Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988
Connex Ontario: Call 1-866-531-2600, text CONNEX to 247247, or live chat at connexontario.ca.
We appreciate that the content at Can-Do Casino is built around online gambling, and there are severe risks associated with gambling online. Responsible gambling is therefore always a priority in everything that we do - and we always encourage our users to gamble safely wherever they choose to play games.
Responsible Gambling Guidelines - How to Stay Safe
Gambling safely as a Canadian involves learning how to reduce the risk factors that may lead to irresponsible gambling. Some of these factors are social or emotional, but several involve the type of casinos you visit and understanding the right rules to play by as a user.
Never Gamble While Underage
Gambling has legal age restrictions for a reason, and you should only gamble in Canada if you are 19 years of age or older across all provinces and territories apart from Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec. In those three provinces specifically, the gambling age is lowered to 18.
Always Choose Regulated Casino Gambling
Online gambling in Canada is regulated provincially under the Criminal Code, and this means that each province may have a different list of licensed online operators to use. As of right now, there are only two regulated open markets in the country:
Ontario: Regulated by the AGCO and iGaming Ontario since April 2022
Alberta: Regulated by the AGLC and Alberta iGaming Corporation since July 2026
Players within these two territories are always encouraged to look for casinos with the necessary licences. The full list of regulated operators in Ontario can be found here, while the list of regulated Alberta operators is here.
For other Canadian territories, the regional lottery corporation runs its own platform, and that becomes the only legal gambling site for users within the area. These are:
PlayNow in BC, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan
Espacejeux in Quebec
Atlantic Lottery in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador
Canadians may also have access to offshore gambling operators with licences from regulatory bodies in Kahnawake, Malta, Curaçao, Costa Rica, and more.
Regulated gambling is always safer than unregulated gambling, as the operators will have to meet certain security and safety requirements in order to obtain a licence. Sticking to licensed operators is therefore the safest way to gamble - with Ontario and Alberta’s open markets, alongside provincial gambling, being some of the most well-regulated options for Canadians.
While offshore platforms may have genuine licences, it’s important to learn that these sites don’t follow the same player-protection standards as the AGCO in Ontario or the AGLC in Alberta. As such, the RG tools available are often weaker, which should be a big factor when choosing where to gamble.
Stop When the Fun Stops
Online gambling is not a way to make money, nor should it be something that causes you a great deal of emotional stress. The safest way to approach igaming is to treat it like any other hobby you may have. Play for fun, play within your limits, and quit when it’s no longer enjoyable.
Using Player Self-Control Tools at Online Casinos
Many players struggle with online gambling because it is too easy to fall into a spiral where you keep playing and playing. Getting control of this - and your gambling habits - is easier when you have self-control tools that allow you to either restrict your habits or avoid slipping into bad situations.
In Ontario and Alberta, casinos that want to obtain a licence to operate in these open markets must meet very strict requirements for self-control and responsible gambling tools. This includes all of the following:
Deposit & Loss Limits: Casinos must give users the opportunity to set a deposit limit that prevents them from spending too much money. Loss limits do a similar thing in that they restrict the amount of money a user can lose on the site during a given period.
Session Limits: Operators provide users with a tool that limits how long they’re allowed to spend on the site. Session limits can be daily, meaning a user can set an hourly limit per day to cut down on gambling.
Reality Checks: A reality check is a tool where the casino will get in touch with a player if they show signs of problem gambling. These checks could result in the player being temporarily blocked or banned if they continue to gamble irresponsibly.
Cooling-Off Periods: Platforms should let the user take a break from their site at any given time with a cooling-off period. This means they can block their account for a few days or weeks.
Self-Exclusion: In Ontario and Alberta, licensed casinos must join the province’s centralized self-exclusion scheme that’s available to all players. Players can register with the scheme and be automatically blocked from using all participating platforms. Please note that offshore casinos won’t have centralized self-exclusion schemes, though they may supply internal self-exclusions that stop you from using their platform for between 6 months and 5 years.
It is a good idea to look for online casinos that possess as many of these features as possible. The more tools a site has to help you control your gambling habits, the more you reduce the risks of irresponsible gambling.
