit Limits
- Set up Gambling Time Limits & Take Regular Breaks
- Set a Loss Limit & Do Not Exceed It
- Set up Reality Check Reminders & Focus on Other Things that Matter
- Share Your Problem with Someone & Ask Them to Hold You Responsible
- Set a Bet Size Cap & Don’t Go Over It
Sticking to this list and limiting your gambling practices is recommended whether you experience negative gambling urges or not. By building up such a gaming routine and conforming to the rules set by the Canadian responsible gambling association active in your province, you are helping in creating a safe gambling environment for everyone.
Nevertheless, these are not the only ways to minimize negative gambling habits, so feel free to come up with your own healthy practices. Furthermore, you can share them and your experiences with other players who might be struggling to strengthen the community.
Don’t Hesitate to Seek Help if You Show Signs of Gambling Addiction
There are many great practices Canadian players can follow to limit their negative gambling habits on their own. However, if you believe you are suffering from gambling addiction, it is recommended to seek help immediately. In such situations, it can be difficult to recognize the main issues and address them accordingly before falling into a spiral.
Therefore, seeking professional help from a responsible gambling council or other similar associations is fundamental. There is nothing to be ashamed of, and the people working at these responsible gambling organizations in Canada know it and can provide the needed consultancy without judgement.
Canadian Responsible Gambling Organizations and Regulators
As you may have realized by now, Canada has different responsible gambling organizations and licensors for each province. In this section, we’ve examined the most notable Canadian responsible gambling associations that can provide help to players. However, if the authority active in your province is not featured, remember you can still find details on it in our list of problem gambling organizations by province.
The Canadian Partnership for Responsible Gambling
The Canadian Partnership for Responsible Gambling is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing and reducing the harm associated with problem gambling. In addition, it also aims to build responsible gambling trust between players and help associations and support research on the topic. Finally, the CPRG serves as a platform for stakeholders to collaborate and advance the development of responsible gambling practices in the country.
| π Name of Authority: | The Canadian Partnership for Responsible Gambling |
|---|---|
| π Address: | 411 Legget Drive, Suite 402, Ottawa, ON K2K 3C9, Canada |
| βοΈ Tel. Number: | 613-599-4428 |
| π« E-Mail: | info@cprg.ca |
| π» Website | https://www.cprg.ca/ |
| πͺ Core Tasks: | Developing and promoting responsible gambling practices in Canada |
| π©βπ¦ Support Groups: | Yes |
| π«π½ Meetings: | Yes |
On the official CPRG website, players can discover numerous best gambling practices and overall helpful information on the topic. The organization also has support groups and meetings for people suffering from gambling addiction. This is one of the biggest help resources in the country, and it has a significant influence on shaping responsible gambling policies.
The Responsible Gambling Council
The Responsible Gambling Council is another popular Canadian non-profit organization. It was founded in 1983 and operates from its current headquarters in Toronto. The activities of the entity are funded by government grants, private donations, and industry contributions. They include numerous different research, education, and awareness endeavours β from developing best practices for the gaming industry to providing sensitivity training to gaming staff.
| π Name of Authority: | The Responsible Gambling Council |
|---|---|
| π Address: | 411 Richmond Street East, Suite 205, Toronto, ON, M5A 3S5, Canada |
| βοΈ Tel. Number: | 416-499-9800 or 1-888-436-8886 (toll-free) |
| π« E-Mail: | info@rgco.org |
| π» Website | www.responsiblegambling.org |
| πͺ Core Tasks: | Research, prevention, and treatment of problem gambling |
| π©βπ¦ Support Groups: | Yes |
| π«π½ Meetings: | Yes |
Furthermore, on the website of the RGCO, players that experience negative gambling urges can find the needed help in the form of support groups and meetings. By being an active member of the community, the Responsible Gambling Council judges the effectiveness of prevention and treatment programs and improves them continuously.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario was established due to the merger of Ontario’s Liquor Licence Board and Gaming Control Commission in 1998. The organization is responsible for many different activities, from the regulation of alcohol to gaming and horse racing on the territory of the province. It doesn’t offer support groups, but it contributes to building responsible gambling in Canada by regulating the practices of casinos and ensuring they are not promoting irresponsible gambling.
| π Name of Authority: | The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario |
|---|---|
| π Address: | 90 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 200, Toronto, ON, M2N 0A4, Canada |
| βοΈ Tel. Number: | 416-326-8700 or 1-800-522-2876 (toll-free) |
| π« E-Mail: | CustomerService@agco.ca |
| π» Website | www.agco.ca |
| πͺ Core Tasks: | Regulating the sale of alcohol and gaming activities |
| π©βπ¦ Support Groups: | No |
| π«π½ Meetings: | No |
As you can observe on AGCO’s website for Canadians, the organization is guided by the principles of integrity, public interest, and social responsibility. It aims to ensure that all activities of the gambling industry in Ontario are done in a socially responsible manner, hence minimizing the potential harm to individuals.
