Responsible gambling in Canada 2025

What is responsible gambling?

Responsible gambling ensures that your online casino play stays fun. We prioritize your safety by only partnering with casinos that offer support to help manage your gaming behaviour. So far, we’ve collaborated with 120+ trustworthy brands.

Gambling can be fun, but it's important to remember that "the house always wins" and the casino has the advantage. Winning real money is possible, of course, but never go into a gaming session thinking you're sure to walk out financially better off.

When playing online, it's key to maintain control of your bankroll, take regular breaks, and treat online casinos as entertainment only. Remember to set personal limits and stay mindful of your behaviour.

Responsible gambling tools, such as time limits, bet limits, and self-exclusion options, are also available at reputable online casinos. These features help to prevent overspending and promote healthy attitudes around gaming. We encourage you to include these safeguards in your gaming sessions to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience.

Victor Bigio iGaming expert

“Finding safe online casinos for you to play your favourite games is our top priority. Our team of casino experts reviews each site’s responsible gambling tools, ensuring you always have access to play limiters and exclusion tools if you need them.”

Signs of problem gambling

From relationships to your finances, problem gambling can negatively impact every aspect of your life. It’s important to recognize when gambling becomes less about enjoyment and more about necessity.

Identifying the signs early can empower you to seek help and protect yourself and your loved ones:

• Hiding the amount of time or money spent gambling.
• Trying to win back losses repeatedly, regardless of the risk.
• Thinking about gambling constantly, even during important moments.
• Feeling the urge to gamble just to feel better or escape stress.
• Using gambling as a coping mechanism for daily challenges.
• Engaging in dishonesty or theft to fund gambling activities.
• Placing gambling above meaningful relationships or responsibilities.
• Experiencing anxiety or frustration when unable to gamble.
• Neglecting commitments due to a focus on gambling.
• Using gambling to self-soothe negative emotions or run away from problems.

Statistics of problem gambling in Canada

Two-thirds of Canadians gamble at least once a year. There are approximately 19.3 million active online gamblers in the country. The industry has generated over $9 billion in funding for government initiatives. However, this surge in growth has also led to worries about an increase in problem gambling.

Around 7% of Canadian gamblers are reportedly at a moderate to severe risk of problem behaviours. This figure increases to 15% in those aged 18 to 34. Even for those without an addiction, online gambling is still widespread – 63% of men and 57% of women spend money on gambling monthly.

• Over 19.3 million Canadians were active gamblers in 2024
• 22% of those at high risk of problem gambling have planned a suicide attempt
• 38% of those at high risk of problem gambling have shown higher rates of alcohol dependence
• 16% of all Canadians accessed mental health support in 2024

How to gamble responsibly at online casinos

Focus on problem gambling prevention with our top tips for gambling responsibly in Canada.

1. Set limits on your play: Most players know to set limits on their spending, but we also recommend using casino tools to set limits on your deposits and the time you spend online. Be honest with yourself about the amount you’re prepared to lose when online gambling to ensure you’re only betting what you can afford.

2. Play at licensed casinos: Always choose casinos regulated by reputable authorities like the Kahnawake Gaming Commission or iGaming Ontario. Licensed platforms are required to offer secure transactions with SSL encryption and games that have been independently tested by a third party. Authorities will also vet each casino’s corporate structure and ensure players have access to a range of responsible gambling tools.

3. Take regular breaks: Frequent breaks prevent impulsive decisions and help you maintain clear judgment. You can make more rational decisions by regularly stepping away from the screen, as this ensures you’re playing for fun and not out of habit or frustration.

Top problem gambling support in Canada

Get fast access to problem gambling support at top Canadian organizations. These support systems provide help to players across the country.

Best responsible gambling apps

Get instant support through our top responsible gambling apps. These are international services that provide discreet problem gambling support worldwide.

RecoverMe – best for wellbeing support

RecoverMe encourages you to take back control from gambling addiction with CBT and mindfulness support. Develop tools to kick the habit, track your progress and access immediate help if it’s needed. You can use the code RECOVERME100 to use the app for free. Download it on iOS or Android.

BetBlocker – best for self-exclusion

BetBlocker is a free app that instantly blocks your access to 325,000+ gambling websites, no registration necessary. It takes less than two minutes to install the app and protect all your devices. Visit the BetBlocker website and hit ‘Get The App’ to self-exclude directly from your mobile browser.

Problem gambling support in your area

How to help someone with a gambling addiction in Canada

If someone you care about struggles with gambling, know you’re not alone. Support is always available. Charities and online gambling addiction programs offer guidance to help you both.

1. Listen without judgment: Create a safe space for open conversation. Your support can be imperative in helping to address the gambling problem.

2. Encourage professional help: Recommend a responsible gambling program or counsellor experienced in how to stop gambling addiction. You can find support in your area above.

3. Set clear boundaries: Protect your well-being by putting financial and emotional limits in place. Boundaries will help both of you manage the situation more effectively.

4. Stay informed: Educate yourself about gambling addiction help and available resources. A better understanding of the issue allows you to offer informed, compassionate support.

5. Support self-exclusion: Assist in accessing tools like self-exclusion programs. These services aid in recovery by blocking access to gambling platforms.

Victor Bigio iGaming expert

“If you know someone with a potential gambling problem, the best thing you can do is provide a safe space for them to talk through it. We recommend contacting a local support service to access help and assistance for your loved one.”

Gambling laws & regulations in Canada

Canadian laws aim to protect players from gambling-related harm. Find the basics about online casinos in Canada here and visit the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction for more information.

Authorities helping you gamble responsibly

Canada has several gambling regulators that work to assess all new online casinos hoping to enter the market. Online casinos displaying one of the logos below are more likely to provide a trusted service to players.

Kahnawake Gaming Commission

The Kahawake Gaming Commission has operated out of the Mohawk Territory of Québec since 1999. It protects online casino players by regulating sites that offer fair, safe, and transparent interactive gaming. The Commission ensures each site offers a tool for you to limit your play, takes measures to protect the confidentiality of your information, and provides clear rules and terms in the appropriate language.

Find out more by visiting the Kahnawake Gaming Commission’s regulations page.

iGaming Ontario

Operating under the authority of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), iGaming Ontario is a government agency responsible for overseeing online gambling in the province. Sites backed by iGaming Ontario offer legal, regulated play that meets high standards for game integrity and responsible gambling.