Responsible Gambling
A full guide to responsible gambling for players in CanadaGambling is meant to be fun, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with risks. Below, learn about tools that facilitate safe play and minimize the risks associated with gambling.
What “responsible gambling” means
Simply put, “responsible gambling” means “staying in control.” When we talk about responsible gambling, we do so to educate ourselves about gambling’s risks, to prevent ourselves from adopting unhealthy gambling habits, and to ensure gambling remains a safe activity.
To maintain healthy habits, online casinos provide players with responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits or reality checks (more on these below). At the same time, those tools are not meant for any clinical assessment or self-diagnosis. Clinical information should be obtained through reputable organizations, like GambleAware or Gambling Therapy.
Remember: you must be over the age of 19 to gamble in Canada (18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec), and you should only ever play at casinos with a proper licence.
Safer-play habits (tips for responsible gambling)
If you develop safe gambling habits, you will reduce the risk of your play from becoming unhealthy. The following tips are meant to help you create those safe-play habits:
- Set a budget: Only play with disposable income. Set a weekly or daily budget that ensures you only play with an amount you can afford to lose, and stick to it. To that end, take advantage of any casino that offers an auto withdrawal function, which pays out any winnings at the end of your session to avoid playing beyond your budget.
- Be smart with your choice of payment method: To help ensure you only play with disposable income, be smart with how you fund your casino account. In other words, avoid using credit cards or money you don’t actually have to gamble.
- Limit your playing time: Decide in advance how long you intend to play, and don’t exceed that time. Certain tools, like session limits and reality checks (more on these below), help you stay in control of your playing time, so you should take advantage of using them.
- Know when to stop playing: It’s important to understand when you are not in the right state of mind to be playing. Any time you’re upset, tired, or under the influence, pause your play. A negative emotional state can significantly impact your decision-making and lead to impulsive or high-risk betting. Being tired or intoxicated can dramatically reduce your cognitive abilities and self-control. In all cases, you are at much greater risk of problem gambling, so identifying when you are entering such mind states and stopping your play when you do is important to keep your play safe.
- Take breaks: Breaks from playing are important, so it is a good idea to schedule breaks. This is especially the case if you find yourself losing. Chasing losses is a high-risk gambling behaviour, one of the most dangerous, so taking a break when you find yourself losing is always a wise move. Recognize these moments, and step away from playing for at least 24 hours before returning.
- Plan non-gambling time: A large part of responsible gambling is really about creating a balanced lifestyle. Gambling should only ever be a fun hobby, one of many, so make other plans that keep you from playing too much. Meet up with friends, join a sports team, become a member of a club, bird watch: whatever it is that you enjoy, always make time to not gamble.
Limits & controls (operator tools)
Online casinos in Canada provide various responsible gambling tools that help players establish safe playing habits. The more tools a casino provides, the safer that casino is for players. We strongly recommend players utilize any tool a casino offers. So that you know what to look for, these are the responsible gambling tools you should use.
Deposit, loss, and wager limits
These tools allow you to set personal limits to the amount you deposit, lose, and wager in a set amount of time, usually daily or weekly. Having these set will help you maintain your budget.
| How to: |
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| Locate the responsible gambling settings in your casino account (usually in your player profile), and set your preferred daily or weekly deposit, loss, and wager maximum amounts. |
Session limits and reality checks
To help you manage your playing time, casinos will provide session limits and reality checks. The former allows you to determine a set length for any single playing session. The latter allows you to set alarm clock reminders that alert you to the length of your session (and account balance/fluctuations during the session).
| How to: |
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| Like your personal limits, these tools should be accessible in the settings of your player account. Find them, and then enable “Reality Checks,” setting their time interval, and set “Session Limits” to your desired session length. |
Time-outs and self-exclusion
Time-outs (sometimes called “cool-downs”) and self-exclusions are tools that help players control their gambling, stop playing, and take a break:
- A time-out provides players with more temporary breaks, typically locking players out of their casino account for 24 hours or a week at a time.
- Self-exclusions are more serious breaks of 6 months or longer and can be arranged to work for multiple casinos.
During the time-out or self-exclusion period, players have zero access to their account or casino promotions and no ability to create a new one. The tools are for those who are feeling their play is becoming unhealthy.
| How to: |
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| Typically, self-exclusions require the player to contact support to arrange, but always check your player account settings first. There, you should find settings for a time-out (otherwise, contact support to arrange on of those). Start with a short ‘time-out’ and escalate to ‘self-exclusion’ if you feel the need to. |
Device-level protections
Regardless of the responsible gambling tools your casino provides, there are steps you can take to add protections to your device before you even visit the casino.
Blocking and filters
Players can install software filters designed to block gambling-related websites and applications during the player-specified times. Examples include BetBlocker and Gamban.
| How to: |
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| Install your chosen software filtering app, add the domains/apps you wish to restrict in the app, and lock the app with a unique password. |
App & site restrictions
Players can use their device’s built-in controls to restrict access to gambling websites, apps, and in-app purchases. iOS users can activate the “Screen Time” feature to filter web content, prevent gambling app downloads, delete existing apps, and restrict in-app purchase notifications. Android users can do the same by using the “Google Play Parental Controls.”