How to Know If You Have a Gambling Problem
The most troubling thing about problem gambling is that too many people don’t even recognize that they have a serious problem. It is too easy to carry on gambling and losing money before you realize that you have an issue and need professional help.
How can you recognize the signs of problem gambling in yourself or others? Here are some clear signs to keep a very close eye on:
Chasing Losses
The “just one more” approach to gambling is extremely dangerous and may be a sign of an underlying problem. Responsible gamblers understand when they’ve spent enough money and know that repeat gambling will not turn their fortunes around. If you constantly feel the need to chase a loss by spending more money in an attempt to regain your losses, then that’s a red flag.
Hiding Playing Habits
You shouldn’t feel the need to hide your playing habits if you are gambling safely and in moderation. Players who lie about gambling normally do so because they’re either ashamed of how much they gamble or have told someone they’ll stop gambling, only to go back on their word. This is not healthy and shows that it is maybe time to slow down.
Borrowing Money
If you borrow money for any reason related to gambling, then that is an immediate red flag. Problem gamblers may borrow cash for one of two reasons (or both):
To finance their gambling habits
To pay for things because they lost too much money gambling
In any instance, it is never a good idea to borrow money to gamble, and this is one of the biggest warning signs that you have a genuine gambling problem.
Missing Financial Deadlines
Furthermore, if you continuously miss financial deadlines because your gambling habits leave you with no money in your bank account, then that’s a very severe problem. You should never spend enough money to the point that you can’t pay rent or bills. Get help immediately and consult the contact options on this page for both responsible gambling and financial help.
Excessively Emotional When Gambling Is Involved
Gambling shouldn’t make you overly emotional in any sense. A loss should not result in an outburst, while a win should not force you to burst into tears of joy. Excessive emotion is a sign that you are far too emotionally involved in gambling, and it means too much to you. Likewise, it’s a red flag when you get angry because you’re not able to gamble.
Cancelling Plans to Gamble
People who cancel social plans or prior commitments because they want to stay at home and gamble online are exhibiting a telltale sign of problem gambling. iGaming should never dominate your life to this extent, and you should seek help.
Noticing these signs is the first step in taking action and getting back to a better place mentally, emotionally, and financially. We also encourage players to take the self-assessment quiz by the Responsible Gambling Council. It involves 9 questions and is based on the Canadian Problem Gambling Index - the higher your score, the greater the risk that your gambling is a problem. It’s not a diagnosis of any kind, but it can give you an idea about how bad your habits may be.
Self-Exclusion Schemes in Canada
A self-exclusion scheme is a program that allows you to restrict your access to a group of online casinos in one go. Some countries have national self-exclusion schemes (like the UK and Australia), in which you will automatically ban yourself from every regulated casino in the country after joining the program.
Canada does not have a national self-exclusion program, but it does offer schemes provincially that will block casinos licensed by that specific province.
Province | Self-Exclusion Program | What It Blocks | What It Doesn’t Block |
|---|---|---|---|
Ontario | Every licensed online gambling operator in Ontario and OLG.ca | Land-based Ontario casinos & betting shops, offshore sites, casinos outside of the province | |
Ontario | OLG.ca and all land-based casinos and betting facilities in Ontario | Other regulated igaming platforms in Ontario - full self-exclusion involves combining OLG My PlayBreak and BetGuard | |
Alberta | All online casinos regulated in Alberta and all land-based gambling facilities | Offshore casinos, lottery products, and casinos in other Canadian provinces | |
British Columbia | PlayNow, BC Lotto! App, PlayNow Sportsbook, and all land-based gambling facilities in British Columbia | Offshore sites and gambling providers in other Canadian provinces | |
Manitoba | All gambling facilities in Manitoba and the PlayNow website | Offshore sites and gambling providers in other Canadian provinces | |
Manitoba | PlayNow website in Manitoba | Land-based gambling facilities in Manitoba, offshore sites, and gambling providers in other Canadian provinces | |
Saskatchewan | All land-based gambling facilities under the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority | PlayNow Saskatchewan, offshore sites, and gambling providers in other Canadian provinces | |
Saskatchewan | PlayNow Saskatchewan | Land-based gambling facilities in Saskatchewan, offshore sites, and gambling providers in other Canadian provinces | |
Quebec | Loto-Québec online gambling and Loto-Québec land-based casinos and gaming halls | Offshore sites and gambling providers in other Canadian provinces | |
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador | ALC.ca online gambling | Offshore sites and gambling providers in other Canadian provinces |
These self-exclusion schemes will stop you from gambling for a predetermined period, which you get to select when signing up. Minimum terms tend to be between 3-6 months depending on the provider, and you can select up to 5 years right away. You will also be given the chance to extend your self-exclusion if necessary at any given point. Self-exclusions cannot be cancelled, making them a semi-permanent way to take a long break from gambling.
