Know the Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can affect anyone. Early recognition is the most important step toward getting help.
Ask yourself — have you ever:
If you checked one or more boxes, consider speaking with a gambling counsellor. Help is free and confidential.
Practical Tips for Safer Gambling
- Set a strict deposit limit before you start and do not exceed it
- Treat gambling as entertainment — budget it like a movie ticket, not an investment
- Set a session time limit and use casino built-in session reminders
- Never gamble when stressed, depressed, or under the influence of alcohol
- Take regular breaks — step away from the screen every 30 minutes
- Never chase losses — accept that losses are the cost of entertainment
- Balance gambling with other hobbies and social activities
- Keep gambling a private, considered choice — not an impulse
Deposit and Spending Limits
All reputable licensed casinos are required to offer deposit limits, loss limits, and session time limits. Setting these proactively — before you start playing — is one of the most effective safeguards available.
Most Interac casino cashiers allow you to set daily, weekly, and monthly deposit caps directly in your account settings. These limits are usually enforced immediately and cannot be increased without a cooling-off period (typically 24–72 hours).
Self-Exclusion Tools
If you feel you need a break from gambling, self-exclusion programs allow you to block yourself from casino sites for a defined period — usually 6 months, 1 year, or permanently.
- iGaming Ontario — self-exclusion available through regulated Ontario sites via iGO's responsible gambling framework
- Individual casino self-exclusion — contact the casino's support team to activate site-specific exclusion
- Bank-level gambling blocks — RBC, TD, BMO, Scotiabank, and CIBC all offer the ability to block gambling transactions at the banking level
Canadian Helplines and Resources
ConnexOntario
Free, confidential mental health, addiction, and problem gambling support. Available 24/7 in Ontario.
Gambling Therapy
Free international support service for problem gamblers and their families. Available at gamblingtherapy.org
Gamblers Anonymous Canada
12-step program with in-person and online meetings across Canada. Find a meeting at gamblersanonymous.org
BC Problem Gambling Helpline
Free, confidential support for British Columbia residents. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Alberta Gambling Helpline
Free counselling and support for Alberta residents affected by problem gambling.
Manitoba Problem Gambling Helpline
Free, confidential help for Manitobans. Available 24/7.
For Family Members and Friends
Problem gambling affects not just the individual but also the people around them. If someone you care about shows signs of problem gambling, you can:
- Talk openly about your concerns without blame or ultimatums
- Contact a helpline yourself — counsellors support families too
- Set clear boundaries around financial lending
- Encourage them to seek professional help at their own pace
Gam-Anon is a support group specifically for family members of problem gamblers: gam-anon.org
Our Commitment
digitime.ca is committed to promoting responsible gambling across all content we publish. We do not advertise to minors, we do not promote gambling as a source of income, and we include responsible gambling information prominently throughout our site.
If you believe any content on our site promotes irresponsible gambling practices, please contact us at [email protected]