These tools also allow players to create separate passwords so that, if need be, trusted friends can control changes to the settings.
| How to: |
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| Open your device settings, select “Screen Time” or “Parental Controls,” then “Content & Privacy,” and input your desired settings. |
Browser hygiene
Who doesn’t like a clean browser? Well, keeping your browser clean can help keep playing seem less convenient and, as a result, safer. By removing autopay functions from your browser, for example, you will have extra steps, allowing you an extra moment to reconsider your actions. Making gambling less easy to start will make it easier to avoid poor decisions.
| How to: |
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| Open the settings for your browser, go to “Payments Autofill,” and disable “Save details.” |
Session hygiene
Similar to the reality checks casinos provide, players can set timers in their device’s calendar to help remind them when to stop playing and manage their playing time.
| How to: |
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| Go to your device’s calendar and set a recurring timer or event that acts as a reminder to end your play. |
Banking & payments safety
Setting a budget, being smart with the chosen payment method, and securing winnings before spending them are important moves for players to make to maintain responsible gambling habits. These are a few banking tips.
Bank gambling-block features
One way to prevent impulsive gambling is to block bank transactions to gambling operators. Most banks in Canada allow their clients to enable these settings themselves.
| How to: |
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| From within your banking app or account online, select “Card Controls” or “Merchants/Category Blocks” and enable the gambling option. |
Separate spending accounts
Another way to control your spending is to use a separate account specifically for gambling. The account can hold your gambling budget and establish an absolute limit.
| How to: |
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| Create a secondary account (or use a prepaid card) and top it up to establish your weekly or monthly budget. Don’t replenish until the week or month is over. |
Withdrawal discipline
A smart move is to get in the habit of removing winnings as soon as you are able to, rather than allowing them to sit in the account, tempting you to play with them. If you can set an auto-withdrawal, we strongly recommend doing so. Also, it’s a good idea to move your winnings to a non-gambling bank account.
| How to: |
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| From the casino’s Cashier, open the “Withdrawal Settings” and turn on auto-withdrawal. |
Early warning signs (non-clinical)
Before gambling becomes a problem, players should look out for signs that might indicate one is coming:
- Chasing losses
- Breaking one’s own rules
- Playing for longer than intended
- Gambling with more money than intended
- Disguising gambling activity from other people
- Borrowing money or taking out loans to gamble
- Gambling as a form of escape from bad moods or stress
- Gambling at work or on work devices
- Opening new e-wallets/cards for gambling
- Skipping social plans/meals/work
- Irritability when not gambling
- Switching sites to dodge limits
- Feeling unable to stop once you start
If you recognize any of these signs, consider contacting any of the following help organizations:
- ConnexOntario (1-866-531-2600)
- Gamblers Anonymous Canada
- Gambling Therapy
Helping a friend or family member
Helping friends or family who have a problem with gambling requires understanding and empathy. Your support can be essential to your friend’s well-being. These are some basic tips for how best to offer your support to a loved one:
- Do: Speak to a professional for advice before speaking with the loved one; listen without judgment; stick to facts; share helpful resources; protect shared finances; and praise positive behaviour.
- Don’t: Offer money to cover losses; allow emotions to take over the conversation; or use judgmental language.
We suggest visiting ResponsibleGambling.org’s page “Help for loved ones” for additional information and more resources.
Understanding product risk (choose safer options)
While online casinos are armed with the types of responsible gambling tools mentioned above, meant to prevent players from risky play, many of the games players play and products they use come with features that actually increase player risk. Recognizing what those features and products are and the risks involved will help you play more safely. Players should therefore be on the lookout for the following:
- Fast game cycles: Games that allow you to place many bets/spins per minute can result in spending more than your budget in a short amount of time.
- Autoplay and quickspin functions: A game’s autoplay feature means you don’t have to do anything to play, as the game will automatically spin for the number of times you set it to spin for. Setting this to the “quickspin” mode will speed up or even remove the game’s animations, making the game even faster.
- Bonus buy slots: Some games come with bonus buy options, which allow players to purchase the game’s free spins bonus round. The cost to purchase the bonus is always high, so that players can spend a large amount in no time. Additionally, buying the bonus once usually sets that purchase to “On,” meaning that the next spin will be another bonus buy unless you turn it off.
- High volatility games: Games that are highly volatile payout large amounts infrequently. They are recipes for chasing losses.
- Multi-screen play: Controlling your spending can be challenging when you are playing multiple games on multiple screens simultaneously.
- Continuous access: It can be hard to take breaks and maintain a balance if you can access your casino on your mobile device 24/7.
While you avoid the above, look to employ these safer decisions:
- Games with pace: Games with a slower pace allow for longer decision processes and, oftentimes, therefore, safer decisions.
- Lower the stakes: Games with lower stakes limit the potential for large losses.
- Define the session length: Games that have set start and end points are easier to step away from and can help you manage your playing time.
- Get social: Play with others around, as they will encourage you to take more breaks and reduce the likelihood of you making impulsive bets.