Gambling Blocking Software Players Can Use
Self-exclusion programs stop you from logging in or creating accounts at online casinos, but gambling blocking software will prevent you from even accessing online gambling websites across your devices. Several are available to Canadians, including:
GamBlock: Available from $141.95 for 12 months’ coverage on one Windows device. The price will increase as you include more devices in the coverage.
Gamban: Available to try for free, then $9.99 a month or $59.99 annually.
BetBlocker: Free to use, no registration required and available across multiple devices.
Financial Controls to Consider When Gambling
You can also take things into your own hands to put financial restrictions in place that limit your spending while gambling.
Request gambling blocks from banks: Some banks will block all payments to gambling operators at your request. This stops you from gambling using your account or cards.
Get a dedicated card: You could set up a separate account with a dedicated card that you only use for gambling. This card could then have a maximum limit set that stops you from adding too much money. It’s a good option for players who want to set a strict budget.
A Word on Credit Card Gambling & Crypto
In Canada, it is currently not illegal for gambling operators to accept credit card payments. As such, credit card gambling is possible - though this is not recommended. Gambling with a credit card poses significant risks, as you are betting money that you don’t technically own. Moreover, credit card companies are likely to charge more for gambling payments, treating them like a cash advance - which means you are charged interest from the moment the payment goes through.
Credit cards make debt-funded play easier and can quickly lead to an interest debt spiral. It is strongly advised that you avoid this payment method.
Similarly, you may see cryptocurrency as a payment method at some offshore casinos, and this is another high-risk payment method. It exists outside bank-level controls, making chargebacks and claims almost impossible to process. Your money may also be subjected to market fluctuations - if the crypto market crashes, then your deposit and winnings could be worth significantly less than they were originally.
Canadian Responsible Gambling Helplines & Resources
Below, we have collected all of the responsible gambling helplines available in each of Canada’s thirteen provinces, making it easy for you to get in touch with support services as and when required.
Province | Gambling Helpline | Telephone Number |
|---|---|---|
Alberta | 211 | |
Ontario | 1-866-531-2600 Text “connex” to 247247 | |
British Columbia | 1-88-795-6111 | |
Manitoba | 1-800-463-1554 | |
New Brunswick | 1-800-461-1234 | |
Newfoundland & Labrador | 811 | |
Nova Scotia | 1-888-429-8167 | |
Prince Edward Island | 1-855-255-4255 | |
Quebec | 1-800-461-0140 | |
Saskatchewan | 1-800-306-6789 | |
Yukon | 1-(844) 533-3030 | |
Northwest Territories | 1-844-259-1793 | |
Nunavut | 1-800-265-3333 |
For Indigenous peoples looking for help across Canada, you can use the Hope for Wellness Help Line by calling 1-855-242-3310. It is open 24/7 in both English and French.
Aside from these provincial helplines, you can find other responsible gambling support and resources from independent organizations here:
Responsible Gambling Council
CAMH: The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (Call 1-888-230-3505)
Evive Community (formerly GamTalk)
Find Financial Help for Gambling Losses
Problem gambling can lead to debt spirals that weigh heavily on your life. It’s crucial to find professional financial support in this situation so you can get control of your gambling-related debt and start to work out of it.
