Responsible Gambling in Ontario
Information, tools, and Ontario-specific resources to help you gamble responsibly.
Gambling should be entertainment. When it stops being fun or starts causing problems, it is time to step back. Ontario has specific resources and protections for players, including requirements that licensed operators must follow. This page explains responsible gambling practices, warning signs to watch for, and the support services available to Ontario residents.
Ontario's Regulated iGaming Market
Ontario launched its regulated online gambling market in April 2022. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) oversees all licensed operators through its subsidiary, iGaming Ontario. Licensed sites must meet specific standards for player protection, including responsible gambling tools, fair gaming practices, and dispute resolution processes.
When you play at an AGCO-licensed site, you have access to mandatory protections that unlicensed sites may not offer. These include deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and access to your play history. Licensed operators must also contribute to responsible gambling programs and display responsible gambling messaging.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Watch for these warning signs in yourself or others:
- Spending more money or time gambling than you intended
- Chasing losses by betting more to try to win back what you lost
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities because of gambling
- Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut back on gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or relieve feelings of anxiety or depression
- Making repeated unsuccessful attempts to control or stop gambling
- Risking important relationships, jobs, or opportunities because of gambling
If you recognize several of these signs, consider taking a break from gambling and reaching out to ConnexOntario or another support service.
Tools Available at Licensed Sites
AGCO-licensed gambling sites must offer tools to help you stay in control. These features are mandatory for all regulated operators in Ontario.
Deposit Limits. Set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit. Once you reach your limit, you cannot add more funds until the period resets.
Time Limits and Reality Checks. Set session time limits or receive notifications showing how long you have been playing and your win/loss status.
Play History. Access your complete gambling history, including deposits, withdrawals, bets placed, and time spent playing. Reviewing this information regularly helps you stay aware of your gambling patterns.
Cool-Off Periods. Take short breaks from gambling, typically 24 hours to 30 days, during which you cannot access your account.
Self-Exclusion. Longer-term blocks that prevent you from gambling. Ontario offers both site-specific self-exclusion and province-wide options.
Self-Exclusion in Ontario
Ontario offers several self-exclusion options depending on where and how you gamble.
iGaming Ontario Self-Exclusion. You can self-exclude from all AGCO-licensed online gambling sites through a single registration. This blocks your access to every regulated online casino and sportsbook operating in Ontario. Visit the iGaming Ontario website or contact them directly to enrol.
OLG Self-Exclusion. If you play at Ontario Lottery and Gaming facilities or on OLG.ca, you can register for their self-exclusion program. This covers OLG-operated casinos, slots at racetracks, and the OLG website.
Individual Site Exclusion. You can also self-exclude from specific gambling sites through their responsible gambling settings. This option is useful if you want to limit access to certain sites while keeping others available.
Ontario Support Services
Free, confidential help is available to Ontario residents struggling with gambling.
ConnexOntario. Call 1-866-531-2600 (available 24/7) or visit connexontario.ca. ConnexOntario provides information, support, and referrals for gambling, alcohol, and drug concerns. You can speak with trained staff who understand gambling issues and can connect you with local treatment services.
Ontario Problem Gambling Helpline. The same number (1-866-531-2600) connects you to specialists who can discuss your situation and help you find appropriate support, from counselling to residential treatment programs.
Local Treatment Services. Ontario has problem gambling treatment centres across the province offering individual counselling, group programs, and residential treatment. ConnexOntario can help you find services in your area.
When to Seek Help
There is no shame in asking for help. Problem gambling is recognized as an addiction, and effective treatments exist. If gambling is affecting your finances, relationships, work, or mental health, reaching out to a support service is a positive step.
You do not need to hit rock bottom before seeking help. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes. If you are concerned about your gambling, call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 or use the self-exclusion tools available at your gambling sites.