Using casino bonuses responsibly
Casino bonuses are enticing, typically including large bonus matches and a pile of free spins. Bonuses always come with detailed terms and conditions, including wagering requirements, time limits, maximum bets, and payment method restrictions. Players must carefully read and understand all these terms before accepting any bonus to ensure it fits within their personal limits and to avoid unexpected losses. Misunderstanding or ignoring the terms of a bonus can lead to financial harm, so players should always gamble responsibly by reading the terms and seeking help if necessary.
Before you accept
You must read the bonus’s terms before accepting it, and this is what you need to look for:
- Wagering requirements: These determine the total amount you need to bet before the bonus money is released to you. For example, a $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement means that you will need to bet $3,000 before you are given access to the bonus $100.
- Time limits: Wagering requirements come with deadlines. You will need to satisfy the requirements before the deadline, which is typically 7 days or 2 weeks, but can be up to a full month or even 2 months. It can also be only 24 hours, so watch out for those offers.
- Maximum bets: Some bonuses, especially free spins, have a max bet amount. If you set your bet to more than the bonus’s max, the bet/spin could void the bonus entirely.
- Game weighting and excluded games: Not all games contribute equally to meeting the wagering requirement. Online slots usually contribute 100%, but table games, live games, and others contribute considerably less or are excluded entirely.
- Maximum cashout: Bonuses sometimes limit the amount you can win with bonus money or free spins.
- Payment method exclusions: Certain payment methods (like Skrill or Neteller) are sometimes excluded from bonuses.
While you play
Once you’ve agreed to a bonus and started playing, keep these three pieces of advice in mind to remain responsible with your playing and get the most from the bonus:
- Avoid making new deposits solely to meet wagering requirements, as this behaviour can lead to chasing losses and financial harm. Always gamble responsibly within your budget and seek help if you feel pressured to deposit more.
- Check the max-bet limits: Stay within the bonus’s stated max-bet limit to avoid voiding the bonus.
- Play eligible games: Remember to play games that contribute towards the wagering requirements.
After playing
Two outcomes with the bonus are possible:
- Wagering requirements are met: Withdraw your winnings and enable the auto-withdraw function. Avoid depositing for at least 3 days.
- Wagering requirements are not met: Stop playing and record the bonus as a loss. Take a break for at least 3 days.
| Bonus Red Flags |
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| Some casino bonuses have unfavourable terms. Avoid bonuses that come with any of these conditions: 1. The wagering requirement is on the deposit and bonus 2. The wagering requirement has low weighting for games you enjoy 3. The max bet is low relative to the usual stakes 4. A short time limit to meet the requirements (e.g., ≤24h) 5. A low max cashout 6. Payment methods you use that are excluded from the bonus |
Support and resources
Use these links for additional support, services, and responsible gambling resources:
- ConnexOntario: ConnexOntario is a free and confidential service offering support through phone, chat, text, and email for people in Ontario facing mental health, gambling, and addiction problems.
Contact number: 1-866-531-2600 - Responsible Gambling Council (RGC): The RGC is a non-profit organization working to prevent problem gambling in Canada.
Contact number: 416-499-9800 - Gamblers Anonymous: Gamblers Anonymous is a place to share experiences with others and support those who are experiencing similar problems.
Contact email: [email protected] - Gambling Therapy: Gambling Therapy is a global service offered by Gordon Moody to provide free advice and support to individuals affected by gambling.
Contact email: [email protected] - BetBlocker: BetBlocker is a fully funded charity that offers a free service globally to restrict or block gambling applications on your devices.
Contact email: [email protected] - Gamban: Gamban helps those suffering from gambling-related harm to take control of addiction. This is done by blocking access to gambling websites and apps.
Contact email: [email protected] - GamBlock: GamBlock blocks gambling sites completely, even when individuals attempt to use a VPN or Tor.
Contact email: [email protected]. - NetNanny: NetNanny uses Artificial Intelligence to scan webpages, blocking any sites with harmful content.
Contact email: [email protected]
This list is not comprehensive and is provided for information only. It should not be considered as an endorsement of any kind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nick Purdy is a content writer at CanadaCasino.ca. He has more than 2 years of experience in iGaming and 6 years as a content writer. Specializing in both the review process (over 100 casino reviews and counting) and responsible gambling guidelines, Nick has excelled at testing casinos and online slots. He has also proved to be a thorough fact-checker and is well-versed in anti-money laundering regulations, having recently completed 2 AML training courses. As a former philosophy graduate, Nick has taken a particular interest in player education and the responsibility casinos have for their players. As a guy who loves games, he enjoys learning new slot mechanisms when writing online slot reviews.
Kayleigh specializes in online casino content for Canadian markets. She manages reviews, guides, and regulatory updates, ensuring accuracy and compliance. With over 10 years of experience in iGaming and digital content management, she has produced and edited more than 500 casino pages across the North American market, including Ontario and U.S. states, like PA and NJ. As the Content Manager for CanadaCasino, Kayleigh applies anti-money laundering (AML) practices and responsible gambling training to uphold the highest editorial standards.