Responsible Gaming in Ontario
Gambling is a form of entertainment that carries financial risk — it is not a way to earn income or solve financial problems. This page explains how to play more safely and where to find free, confidential support.
Understanding the risk
Every bet carries a chance of losing money. Treat gambling the same way you would treat any paid entertainment: decide in advance what you are comfortable spending, and accept that amount as the cost of the experience — not an investment or a source of income.
Safer-play principles
A few habits make gambling safer, no matter which operator you use.
- Set time and spending limits before you start playing
- Never gamble with money needed for essential expenses
- Never borrow money to gamble
- Avoid chasing losses
- Take regular breaks
- Avoid gambling while impaired, distressed, or under financial pressure
- Understand the rules and probabilities of the games you play
- Use the deposit, loss, wager, and session limits available to you
- Stop when gambling is no longer enjoyable
Warning signs
These are possible signs of harmful gambling. This information is educational and is not a medical diagnosis.
- Spending more time or money than intended
- Trying to recover losses by gambling more
- Hiding gambling activity from others
- Borrowing or selling belongings to gamble
- Missing work, school, family, or financial responsibilities
- Feeling anxious, distressed, or unable to stop
Self-exclusion
Anyone can voluntarily exclude themselves from regulated online gambling in Ontario. You can choose to self-exclude at any time, for any length of time, without needing to give a reason.
Get help
If you, or someone you know, has a gambling problem in Ontario and wants help, please visit ConnexOntario or call its helpline at 1-866-531-2600.
Ontario eligibility
Individuals must be 19 years of age or older to participate in iGaming in Ontario.
Eligible iGames conducted and managed by iGaming Ontario are only available to those physically present in the Province of Ontario.
Advertising & marketing standards
Ontario-regulated operators must follow AGCO standards for how they advertise and market gambling products. Here is what those rules mean for you as a player.
Responsible-gaming tools
Most regulated operators offer the following account tools. Using them can support safer play, but it does not eliminate the risk of gambling-related harm.
Deposit limits
Cap how much money you can add to your account over a set period.
Loss limits
Cap how much you can lose over a day, week, or month.
Wager limits
Cap the total amount you can bet over a set period.
Session reminders
Get a prompt at set intervals showing how long you have been playing.
Time-outs
Take a short, temporary break from your account.
Transaction histories
Review a full record of your deposits, withdrawals, and activity.
Self-exclusion
Voluntarily exclude yourself from regulated online gambling in Ontario.