Responsible Gambling Resources
Canadian Budget Binder believes gambling should be treated as a form of entertainment and never as a way to make money or solve financial problems.
All forms of gambling, including lotteries, sports betting, casinos and online gambling, involve financial risk. Outcomes are based on chance, and there is no guarantee that you will win or recover money you have lost.
Responsible Gambling
If you choose to gamble:
- Set a spending limit before you begin.
- Never gamble with money needed for rent or mortgage payments, groceries, utilities, debt payments or other essential expenses.
- Do not borrow money or use credit to continue gambling.
- Set limits on the amount of time you spend gambling.
- Never chase losses by gambling more in an attempt to win your money back.
- Take a break if gambling stops being enjoyable.
- Remember that gambling is not an investment or a reliable source of income.
When Gambling Becomes A Problem
Gambling may be becoming a problem if it is negatively affecting your finances, relationships, work or well-being, or if you are finding it difficult to stop.
Help is available, and many gambling support services in Canada are free and confidential.
Ewaponaible Gambling Council
The Responsible Gambling Council provides information about safer gambling, recognizing signs of problem gambling, changing gambling behaviour and finding gambling support services throughout Canada.
Visit: ResponsibleGambling.org
Ontario — ConnexOntario
ConnexOntario provides free and confidential information and referrals for mental health, addiction, and problem gambling services throughout Ontario.
Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Phone: 1-866-531-2600
Text: CONNEX to 247247
Online chat and service directory are also available through ConnexOntario.ca.
Help Across Canada
The Responsible Gambling Council maintains a directory of gambling helplines and treatment resources for provinces and territories across Canada.
Visit its Find Gambling Help for Canadians resource to locate support in your province or territory.
If You Are in Crisis
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 988. Canada’s 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Canadian Budget Binder Disclaimer
Canadian Budget Binder provides personal finance information for educational and informational purposes only.
Some articles discussing gambling, casinos, sports betting, lotteries or online gaming may be sponsored or contain paid links. Sponsored content does not guarantee or imply that gambling will result in financial gain.
Canadian Budget Binder encourages readers who choose to gamble to do so responsibly and within their financial means.
If gambling is negatively affecting you or someone you care about, please seek assistance from a qualified gambling support service.