The following organizations are available across Canada to help you with this:
Credit Counselling Canada: A non-profit organization that helps you find a counsellor for either no cost or low cost.
211 Canada: A hub that lets you connect to essential services over Canada, including support with debt. Dial 211 to get started.
You should also look for licensed insolvency trustees in your part of the country - the Responsible Gambling Council recommends Consolidated Credit Canada, but others are available.
Most importantly, you should contact your bank or credit card providers and ask them to block any spending to gambling websites while you seek help. This can prevent you from losing even more money in the meantime.
Don’t Let Gambling Push You to the Edge - Suicide Support in Canada
The mental health effects of online gambling can lead to serious depression and suicidal thoughts. This must be taken seriously. If you’ve been experiencing depressive, dark, or suicidal thoughts at any time, please reach out to the 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline.
This is available for all Canadians, 24/7. Call or text 988 to speak to an advisor who can talk to you for as long as you need. They’ll also be able to provide additional information on what to do so you can get professional help.
Supporting Friends & Family With Gambling Problems
If you have a friend or family member who exhibits the signs of problem gambling, there are steps you can take to support them and assist in getting out of this bad situation. Likewise, you should avoid doing certain things that may seem like you’re helping but could end up enabling them and encouraging further gambling.
Underage Gambling - Prevention Tips for Parents
Underage gambling is a concern for all parents in Canada, and you can take strides towards preventing your children from developing negative gambling habits.
Install Blockers on Family Devices: Gamban, Betblocker, and GamBlock can all be used to stop your children from interacting with gambling websites, keeping them safe across multiple devices.
Set Up Parental Controls: Most internet providers will let you set up parental controls that block non-child-friendly websites on every device connected to your hub. You can usually do this by finding your hub’s admin information and logging in via a web browser.
Be Aware of Loot Boxes: As well as worrying about online casinos and betting sites, parents have to deal with gambling-adjacent concerns, like loot boxes in games. These products simulate gambling by making players purchase a box with no idea what’s inside. It’s the “mystery” element that encourages repeat purchases, and for many kids this is a gateway into the world of proper gambling. Check if your underage child plays games with loot boxes and ensure that they don’t have access to any cards or bank accounts to spend money on them.
Educate Your Children: Of course, you should educate your children on things like loot boxes and the dangers they pose. As they approach the legal gambling age for your province, spend more time teaching them about problem gambling and how to avoid it. Knowledge is power, and this can keep them safe.
Can-Do Casino’s Commitment to Responsible Gambling
Can-Do Casino is 100% committed to responsible gambling, and we do everything we can to encourage safe play at online casinos in Canada.
All Reviews Take Responsible Gambling Into Account
When we review online casinos, we will always take into account the operator’s approach to responsible gambling. This means we test all of the site’s RG tools, make a note of everything available - or unavailable - and then give the site an RG rating. If you visit our page dedicated to How We Review, you’ll notice that the site’s RG score is one of the biggest factors that determines its overall rating.
We Do Not Promote Gambling Aggressively
While we’re aware that our website is dedicated to gambling in Canada, we do not take an aggressive approach to promoting this type of activity. We know that some people like gambling for fun, and that’s effectively our stance on the matter. You won’t be pressured to join any platforms from us, nor will you see constant third-party gambling adverts all over the site.
As per our Editorial Policy, the content you read is intended to educate and inform, not to force you to join any sites or spend any money.
Our Site Is Only for Those of a Legal Gambling Age
There is a clear age-gate on our website from the moment you visit it, and this is further outlined in the Terms & Conditions stating that only people of a legal gambling age in Canada can use this platform.
To reiterate, this is 19+ everywhere other than Alberta, Quebec, and Manitoba. It’s also stated in our T&Cs that we reserve the right to block anyone from using our website if we discover that they are not of the required age.
We do not promote or condone underage gambling in any way, shape, or form.
We Never Shy Away From the Risks
Gambling is a risk, and we will never hide from that. You will see honest content on this site that explains the risk factors linked to online gambling and doesn’t attempt to make it seem safer than it actually is.
Gamble at your own risk. Stop when the fun stops and always set a budget when you play.