Responsible Gambling

2. Adults Only

Casino gambling in Ontario is restricted to persons aged 19 or older. Valid government-issued identification may be required for entry or participation. Minors should not be encouraged to gamble or be given access to gambling accounts, tickets or funds.

3. Set Money and Time Limits Before You Play

Decide your maximum entertainment budget before gambling begins and treat that amount as money you can afford to lose. Keep essential expenses, rent, food, transportation, debt payments and savings separate from gambling funds.

Set a time limit as well as a money limit. Take regular breaks, avoid extending a session simply because you are losing, and leave when the limit you set has been reached.

4. Do Not Chase Losses

Chasing losses means increasing spending or continuing longer in an attempt to recover money already lost. Gambling outcomes remain uncertain, so previous losses do not create an obligation for future games to pay them back.

If you notice yourself increasing stakes because you feel you must win back losses, stop the session and take time away from gambling.

5. Alcohol, Drugs and Decision-Making

Do not gamble when intoxicated, impaired, extremely tired, distressed or unable to make clear financial decisions. Great Canadian casino conduct rules prohibit gambling by guests who are intoxicated or impaired.

Outside alcohol is not permitted at the casino, and legal service of alcohol does not remove the need to monitor your own judgment and spending.

6. Warning Signs That Gambling May Be Becoming Harmful

Warning signs can include spending more time or money than planned, hiding gambling from family or friends, borrowing to gamble, missing bills, repeatedly chasing losses, feeling unable to stop, gambling to escape stress, or experiencing harm to work, health or relationships.

One sign does not by itself define a diagnosis, but repeated loss of control is a reason to pause and seek support.

7. Take a Break Early

You do not need to wait for a crisis before taking time away from gambling. A short voluntary break, reduced access to money, removal of gambling apps or cards, and support from someone you trust can help interrupt impulsive decisions.

If self-directed limits are not working, formal self-exclusion can create a stronger barrier.

10. On-Site Player Health Information

Ontario casinos provide responsible-gambling information and access to player-health resources. If you want to understand odds, safer-play tools, self-exclusion or available support, ask on-site staff where responsible-gambling information can be found.

Asking for information does not require you to wait until gambling has become severe. Early support can help protect finances, relationships and wellbeing.

11. Practical Safer-Play Tools

Use a separate entertainment budget, carry only the amount you planned to spend, avoid borrowing, keep track of elapsed time, take meal and rest breaks, and do not combine gambling with attempts to recover debt.

Consider leaving bank cards or credit access away from the gaming session if easy access to additional funds makes it harder to keep your limit.

12. Understand Randomness and Odds

Past outcomes do not guarantee what will happen next. A machine that has not paid recently is not necessarily due to pay, and a winning streak does not mean a player has become more likely to keep winning.

Jackpots, side bets and promotions can be entertaining features, but larger advertised prizes do not remove the underlying risk of loss.

13. If You Are Concerned About Someone Else

Avoid lending money for gambling or helping conceal gambling-related debt. Choose a calm time to explain the changes you have noticed and focus on specific effects rather than blame.

ConnexOntario can also provide information to family members and friends. You can seek guidance even if the person you are concerned about is not ready to ask for help.

14. Financial or Personal Crisis

If gambling is creating immediate risk to housing, food, safety, debt obligations or mental health, stop gambling and seek professional support. Gambling should not be used as a strategy to solve a financial emergency.

If there is an immediate danger to life or safety, use emergency services appropriate to your location.

15. Keep Current Information in Mind

Responsible-gambling programs, contact options and eligibility rules can change. The Last updated field on this page automatically displays the current month and year. Confirm current on-site procedures when registering for self-exclusion or seeking casino-specific assistance.