Responsible Gambling
Gambling should stay within the bounds of entertainment. Canada Globe Journal is written for adult players in Canada. We believe it is important to spell out the risks clearly and to point you to support when you need it.
Free and confidential support in Canada (24/7)
Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-888-795-6111 (toll-free, 24/7)
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Gamblers Anonymous Canada: gamblersanonymous.org
Provincial services also offer free counselling and support. Problem Gambling Helpline can direct you to local resources.
Adults Only
In Canada, gambling is restricted to persons aged 18 years or older. Our content is intended for adults only. If you are under 18, do not use this site for information about real-money gambling.
Staying in Control
Responsible gambling starts with clear limits. Practical steps include:
- Set a fixed budget for gambling and do not exceed it.
- Decide in advance how long you will play and take regular breaks.
- Do not chase losses—it often leads to greater losses.
- Avoid gambling when you are stressed, upset, or under the influence of alcohol.
Signs of Problem Gambling
Gambling can become harmful when it starts to affect your daily life. Warning signs may include:
- Gambling more often or for higher amounts than you intended.
- Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble.
- Hiding your gambling from family or friends.
- Feeling guilty, anxious, or irritable after gambling.
- Work, study, relationships, or health suffering as a result.
If several of these apply to you, consider reaching out for help.
Where to Get Help
Canada has a national network of free support for people affected by gambling:
- Problem Gambling Helpline: Free 24/7 support by phone (1-888-795-6111), live chat, and email.
- Provincial services: Each jurisdiction provides free face-to-face and phone counselling.
- Self-help groups: Gambler's Anonymous runs meetings across Canada for peer support.
These services are available to both people who gamble and their family members.
Self-Exclusion and Breaks
If gambling feels out of control, self-exclusion can help. In Canada, provincial regulators run self-exclusion schemes for licensed venues. Many online operators also allow you to set deposit limits, loss limits, and session time limits in your account. Problem Gambling Helpline can guide you through self-exclusion options, including the national provincial self-exclusion register for online wagering.
Our Role
Canada Globe Journal is an information-only site. We do not operate gambling services, do not accept bets, and do not mediate contracts. Our aim is to explain the market and emphasise the importance of responsibility and self-control. If you or someone you know shows signs of gambling harm, please contact the professional services listed above.
Last updated: 2026. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency services.