The British Columbia Lottery Corporation
The British Columbia Lottery Corporation was established in 1985, and it reports to the provincial government and the Minister of Finance. Its main goal is to provide a safe and socially responsible gambling experience for residents of British Columbia. The organization is accountable for a range of activities, from regulating online and land-based casinos to overseeing the operation of lottery games.
| π Name of Authority: | The British Columbia Lottery Corporation |
|---|---|
| π Address: | 74 West Seymour Street, Kamloops, BC, V2C 1E2, Canada |
| βοΈ Tel. Number: | 1-866-815-0222 (toll-free) |
| π« E-Mail: | playnow@bclc.com |
| π» Website | www.bclc.com |
| πͺ Core Tasks: | Conducting lottery and online gambling activities in British Columbia |
| π©βπ¦ Support Groups: | Yes |
| π«π½ Meetings: | No |
To achieve its goals, the organization researches the prevalence of problem gambling. Furthermore, it develops and implements responsible gambling programs and policies, including voluntary self-exclusion programs and player support programs. You can learn more about those on the BCLC online platform, but overall, it’s the most trustworthy support center in the province of British Columbia.
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission
The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission was established in 1996. It is a regulatory agency, and as such, it mainly oversees the operation of casinos and facilities selling alcohol and cannabis in the province. Therefore, it doesn’t offer support groups for people suffering from gambling addiction. However, that is not to say it does not influence the development of responsible gambling in Canada.
| π Name of Authority: | The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission |
|---|---|
| π Address: | 50 Corriveau Avenue, St. Albert, AB, T8N 3T5, Canada |
| βοΈ Tel. Number: | 780-447-8600 or 1-800-272-8876 (toll-free) |
| π« E-Mail: | aglc.info@aglc.ca |
| π» Website | www.aglc.ca |
| πͺ Core Tasks: | Regulating the gaming, liquor, and cannabis industries in Alberta |
| π©βπ¦ Support Groups: | No |
| π«π½ Meetings: | No |
If you explore the Canadian site of the AGLC, you might notice that the agency is also involved in developing and implementing responsible gambling programs. So, even if it doesn’t offer meetings you can sign up for directly, many other support groups in the state are likely connected to this organization in one way or another.
The Loto-QuΓ©bec Corporation
Finally, we have the Loto-Quebec Corporation, which is a government agency established in 1969. It’s responsible for various gambling activities in QuΓ©bec, including regulating casinos and lottery games, and researching to advance the effectiveness of gambling addiction treatment programs. The organization is motivated both by a mandate to generate revenue for the province and a desire to minimize the harm gambling can cause.
| π Name of Authority: | The Loto-QuΓ©bec Corporation |
|---|---|
| π Address: | 500 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 3G6, Canada |
| βοΈ Tel. Number: | 1-866-611-LOTO (5686) |
| π« E-Mail: | info@loto-quebec.com |
| π» Website | www.loteries.lotoquebec.com/en/ |
| πͺ Core Tasks: | Regulating and operating games of chance in Quebec |
| π©βπ¦ Support Groups: | Yes |
| π«π½ Meetings: | No |
On the official Loto-QuΓ©bec Corporation online information center, you can find all the needed information on the support groups you can join if you struggle with problem gambling. The organization works closely with the local government to ensure all responsible gambling operations are conducted in a transparent manner.
Problem Gambling Organizations by Province in Canada
As we mentioned earlier, every province in Canada has its own responsible gambling regulatory body. The most popular ones have already been covered. However, in the table below, you can find the full list of local authorities for each province, along with the recommended hotline.
You might also notice that in some provinces, such as Alberta, Manitoba and QuΓ©bec, the legal gambling age can either be 18 or 19, depending on the type of game the player wants to participate in. However, for the remaining 7 provinces, the legal age is 19, and that applies to both land-based and online casinos.
