Play it safe
Responsible gambling
A casino resort should be a treat, never a way to make money. If you choose to gamble while you're there, these habits help keep it that way. If gambling has stopped being fun, free and confidential help is a phone call away.
Gambling is entertainment, not income
Gambling can be addictive. The house always has the edge, so treat any money you spend as the cost of an evening's entertainment, just like a show ticket or a meal out.
- Decide on a budget before you arrive, and leave your bank cards in your room.
- Set a time limit and take regular breaks.
- Never chase losses or borrow money to gamble.
- Don't gamble when you're stressed, upset or have been drinking.
- Balance your visit: the spa, the golf, the restaurants and the shows are the real reasons to go.
Warning signs
- Spending more money or time than you planned
- Gambling to recover losses or to escape problems
- Hiding gambling from family or friends
- Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you're not gambling
- Borrowing money, or missing bills because of gambling
If any of these sound familiar, talk to someone. The helplines below are free, confidential and non-judgemental, and they help family members too.
Legal age and helplines by province
| Province | Minimum age | Free helpline |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 19+ | ConnexOntario 1-866-531-2600 |
| Québec | 18+ | Jeu : aide et référence (Gambling: Help and Referral) 1-800-461-0140 |
| British Columbia | 19+ | BC Gambling Support Line 1-888-795-6111 |
| Alberta | 18+ | Addiction Helpline (Alberta Health Services) 1-866-332-2322 |
| Saskatchewan | 19+ | Problem Gambling Help Line 1-800-306-6789 |
| Nova Scotia | 19+ | Gambling Support Network 1-888-347-8888 |
- Ontario: ConnexOntario, 1-866-531-2600. Free, confidential and open 24/7, in English and French. You can also text CONNEX to 247247.
- Québec: Jeu : aide et référence (Gambling: Help and Referral), 1-800-461-0140. Free, confidential and bilingual, 24/7. In Montréal, call 514-527-0140.
- British Columbia: BC Gambling Support Line, 1-888-795-6111. Free, confidential counselling and referral, 24 hours a day.
- Alberta: Addiction Helpline (Alberta Health Services), 1-866-332-2322. Free, confidential and open 24/7. Covers gambling as well as substance use.
- Saskatchewan: Problem Gambling Help Line, 1-800-306-6789. Free and open 24 hours, for people with gambling problems and their families.
- Nova Scotia: Gambling Support Network, 1-888-347-8888. Free, confidential phone support for Nova Scotians and their families.
Self-exclusion programs
Every province offers voluntary self-exclusion. You agree to be kept out of casinos for a set period, and staff will ask you to leave if you're recognized. It's free and confidential, and staff will treat your request discreetly.
Ontario: OLG My PlayBreak
Ask security or management at any Ontario casino, visit a PlaySmart Centre, or call the OLG Customer Careline at 1-800-387-0098. Terms run from 3 months to 5 years.
Québec: Loto-Québec self-exclusion program
Go to customer service at any Loto-Québec casino or gaming hall, or to a designated help centre by appointment. Terms run from 3 months to 5 years and can't be cancelled once signed.
British Columbia: BCLC Game Break
Ask any staff member or GameSense Advisor at a BC casino or community gaming centre, or call 1-866-815-0222 (option 3). Terms are 6 months, or 1, 2 or 3 years.
Alberta: AGLC Self-Exclusion Program
Ask security at any Alberta casino, visit a GameSense Info Centre or AGLC office, or call 1-844-468-8034. Terms run from 6 months to 3 years and cover every casino in the province.
Saskatchewan: Voluntary Self-Exclusion program
Ask staff at any SaskGaming or SIGA casino to enrol. Terms run from 6 months to 5 years.
Nova Scotia: Voluntary Self-exclusion
Take ID to either Casino Nova Scotia location (Halifax or Sydney) or to the Alcohol, Gaming, Fuel and Tobacco Division and sign the form. It starts immediately and runs for 6 months, 1 year, 3 years or indefinitely.
Other support
- Responsible Gambling Council: independent Canadian charity with advice, tools and support listings.
- Gamblers Anonymous: free peer support meetings across Canada.
Minors
This site is for adults of legal age only, and casinos check ID. If you're worried about a young person's gambling, the provincial helplines above can help.
Our approach
Northern Stakes is an independent travel guide. We only cover fully licensed, land-based casino resorts in Canada that you visit in person. We don't offer or arrange gambling, there is no way to gamble on or through this site, and we don't link to gambling operators or venue websites. We never describe gambling as a way to make money, and we don't publish promotions or offers.
Helpline numbers and programs checked October 21, 2026.