Responsible Gambling

Gambling is entertainment that costs money, not a way to earn it. A bonus with a wagering requirement asks you to keep betting, often more than you planned. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone close to you, free and confidential help is available across Canada.

Age

You must be 18 or older to gamble in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec, and 19 or older in the other provinces and territories.

Bonuses and wagering

• A bonus is never free money. Work out how much you would have to bet with the wagering calculator before you accept one.
• You can decline a bonus. Playing with your own cash only usually means no bonus wagering, though a deposit may still need to be bet once before withdrawal.
• Do not chase a wagering requirement before it expires. Losing the bonus is cheaper than betting money you cannot afford.

Warning signs

• Spending more money or time than you planned, or chasing losses.
• Borrowing money, using bill money or hiding gambling from people close to you.
• Feeling restless or irritable when you try to cut down.
• Cancelling a withdrawal to keep playing with the winnings.
• Gambling to escape stress, low mood or other problems.

Tools that help

• Deposit and loss limits. Most casinos let you set daily, weekly or monthly limits in the account settings. Set them before you play.
• Time-outs and self-exclusion. You can usually block your account for a period or permanently through support or the account settings.
• Bank blocks. Many Canadian banks let you block gambling transactions on your cards.

Where to get help

Provincial health services in every province and territory also run gambling support programs; your provincial health line or family doctor can refer you.