| Canadian Province | Gambling Licensor | Legal Gambling Age | Responsible Gambling Organization | Recommended Hotline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission | 18/19 (depending on the game) | Alberta Gaming Research Institute; The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission | 1-866-332-2322 |
| British Columbia | British Columbia Lottery Corporation | 19 | British Columbia Responsible & Problem Gambling Program; The British Columbia Lottery Corporation | 1-888-795-6111 |
| Manitoba | Liquor, Gaming and Cannabis Authority of Manitoba | 18/19 (depending on the game) | Manitoba Gambling Helpline | 1-800-463-1554 |
| New Brunswick | New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation | 19 | Responsible Gambling Council | 1-800-461-1234 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation | 19 | Gambling Support Line | 1-888-899-4357 |
| Nova Scotia | Nova Scotia Alcohol and Gaming Authority | 19 | Nova Scotia Responsible Gambling | 1-888-347-8888 |
| Ontario | Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario | 19 | The Canadian Partnership for Responsible Gambling; The Responsible Gambling Council; The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario | 1-888-230-3505 |
| Prince Edward Island | Prince Edward Island Lotteries Commission | 19 | Prince Edward Island Gambling Support Line | 1-855-255-4255 |
| QuΓ©bec | Loto-Quebec | 18/19 (depending on the game) | Jeu Responsable; The Loto-QuΓ©bec Corporation | 1-866-767-5389 |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority | 19 | Problem Gambling Help Line | 1-800-306-6789 |
Risks of Excessive Gambling in Canada
Excessive gambling can be a serious problem for Canadians. It can lead to addiction and have devastating consequences, which are not worth the momentary thrill of gambling. As a result, players’ lives, relationships, and finances can be compromised. In addition, problem gambling can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Furthermore, it can also lead to risky actions, such as theft or fraud, to financially support the gambling habit. These are only a few of the potential risks associated with gambling, so we strongly encourage players to take steps towards responsible gambling in Canada. This includes avoiding unlicensed casinos and seeking help if needed.
What risks do Canadian players face when not gambling responsibly?
- Increased risk of becoming a gambling addict
- Risk of decrease in financial resources
- Being alienated from family and friends or losing a job
- Feeling depression, anger, and sadness
- Damaging your reputation and people’s trust in you
Players in Canada need to be aware that not only are local laws strict when it comes to illegal gambling, but the consequences of addiction can be severe. And this applies to all types of addictions, including gambling, which can have devastating effects on individuals and their loved ones.
Therefore, Canadian players should take steps to avoid these consequences and follow responsible gambling guidelines. As we mentioned earlier, this includes setting limits on time and money spent on gambling and more. As a result, you should be able to enjoy gambling without putting yourself or others at risk.
Canadian Players Whom Gambling May Not Be Suitable For
Gambling can be an entertaining pastime. However, it might not be suitable for everyone. As we mentioned earlier, some Canadian players are more prone to addiction and need to be honest with themselves before gambling. This is something that should be taken seriously, so if you recognize yourself as being in one of the categories below, we advise against becoming a gambler.
If you have a history of addiction or struggle with impulsive behaviours, mental health issues, or financial issues, gambling could be dangerous for you. So, please be honest with yourself and avoid potential harm. There are other free games you can enjoy online as a safe and entertaining hobby.
- Canadian players who exhibit dangerous gambling behaviour or signs of gambling addiction
- Canadian players who are prone to addiction and obsess easily over things
- Individuals in Canada that experience financial troubles
- Underaged Canadian citizens
- Canadians that have a history of gambling addiction
- Individuals in Canada with potential intellectual or cognitive disabilities
Canadian Gambling Sites Without Responsible Behaviour to Avoid
If you don’t fall within any of the groups we outlined below, then gambling might be an activity you could enjoy. However, Canadian players must be conscious of the gambling sites they choose to place bets. Especially since not all gambling sites you come across online practice responsible behaviour.
However, how can you distinguish an irresponsible and unsafe casino site from a trustworthy one? Well, below, we’ve provided some reasons why a website might be considered a bad example in terms of responsible gambling. Each one of these things can put Canadian players at risk, so try to avoid them.
- The site is not licensed and regulated by any local Canadian authority
- The operator does not offer self-exclusion options to Canadian players
- The operator doesn’t collaborate with a Canadian responsible gambling organization
- The operator has not been verified by external auditors
- The casino website doesn’t have the proper security and encryption
- The operator has a history of encouraging irresponsible gambling behaviour
- The casino’s advertisement promotes excessive gambling to Canadian players
Feel free to use this list and go through the website you’ve selected to check if it has any of these ‘red flags’. Just remember, even if the casino is trustworthy, you are the one who has control over your gambling practices. So, it’s up to you to stay safe and gamble responsibly when visiting the best Candian online casinos.
Frequently Asked Questions from Canadian Gamblers
You’ve reached the end of this guide on responsible gambling in Canada. We hope you learned a lot of valuable information. This final section will present you with answers to the most common questions Canadian players have about responsible online gambling. So, feel free to check them out and learn some more useful facts.