Responsible Gambling

Gambling Should Be Entertainment

Gambling is a legal leisure activity for adults, but carries real financial and psychological risks. The fundamental principle of responsible gambling is that it remains entertainment — never a means to generate income or recover losses. If gambling stops being fun, it is time to stop.

Age Requirement — Ontario

You must be 19 years of age or older to gamble legally in Ontario, Canada. Online gambling in Ontario is regulated by iGaming Ontario (iGO) and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). All licensed operators are required to verify player age during registration. Do not attempt to gamble if you are under the legal age.

Warning Signs

Gambling may be becoming problematic if you: bet more than you can afford to lose, chase losses, neglect work or personal relationships to gamble, borrow money to fund gambling, feel anxious or preoccupied with gambling outcomes, or hide your gambling activity from others.

Player Protection Tools

Licensed Ontario operators are required by AGCO to offer: deposit and spending limits, session time limits, reality check reminders, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion. You can also self-exclude across all Ontario-regulated sites through iGaming Ontario. Set your personal limits before you start playing — it is the most effective harm-reduction step available.

Free Support Resources — Ontario & Canada

ConnexOntario: connexontario.ca — 1-866-531-2600 (24/7). Free mental health and addiction services referral. Problem Gambling Helpline (Ontario): 1-888-230-3505 (24/7, free). Gamblers Anonymous Canada: gamblersanonymous.org — peer support groups. Gambling Therapy: gamblingtherapy.org — free international online support.

19+ only in Ontario. Do not gamble if prohibited by local law. Gambling involves financial risk. Only bet what you can afford to lose.