Gambling Self-Exclusion in Canada: A Guide by Province

In Canada, there are several self-exclusion options, but there’s no national program. This means that you join a provincial scheme. Which one do you need to be aware of? Come with me as we look at all the programs currently available, and who they’re meant for.

But before that, a question…

What Is Self-Exclusion?

Gambling self-exclusion is a tool you can use to block access to betting sites and casinos. Think of it like a virtual bouncer who will stop you from logging in or creating an online account. As you’re about to discover, some of the self-exclusion schemes in Canada may also cover land-based gambling.

Self-Exclusion in Canada

Now, some countries have national schemes in place covering all regulated casinos and gambling websites. But in Canada, there’s currently no national self-exclusion program. This doesn’t mean you can’t restrict access; there are options available in almost every province.

It’s important to note that help and support are available in addition to self-exclusion. There are multiple tools you can use to limit gambling, manage your money and restrict access. You can also call charities, support groups and authorities that specialize in help for problem gambling - check out our Responsible Gambling page for more guidance.

Self-Exclusion Options in Canada by Province

If you’re looking to self-exclude in Canada, the steps you take will depend on where you live. Some provinces have established self-exclusion programs, while in others you have to contact the relevant gambling authority or block access via casino operators. Here’s a guide to self-exclusion options by province:

1. Self-Exclusion in Ontario

We’ll start with Ontario because it has a more robust self-exclusion program in place than other provinces. There are two main options to consider if you’re keen to restrict access to gambling sites and locations: BetGuard and My PlayBreak.

BetGuard

BetGuard is a self-exclusion scheme that covers all regulated online casinos and betting sites in Ontario. It is a centralized program that blocks you from all gambling websites that operate under iGaming Ontario regulations. You can choose to exclude yourself for between 6 months and 5 years. Once you join the scheme, you won’t be able to place bets or play games on any regulated site in Ontario. BetGuard does not cover other provinces and is accessible to individuals over the legal gambling age in Ontario, which is 19.

To join BetGuard, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit betguard.ca

2. Create an account

3. Verify your identity

4. Choose your exclusion period (6 months, 12 months, 5 years, or a custom term between 6 months and 5 years)

My PlayBreak

My PlayBreak is a tool from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. It covers all gambling activities and facilities available from or regulated by the OLG, including bingo and gaming centres and casinos. You can be excluded for a period between 3 months and 5 years for casinos and gaming centres, and from 1 day to 5 years via OLG.ca.

During self-exclusion in Ontario, you won’t be able to gamble at regulated betting facilities and sites, but you’ll also stop receiving marketing communications.

To exclude via My PlayBreak, follow these steps:

1. Visit https://www.olg.ca/en/my-play-break.html or contact the OLG Support Centre at 1-800-387-0098

2. Select an exclusion period

3. Check the terms and conditions and confirm your registration

2. Alberta Self-Exclusion

If you wish to self-exclude in Alberta, you can join the AGLC (Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis) voluntary exclusion program. Once you’ve enrolled, you’ll be blocked from regulated casinos and racing centres and online gaming platforms and websites in Alberta. This scheme does not apply to other provinces.

The AGLC self-exclusion program offers a choice of exclusion periods, from 6 months to 3 years.

To join the scheme, visit https://www.selfexclusion.ca/s/ and complete the process online. If you need any advice or information before you enrol, you can speak to an adviser at 1-844-4688034. There are also useful guides and contact numbers to get help with problem gambling at https://www.selfexclusion.ca/s/resources.

3. Self-Exclusion in British Columbia

Players based in British Columbia can self-exclude via the Game Break program. Run by BCLC (British Columbia Lottery Corporation), it covers physical and online gaming locations, offering exclusion periods from six months to three years.

Once you’ve joined the Game Break scheme, you’ll be banned from the following:

• All commercial gambling and gaming facilities with slot machines

• All bingo halls and gaming centres that offer bingo and other gambling activities

• Online gambling at PlayNow.com, the BCLotto! app and PlayNow Sportsbook app

During the exclusion period, you won’t be contacted by operators or be eligible to claim winnings.

To self-exclude, there are three options:

1. Visit a physical location, such as a casino, and speak to a Game Sense adviser. Take your ID with you.

2. Request a virtual consultation: You can click here or call 1-866-815-0222

3. Enrol online via your PlayNow account or the BC Lotto! App: Follow the instructions after clicking on the “Take a Game Break” tab

4. Manitoba Self-Exclusion

It’s slightly more complicated and time-consuming to self-exclude in Manitoba than in other provinces, but you can restrict access to gambling sites and facilities. There’s no recognized exclusion tool like BetGuard in Ontario, but you can exclude yourself from centres and casino sites regulated by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries for a period of time.

Once you’ve enrolled in self-exclusion, you’ll be banned from all facilities run by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries (both existing and in the future) and PlayNow.com.

