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Responsible gambling

Tips to keep gambling in check, and where to get help at any hour.

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You must be 19 or older to play at an online casino or sportsbook in Ontario. Lakeshore Research is not a casino. We don’t take bets. An invitation to take our survey is not a recommendation to gamble.

Gambling is entertainment that costs money. It is not a way to make money. If it stops being fun, help is here.

Need help now? Call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600. It is free, private and open 24/7. In a crisis, call or text 9-8-8.

Habits that help

These tips come from the Responsible Gambling Council.

  • Set a money limit and a time limit before you start. Stick to them.
  • Don’t try to win back what you lost. People call this chasing losses.
  • Take breaks often.
  • Don’t play when you feel upset or stressed.
  • Limit or skip alcohol and cannabis while you play.
  • Never borrow money to gamble. Don’t use money you need for rent or food.
  • Make time for other things you enjoy.
  • If it stops being fun, stop.
  • Learn how a game works before you play. Lucky tricks do not raise your odds.

Warning signs

These signs can mean gambling is doing harm. Watch for them in yourself or someone close to you. The list comes from CAMH.

  • Thinking about gambling all the time
  • Giving up things you used to enjoy
  • Borrowing money often, or asking for pay advances
  • Fighting with others about money
  • Pulling away from family and friends
  • Having mood swings or sudden anger
  • Cheating or stealing to get money to gamble or pay debts
  • Feeling depressed or thinking about suicide

If you see these signs, call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600. It can connect you with free support. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 now.

Tools every regulated site must offer

Ontario’s rules for online gaming say every regulated site must give you these tools.

  • Money limits. Limit your deposits or your losses. Pick a day, a week or a month.
  • Time limits. Limit how long you play.
  • A way to track time. See how much time passes while you play.
  • A short break. Stop for 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 2 months or 3 months. You can’t bet during the break.
  • Self-exclusion. Block yourself from that site for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.
  • Your account history. See your deposits, withdrawals, bets, wins and losses.
  • Live support 24/7. Reach the support team at any hour.

You can set limits when you sign up, or any time after. Loosening or removing a limit takes at least 24 hours.

Block every site at once

BetGuard lets you opt out of all regulated online gambling in Ontario at once. iGaming Ontario runs it. You must be 19 or older to use it.

  • It covers every regulated site, including OLG.ca.
  • You pick 6 months, 1 year, 5 years or a length you choose.
  • During that time, you can’t use your accounts or open new ones.
  • The sites must stop sending you marketing.

Use only the official site, betguard.ca. iGaming Ontario warns that others misuse the BetGuard name.

Get help now

Call, text or chat

ConnexOntario is free, private and open 24/7. It helps with gambling, alcohol, drugs and mental health. Phone help comes in many languages.

In a crisis

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. This is the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline. It is open 24/7.

If your safety is at risk right now, call 9-1-1.

More places to get help

For family and friends

Someone else’s gambling can hurt you too. You can get help for yourself, even if they are not ready.

  • ConnexOntario can help you find support for someone you care about.
  • CAMH has support groups in Toronto for family members.
  • Gam-Anon is for people hurt by someone else’s gambling. It has meetings in Ontario and online.