There are various ways to join the voluntary self-exclusion scheme, including:

• Speaking to an adviser or an employee at the Casinos of Winnipeg or Shark Club Gaming Centre

• Calling 204-957-2500 ext. 8468

• Visit PlayNow.com and open the Self-Exclusion tab

Exclusion durations include 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and 3 years

5. New Brunswick Self-Exclusion

You can self-exclude in New Brunswick by contacting (call 506-861-4699) or visiting the Responsible Gaming Information Centre run by NBLGC (New Brunswick Lotteries and Gaming Corporation) at Casino New Brunswick.

Atlantic Lottery also operates ALC.ca in New Brunswick, and you can use the site’s own self-exclusion tool to block yourself from legal online gambling in this province.

6. Self-Exclusion in Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia’s self-exclusion program applies to Casino Nova Scotia locations in Halifax and Sydney. It offers exclusion options from 6 months to indefinite durations.

To register, you can:

1. Talk to a member of staff at participating casinos

2. Visit or call the Responsible Gambling Resource Centre (Halifax – 902-424-8663 or Sydney – 902-563-3797)

3. Visit ALC.ca

7. Prince Edward Island Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion in Prince Edward Island prohibits access to Red Shores casinos in Charlottetown and Summerside. If you join the voluntary self-exclusion program, you will not be permitted to enter these facilities during the exclusion period.

To join the scheme, you can call 902-620-4267 or visit the PlayWise Information Centre at Red Shores.

Again, like New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, you can also use the self-exclusion tool provided by ALC.ca to remove access to this website for an extended period.

8. Self-Exclusion in Quebec

Loto-Québec offers voluntary exclusion from physical and online gambling. You can choose to exclude yourself from casinos and gaming centres, online casino and betting sites, or both. You can take a break for between 1 and 89 days or exclude for 3 months to 5 years.

To join the self-exclusion scheme, you can:

1. Enrol online at https://bienjouer.lotoquebec.com/en/self-exclusion/online-gambling/

2. Visit a customer service desk at any regulated casino or gaming hall

3. Arrange an appointment at a designated help centre (Locations and contact details are available at https://bienjouer.lotoquebec.com/en/getting-help)

9. Self-Excluding in Saskatchewan

If you’re looking to take a break from gambling, you can join the SIGA Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program at any casino site operated by SIGA (Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority). The exclusion covers all SIGA and SaskGaming casinos.

Self-exclusion periods in Saskatchewan run from 6 months to 5 years.

To join, visit any SIGA casino or gaming facility and ask to speak to a member of staff or enrol at the SIGA Central Office in Saskatoon. More information is available at https://siga.ca/responsible-gaming/voluntary-self-exclusion/.

10. Self-Exclusion in Newfoundland and Labrador

I couldn’t find any self-exclusion program in Newfoundland and Labrador other than the one offered by the Atlantic Lottery. If you use ALC.ca in this province, then you can exclude using the same Break in Play system offered to residents of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia & PEI.

When to Self-Exclude: Spotting Warning Signs

Self-exclusion is an effective tool that helps people avoid gambling issues and take a break from betting and gaming. Whether you’re concerned about your gambling habits, you’re keen to reduce risks, or you simply want to avoid betting for a while, you can benefit from self-exclusion.

It’s particularly beneficial to join a self-exclusion program if you’re worried about problem gambling. Warning signs to look out for include:

1. Spending a lot of time on gambling websites or in casinos and game halls

2. Getting into debt due to gambling

3. Losing interest in other hobbies

4. Prioritizing gambling over other activities and commitments

5. Lying to others about your gambling habits

6. Chasing losses

7. Experiencing stress or poor mental health due to gambling

8. Using gambling as a coping mechanism

9. Having an uncontrollable urge to gamble even though you know it’s not good for you

10. Gambling is causing people around you to feel anxious, worried or uneasy

Self-exclusion can also be a positive step for people who feel as though they would benefit from a break from casinos and betting sites. You don’t have to display signs of problem gambling to join a self-exclusion scheme.

The Benefits of Self-Exclusion Programs

If you’re thinking about enrolling in a gambling self-exclusion program, it’s helpful to be aware of the potential benefits. Good reasons to register include:

• Taking control of gambling

• Gaining access to professional help and support

• Taking time to explore and enjoy other activities and hobbies

• Resetting and gaining perspective away from gambling

• Reducing financial anxiety and pressure

• Making it easier to budget and manage your money

• Showing other people around you that you’re committed to stopping or cutting down on gambling

• Having the flexibility to control exclusion periods once you’ve completed the minimum term

Final Thoughts

Self-exclusion in Canada is not always straightforward because there’s currently no national program. If you wish to self-exclude, you’ll need to contact the relevant provincial gaming council or authority, visit physical casinos, or register online. Some provinces, such as Ontario, have more robust and wide-ranging schemes than others. Look back at the table in this guide to find out who to contact based on where you live - if you have any questions, then feel free to get in touch.

Georgia Wilson

Content Specialist

Georgia is a highly experienced copywriter who knows the Canadian igaming industry inside and out. She’s written for various sites over the years and is now responsible for crafting real reviews and guides for our audience. Her passion for detailed information means her content is always knowledgeable.

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